U3005 code meaning
Retained Accessory Power
What U3005 means
U3005 relates to retained accessory power (RAP), which keeps radio, windows or sunroof alive for a while after the key is switched off. GM's truck manual explains the logic: the body module holds its internal RAP relay for about ten minutes after key-off, and ends RAP early when a door opens or battery voltage sinks below a calibrated limit; some modules get the RAP state as a bus message instead. No manufacturer documents U3005 itself publicly, so the code most likely flags a RAP output or message that does not follow these rules. GM's PIE0724 for 2022 Silverado, Sierra and Envision shows the typical consequence of a RAP fault: radio still on afterwards and a dead battery, checked with a parasitic draw test against 50 mA. Not emission-related, no MIL.
U3005 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.5 to 3 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of U3005
- Radio, windows or sunroof working long after key-off or not at all after key-off
- High parasitic drain and flat battery
Common causes of U3005
- PossibleRAP relay or output stage staying on or not switching on
- PossibleFaulty door switch signal, so RAP is not ended on door opening
- PossibleBody module or radio software handling the RAP state wrongly
- Less likelyWiring fault or add-on device back-feeding the accessory circuit
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Rap relayBody control module
What each part of U3005 means
| U | Network system: communication between the control modules (CAN bus). |
| 3 | Reserved range, usually generic. |
| 05 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note U3005 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 U3005
What does U3005 mean?
U3005 means "Retained Accessory Power". U3005 relates to retained accessory power (RAP), which keeps radio, windows or sunroof alive for a while after the key is switched off. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with U3005?
U3005 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will U3005 fail an emissions test?
U3005 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 U3005 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 3 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will U3005 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.