AutoCodes – Generic – U1471

U1471 Code - Implausible Data Received From Left Frontal Acceleration Sensor

Quick Answer

Six side impact sensors are used on vehicles equipped with side curtain airbags, three on each side of the vehicle. Common causes include Faulty Left Frontal Acceleration Sensor, Left Frontal Acceleration Sensor harness is open or shorted, Left Frontal Acceleration Sensor circuit poor electrical connection. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means: U1471 indicates Implausible Data Received From Left Frontal Acceleration Sensor.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Left Frontal Acceleration Sensor, Left Frontal Acceleration Sensor harness is open or shorted, Left Frontal Acceleration Sensor circuit poor electrical connection.
Severity: High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?: Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

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Code Popularity 1,454

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on May 25, 2020

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code U1471 Description

Six side impact sensors are used on vehicles equipped with side curtain airbags, three on each side of the vehicle. One acceleration-type sensor is located behind the B-pillar trim near the base of each B-pillar, and one acceleration-type sensor is located behind the quarter panel trim near the base of each C-pillar. One pressure-type sensor is located on each front poor hardware carrier panel, concealed behind each front door inside the trim panel. The Left Front Impact Sensor is mounted in the engine compartment behind the front lamp unit. The Left Front Impact Sensor is directly hard wired to the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) Module. The impact sensors perform their own self-test using power supplied by the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) then communicate this status back to the ORC with periodic updates. The repair of this fault condition involves verifying the integrity of the wiring between the ORC and the sensor.
This code will set, if the ORC and the Left Front Impact Sensor do not establish and maintain valid data communications. The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will become Active after the fault has set for a minimum of 100 milliseconds (ms). The DTC will go to Stored after the ORC Left Front Impact Sensor communication fault has been removed or the suspect front impact sensor has been replaced. The clearing of this fault is immediate upon the suspect internal error being removed or the suspect sensor replaced. The Airbag Warning Lamp (AWL) will set in the instrument cluster.

OBDII Code U1471 - Implausible Data Received From Left Frontal Acceleration Sensor - AutoCodes.com — U1471 Code - Implausible Data Received From Left Frontal Acceleration Sensor

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC U1471?

Faulty Left Frontal Acceleration Sensor
Left Frontal Acceleration Sensor harness is open or shorted
Left Frontal Acceleration Sensor circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)

How to Fix the DTC U1471?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the U1471 code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

Need more information about the U1471 code?

Need more information on how to fix the U1471 code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the U1471 code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

Information for Specific Makes

U1471 Chrysler — Implausible Data Received From Left Frontal Acceleration Sensor
U1471 Dodge — Implausible Data Received From Left Frontal Acceleration Sensor
U1471 Jeep — Implausible Data Received From Left Frontal Acceleration Sensor
U1471 RAM — Implausible Data Received From Left Frontal Acceleration Sensor

Precautions for SRS “AIR BAG” and “SEAT BELT PRE-TENSIONER” Service

Never probe the electrical connectors on air bag, side air curtain modules or seat belts.
Never disassemble or tamper with safety belt buckle/retractor pretensioners, adaptive load limiting retractors, safety belt inflators, or probe the electrical connectors.
Do not use electrical test equipment to check SRS circuits unless instructed to in this Service Manual.
Before servicing the SRS, turn ignition switch OFF, disconnect both battery cables and wait at least 3 minutes. For approximately 3 minutes after the cables are removed, it is still possible for the air bag and seat belt pre-tensioner to deploy. Therefore, do not work on any SRS connectors or wires until at least 3 minutes have passed.

Failure to follow this instruction may result in the accidental deployment of these modules, which increases the risk of serious personal injury or death.

About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about U1471 Code

What does the OBDII code U1471 mean?

Code U1471 indicates that the vehicle's control module has received implausible or inconsistent data from the left frontal acceleration sensor.

What are the common symptoms of code U1471?

Symptoms may include the illumination of the check engine light, airbag or stability system warnings, and potential issues with vehicle handling or responsiveness during a collision event.

What causes code U1471?

Common causes include a malfunctioning left frontal acceleration sensor, damaged wiring or connectors, or issues with the control module interpreting sensor data.

Can I drive my car with code U1471?

Driving with this code may compromise the functionality of safety systems such as airbags or stability control. It is best to diagnose and repair the issue promptly.

How can I diagnose code U1471?

Start by inspecting the left frontal acceleration sensor, wiring, and connectors for damage, corrosion, or loose connections. Use a diagnostic tool to verify sensor output and control module communication.

What tools are needed to fix code U1471?

You may need an OBDII scanner, a multimeter for checking electrical continuity, and possibly tools to access and replace the acceleration sensor or repair wiring.

How do I fix code U1471?

Repairs may involve replacing the faulty left frontal acceleration sensor, repairing damaged wiring or connectors, or reprogramming the control module if necessary.

Is replacing the acceleration sensor expensive?

The cost of replacing the sensor can vary based on the vehicle make and model, but it is generally a moderately priced repair. Labor costs may increase if access to the sensor is difficult.

Can code U1471 indicate a bigger problem?

While U1471 typically points to a specific sensor issue, it could indicate broader electrical or control module problems if multiple related codes are present.

Will clearing the code U1471 fix the problem?

Clearing the code may temporarily remove the error, but unless the root cause is addressed, the code is likely to return.