AutoCodes – Generic – U146E

U146E Code - Implausible Data Received From Left 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 Left Side Impact Pressure Sensor 2, Left Side Impact Pressure Sensor 2 harness is open or shorted, Left 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: U146E indicates Implausible Data Received From Left C-Pillar Impact Acceleration Sensor.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Left Side Impact Pressure Sensor 2, Left Side Impact Pressure Sensor 2 harness is open or shorted, Left 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 538

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 U146E 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 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 Left 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 Left 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 U146E - Implausible Data Received From Left C-Pillar Impact Acceleration Sensor - AutoCodes.com — U146E Code - Implausible Data Received From Left C-Pillar Impact Acceleration Sensor

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC U146E?

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

How to Fix the DTC U146E?

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 U146E 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 U146E code?

Need more information on how to fix the U146E code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the U146E code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

Information for Specific Makes

U146E Chrysler — Implausible Data Received From Left C-Pillar Impact Acceleration Sensor
U146E Dodge — Implausible Data Received From Left C-Pillar Impact Acceleration Sensor
U146E Jeep — Implausible Data Received From Left C-Pillar Impact Acceleration Sensor
U146E RAM — Implausible Data Received From Left 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 U146E Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code U146E?

- Common symptoms include the illumination of the Check Engine Light (CEL), erratic or inaccurate readings from the left C-Pillar impact acceleration sensor, and potential issues with the airbag system.

2. What does the OBDII code U146E indicate?

- The code U146E indicates that the vehicle's onboard computer has detected implausible data received from the left C-Pillar impact acceleration sensor.

3. What are the possible causes of OBDII code U146E?

- Possible causes include a malfunctioning C-Pillar impact acceleration sensor, damaged wiring or connectors in the sensor circuit, or a fault in the airbag control module.

4. How can I diagnose the issue related to code U146E?

- Diagnosing the issue may involve using a diagnostic scanner to retrieve the code, inspecting the left C-Pillar impact acceleration sensor and its wiring for damage, and checking for any loose connections.

5. Can code U146E affect the airbag system's functionality?

- Yes, code U146E can potentially affect the airbag system's functionality, as the left C-Pillar impact acceleration sensor plays a crucial role in detecting impacts and deploying airbags in the event of a collision.

6. Is it safe to continue driving with OBDII code U146E present?

- It is not recommended to continue driving with the U146E code present, as it may indicate a fault in the airbag system that could compromise safety in the event of an accident.

7. How can I repair OBDII code U146E?

- Repairing code U146E may involve replacing the left C-Pillar impact acceleration sensor, repairing any damaged wiring or connectors, or resetting the airbag control module after addressing the underlying issue.

8. Can a DIY enthusiast fix OBDII code U146E at home?

- While some DIY enthusiasts may be able to diagnose and address simple issues related to code U146E, it is recommended to seek professional help, especially when dealing with airbag system components.

9. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code U146E?

- The cost of repairing code U146E can vary depending on the specific cause of the issue, but it may involve expenses for parts such as the impact acceleration sensor and labor for diagnosis and repair.

10. Will resetting the fault codes clear OBDII code U146E permanently?

- Resetting the fault codes may temporarily clear the U146E code, but if the underlying issue is not addressed, the code is likely to reappear. It is crucial to diagnose and fix the root cause of the problem.