U061C code meaning
Lost Communication With Reductant Temperature Sensor A
Network system Generic code U06xx codes Check engine light
What U061C means
Reductant temperature sensor A tells the controller how warm the diesel exhaust fluid is. That value decides when tank and line heaters must run, when dosing may begin after a cold start, and the concentration reading relies on it, since it is calculated from how fast sound travels through the fluid. On digital units the temperature element shares a housing with the level or quality measurement; SSI's ultrasonic tank sensor, for example, sends temperature, level and concentration together over J1939. U061C is logged when frames that carry temperature A no longer arrive or fail their checks. No manufacturer publicly documents a threshold or delay for this code. The analog circuit faults of the sensor are P2042 to P2046. In winter, a missing temperature can hold off SCR dosing for longer, so NOx emissions rise.
U061C 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 U061C
- Check engine light
- DEF heater or SCR dosing starts late or not at all in cold weather
- DEF quality reading unavailable
Common causes of U061C
- Most likelyConnector of the combined DEF tank sensor corroded or loose
- PossibleDamaged data, supply or ground wire to the sensor
- PossibleSensor electronics failed, sometimes after freeze damage
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Reductant temp sensor aSensor wiring
What each part of U061C means
| U | Network system: communication between the control modules (CAN bus). |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 1C | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note U061C 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 U061C
What does U061C mean?
U061C means "Lost Communication With Reductant Temperature Sensor A". Reductant temperature sensor A tells the controller how warm the diesel exhaust fluid is. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with U061C?
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 U061C fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. U061C 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 U061C to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 3 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will U061C clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.