AutoCodes – RAM – U146D RAM

U146D RAM 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 RAM 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 460

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

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC U146D RAM?

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 RAM?

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 RAM 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 RAM code?

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

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

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 RAM Code

1. What does the OBDII code U146D RAM mean?

The code U146D RAM indicates that the vehicle's onboard diagnostic system has detected implausible data received from the left B-pillar impact acceleration sensor.

2. What are common symptoms of the U146D RAM code?

Common symptoms associated with the U146D RAM code include the airbag warning light illuminating on the dashboard, potential loss of communication with the left B-pillar sensor, and possible impact on the vehicle's airbag deployment system.

3. What are possible causes of the U146D RAM code?

Possible causes of the U146D RAM code may include a faulty left B-pillar impact acceleration sensor, damaged wiring or connectors related to the sensor, or a communication error between the sensor and the vehicle's electronic control unit (ECU).

4. How can I diagnose the U146D RAM code?

Diagnosing the U146D RAM code typically involves using a professional OBDII scanner to retrieve the specific fault codes, inspecting the left B-pillar impact acceleration sensor and its wiring for any visible damage, and testing the sensor's functionality according to the manufacturer's specifications.

5. Can I still drive my vehicle with the U146D RAM code present?

It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with the U146D RAM code present, as it may affect the proper functioning of the airbag system in the event of a collision. It is advisable to address the issue promptly to ensure safety.

6. How can I repair the U146D RAM code?

Repairing the U146D RAM code may involve replacing the faulty left B-pillar impact acceleration sensor, repairing or replacing damaged wiring or connectors, and resetting the fault codes using a diagnostic tool after the repairs are completed.

7. Is it safe to reset the U146D RAM code without fixing the underlying issue?

Resetting the U146D RAM code without addressing the underlying issue may temporarily clear the fault code, but it will not resolve the potential safety concerns associated with the malfunctioning left B-pillar impact acceleration sensor. It is important to fix the problem to ensure the proper operation of the airbag system.

8. How much does it cost to fix the U146D RAM code?

The cost of fixing the U146D RAM code can vary depending on the specific cause of the issue, the labor rates of the repair shop, and the cost of any replacement parts that may be needed. It is advisable to consult with a professional mechanic for an accurate estimate.

9. Can the U146D RAM code be a false alarm?

While it is possible for the U146D RAM code to be triggered by a temporary glitch or communication error, it is important to investigate the issue thoroughly to rule out any actual problems with the left B-pillar impact acceleration sensor or related components.

10. How can I prevent the U146D RAM code from reoccurring?

To prevent the U146D RAM code from reoccurring, it is recommended to perform regular maintenance checks on the vehicle's airbag system, including inspecting the sensors and wiring for any signs of damage, and addressing any issues promptly to ensure the safety of the vehicle occupants.