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U3553 code meaning

Hydrogen Tank B Valve Control Circuit

Network system Generic code U35xx codes Check engine light

What U3553 means

U3553 means the controller sees a fault in the drive circuit of the solenoid valve on tank B, such as an open coil, a short to ground or supply, or an output that does not follow its command. Hyundai shows in a patent how such valves can be checked: one current sensor reads the operating current of several tank solenoids; if it falls below a reference, the controller switches the PWM duty from 100 to 90 % and looks whether the fed-back duty appears inverted. If not, the valve is judged faulty. In the workshop that means measuring coil resistance and following the harness from tank to controller. No maker documents U3553. Until repaired, tank B stays closed; U3550 and U3556 are the same fault on tanks A and C.

U3553 at a glance

  • Check engine lightYes, usually on
  • Emissions testNot an emissions code
  • Limp modePossible
  • Repair difficultyWorkshop only
  • Typical labor1 to 8 hours
  • Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner

Symptoms of U3553

  • Hydrogen system warning
  • Range reduced because tank B is not used

Common causes of U3553

  • Most likelyDamaged wiring or corroded connector to the tank B valve
  • PossibleSolenoid coil open or shorted
  • Less likelyOutput stage of the control unit faulty

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

Parts involved

H2 tank b valveValve wiring

What each part of U3553 means

UNetwork system: communication between the control modules (CAN bus).
3Reserved range, usually generic.
53The exact fault in that area.

What to do next

  • Note U3553 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 U3553

What does U3553 mean?

U3553 means "Hydrogen Tank B Valve Control Circuit". U3553 means the controller sees a fault in the drive circuit of the solenoid valve on tank B, such as an open coil, a short to ground or supply, or an output that does not follow its command. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.

Is it safe to drive with U3553?

Drive gently and only to a workshop. With U3553 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.

Will U3553 fail an emissions test?

U3553 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 U3553 to fix?

Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 1 to 8 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.

Will U3553 clear itself after the repair?

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

Look up another code

Technical content: OBDex open OBD-II database (public domain, CC0), checked 6 Nov 2026, edited for US drivers by the VinGear team.
Technical sources for U3553