U0497 code meaning
Invalid Data Received From Entertainment Control Module - Rear A
What U0497 means
U0497 concerns rear entertainment control module A, which lets people in the back choose media, listen on headphones and watch their own screens independently of the front. It is set when that unit's data reach the head unit or gateway but fail the plausibility, counter or checksum test; U0196 means contact is lost. In the Saab code lists GM published for 2011, that partner is the rear audio control module. Large GM SUVs with the U42 entertainment package show how faults look in practice: PIC6003A (2015 Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon) traced a rolling picture after switching to rear video to the centre stack, and 17-NA-378 (2017) swapped the media player for sound out of step with the film. No manufacturer documents U0497 itself. Rear screens, headphones or controls misbehave; no MIL.
U0497 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 2.5 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of U0497
- Rear screens show a rolling or missing picture
- Rear headphones or controls without function
- Front audio system usually keeps working
Common causes of U0497
- Most likelySoftware of the rear unit or the head unit mishandling shared video or audio data
- PossibleInternal fault of the rear entertainment unit or its media player
- Less likelySupply, ground or bus connection fault at the rear unit
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Rear entertainment module a
What each part of U0497 means
| U | Network system: communication between the control modules (CAN bus). |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 97 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note U0497 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about U0497
What does U0497 mean?
U0497 means "Invalid Data Received From Entertainment Control Module - Rear A". U0497 concerns rear entertainment control module A, which lets people in the back choose media, listen on headphones and watch their own screens independently of the front. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with U0497?
U0497 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will U0497 fail an emissions test?
U0497 is not an emissions code, so on its own it usually does not fail an emissions test. Other stored codes or a lit check engine light still can.
How hard is U0497 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2.5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will U0497 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.