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U069A code meaning

Lost Communication With Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 3

Network system Generic code U06xx codes Check engine light

What U069A means

The third exhaust temperature sensor on bank 1 usually sits in the aftertreatment, ahead of the filter or SCR stage. GM covers U069A in both 2025 diesel tables, 25OBDG04A and 25OBDG04B: a SENT sensor whose output was switched off by an internal fault, or that sends faulty or outdated messages, fails the check once 19 readings out of 25, taken every 100 ms, are bad. The test waits for the sensor start-up delay and skips cranking; Type A, so the lamp lights in the first faulty trip. GM's regeneration control reads EGT 3 as the temperature ahead of the particulate filter, and the circuit-low test P242C treats a digital reading under -72.8 °C as faulty. Ford's 2023 diesels have sensor 3 as an analog probe (P242C/P242D, below 0.10 V or above 2.66 V). Sensor 4 is U069B.

U069A at a glance

  • Check engine lightYes, usually on
  • Emissions testCan fail
  • Limp modeNot expected
  • Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
  • Typical labor0.5 to 2 hours
  • Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner

Symptoms of U069A

  • Check engine light, on GM diesels in the first trip
  • Particulate filter regeneration blocked or postponed
  • Further code for the controller input

Common causes of U069A

  • Most likelySensor harness along the aftertreatment burnt or chafed
  • PossibleElectronics module of the thermocouple sensor failed
  • PossibleConnector corroded
  • Less likelyController input fault

Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.

Parts involved

Egt sensor bank 1 sensor 3Vehicle bus wiring

What each part of U069A means

UNetwork system: communication between the control modules (CAN bus).
0Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard).
9AThe exact fault in that area.

What to do next

  • Note U069A 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 U069A

What does U069A mean?

U069A means "Lost Communication With Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 3". The third exhaust temperature sensor on bank 1 usually sits in the aftertreatment, ahead of the filter or SCR stage. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.

Is it safe to drive with U069A?

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 U069A fail an emissions test?

Yes, it can. U069A 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 U069A to fix?

Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.

Will U069A clear itself after the repair?

Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.

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Technical content: OBDex open OBD-II database (public domain, CC0), checked 5 Nov 2026, edited for US drivers by the VinGear team.
Technical sources for U069A