AutoCodes – Generic – U146D

U146D Code - Implausible Data Received From Left B-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 Left Side Impact Pressure Sensor 1, Left Side Impact Pressure Sensor 1 harness is open or shorted, Left Side Impact Pressure Sensor 1 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: U146D indicates Implausible Data Received From Left B-Pillar Impact Acceleration Sensor.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Left Side Impact Pressure Sensor 1, Left Side Impact Pressure Sensor 1 harness is open or shorted, Left Side Impact Pressure Sensor 1 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 651

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 U146D 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 Side Impact Sensor 1 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 Left Side Impact Sensor 1 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 Left Side Impact Sensor 1 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 U146D - Implausible Data Received From Left B-Pillar Impact Acceleration Sensor - AutoCodes.com — U146D Code - Implausible Data Received From Left B-Pillar Impact Acceleration Sensor

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC U146D?

Faulty Left Side Impact Pressure Sensor 1
Left Side Impact Pressure Sensor 1 harness is open or shorted
Left Side Impact Pressure Sensor 1 circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)

How to Fix the DTC U146D?

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 U146D 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 U146D code?

Need more information on how to fix the U146D code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the U146D code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

Information for Specific Makes

U146D Chrysler — Implausible Data Received From Left B-Pillar Impact Acceleration Sensor
U146D Dodge — Implausible Data Received From Left B-Pillar Impact Acceleration Sensor
U146D Jeep — Implausible Data Received From Left B-Pillar Impact Acceleration Sensor
U146D RAM — Implausible Data Received From Left B-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 U146D Code

What does the OBDII code U146D mean?

The OBDII code U146D indicates that the vehicle's control module has received implausible data from the left B-pillar impact acceleration sensor, which is part of the airbag system.

What are the common symptoms associated with the U146D code?

Common symptoms may include the illumination of the airbag warning light on the dashboard and potential issues with the vehicle's airbag deployment system during a collision.

What could cause the U146D code to appear?

Possible causes include a faulty left B-pillar impact acceleration sensor, damaged wiring or connectors, or issues within the airbag control module itself.

How can I diagnose the issue related to the U146D code?

Start by using an OBDII scanner to confirm the code. Inspect the left B-pillar sensor, wiring, and connectors for damage or corrosion. Test the sensor's functionality with a multimeter if necessary.

Is it safe to drive a vehicle with the U146D code?

While the vehicle may be drivable, the airbag system may not function correctly in an accident, which poses a significant safety risk. It is advisable to address the issue promptly.

What repairs might be needed to fix the U146D code?

Repairs may include replacing the left B-pillar impact acceleration sensor, repairing or replacing damaged wiring or connectors, or reprogramming or replacing the airbag control module.

Can I reset the U146D code myself?

You can clear the code using an OBDII scanner, but if the underlying issue is not resolved, the code is likely to reappear. Itâ€™s important to diagnose and fix the root cause first.

Will disconnecting the battery clear the U146D code?

Disconnecting the battery may temporarily reset the code, but it will not fix the underlying issue causing the implausible data, so the code will likely return once the system detects the problem again.

Is this code common in all vehicles?

The U146D code is specific to vehicles equipped with certain airbag systems and sensors. It may not be common across all vehicle makes and models, but it can occur in those that utilize a B-pillar impact sensor.