AutoCodes – Generic – U1473

U1473 Code - Implausible Data Received From Right C-Pillar Impact 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 Right Side Impact Pressure Sensor 2, Right Side Impact Pressure Sensor 2 harness is open or shorted, Right Side Impact Pressure Sensor 2 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: U1473 indicates Implausible Data Received From Right C-Pillar Impact Acceleration Sensor.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Right Side Impact Pressure Sensor 2, Right Side Impact Pressure Sensor 2 harness is open or shorted, Right Side Impact Pressure Sensor 2 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 833

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 U1473 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 Right Side Impact Sensor 2 is mounted to the passenger rear door opening. 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 Right Side Impact Sensor 2 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 2.5 seconds. The DTC will go to Stored after the ORC to Right Side Impact Sensor 2 communication fault has been removed or the suspect sensor has been replaced for 2.5 seconds. The Airbag Warning Lamp (AWL) will set in the instrument cluster.

OBDII Code U1473 - Implausible Data Received From Right C-Pillar Impact Acceleration Sensor - AutoCodes.com — U1473 Code - Implausible Data Received From Right C-Pillar Impact Acceleration Sensor

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC U1473?

Faulty Right Side Impact Pressure Sensor 2
Right Side Impact Pressure Sensor 2 harness is open or shorted
Right Side Impact Pressure Sensor 2 circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)

How to Fix the DTC U1473?

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 U1473 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 U1473 code?

Need more information on how to fix the U1473 code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the U1473 code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

Information for Specific Makes

U1473 Chrysler — Implausible Data Received From Right C-Pillar Impact Acceleration Sensor
U1473 Dodge — Implausible Data Received From Right C-Pillar Impact Acceleration Sensor
U1473 Jeep — Implausible Data Received From Right C-Pillar Impact Acceleration Sensor
U1473 RAM — Implausible Data Received From Right C-Pillar Impact 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 U1473 Code

1. What are common symptoms of OBDII code U1473?

- Common symptoms include the illumination of the Check Engine Light, erratic or abnormal behavior of the airbag system, and potential issues with the right C-pillar impact acceleration sensor.

2. What can cause the OBDII code U1473 to trigger?

- The code U1473 may be triggered by a malfunction or communication error in the right C-pillar impact acceleration sensor, wiring issues, or software glitches.

3. How serious is OBDII code U1473?

- This code is related to the proper functioning of the airbag system, so it should be addressed promptly to ensure the safety features of the vehicle are working correctly.

4. How can I diagnose the cause of OBDII code U1473?

- Diagnosing the cause of U1473 may require using a professional OBDII scanner to read the error code, inspecting the wiring and connections of the right C-pillar impact acceleration sensor, and performing a visual inspection for any visible damage.

5. Can I drive my vehicle with OBDII code U1473?

- It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with the U1473 code present, as it may indicate a potential issue with the airbag system, which is crucial for safety in the event of a collision.

6. What are some repair tips for resolving OBDII code U1473?

- Repair tips may include checking and repairing any damaged wiring, ensuring proper connections to the right C-pillar impact acceleration sensor, and resetting the error code to see if it reoccurs.

7. Is it necessary to replace the right C-pillar impact acceleration sensor for OBDII code U1473?

- Depending on the diagnosis, it may be necessary to replace the right C-pillar impact acceleration sensor if it is determined to be the root cause of the issue.

8. Can a DIY enthusiast fix OBDII code U1473 at home?

- While some simple checks and repairs like inspecting wiring and connections can be done at home, diagnosing and fixing the root cause of U1473 may require professional expertise and specialized tools.

9. How much does it cost to repair OBDII code U1473?

- The cost of repairing U1473 can vary depending on the cause of the issue, the need for replacement parts, and labor costs. It is recommended to consult a professional mechanic for an accurate estimate.

10. How can I prevent OBDII code U1473 from recurring in the future?

- To prevent the recurrence of U1473, regular maintenance checks on the airbag system, including sensors and wiring, are crucial. Addressing any issues promptly can help prevent the code from reappearing.