U061A code meaning
Lost Communication With Reductant Level Sensor B
Network system Generic code U06xx codes Check engine light
What U061A means
Some SCR tanks carry more than one level measurement, for example a second sensing element, a second tank chamber or a separate sender; which point counts as B is the manufacturer's choice, and no public document assigns it. U061A is stored when the controller stops receiving usable digital frames from level sensor B while sensor A may still report normally. That pattern points to the wiring branch, connector or electronics of the second sensor rather than to the network as a whole. Supplier sensors such as SSI's ultrasonic DEF unit put level and temperature on a J1939 CAN link, so a dead sensor looks to the controller like any missing node. Circuit-type faults of the same sensor are P21A8 to P21AC. Expect a warning lamp and a DEF reading that no longer matches the tank.
U061A at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 3 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of U061A
- Check engine light or DEF system warning
- DEF level shown wrongly or not at all
Common causes of U061A
- Most likelyOpen or chafed wire in the branch that feeds only level sensor B
- PossibleWater or corrosion in the connector of sensor B
- PossibleLevel sensor B electronics failed
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Reductant level sensor bSensor wiring
What each part of U061A means
| U | Network system: communication between the control modules (CAN bus). |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 1A | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note U061A 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 U061A
What does U061A mean?
U061A means "Lost Communication With Reductant Level Sensor B". Some SCR tanks carry more than one level measurement, for example a second sensing element, a second tank chamber or a separate sender; which point counts as B is the manufacturer's choice, and no public document assigns it. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with U061A?
Usually yes, for a short time, if the check engine light is steady and the car drives normally. If the light flashes or the car runs badly, stop and have it checked.
Will U061A fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. U061A is emissions-related, so most inspection programs fail a car while it is stored or while the check engine light is on.
How hard is U061A to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 3 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will U061A clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.