AutoCodes – RAM – U146E RAM

U146E RAM 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 RAM 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 551

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

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC U146E RAM?

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 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 U146E 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 U146E RAM code?

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

Need Help with the Code?

Get the U146E 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 U146E RAM Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code U146E in a RAM vehicle?

- Common symptoms include the airbag warning light illuminating on the dashboard, potential issues with the airbag system, and diagnostic trouble codes related to the impact acceleration sensor.

2. What does the OBDII code U146E in a RAM vehicle mean?

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

3. What are the possible causes of OBDII code U146E in a RAM vehicle?

- Possible causes may include a malfunctioning impact acceleration sensor, wiring issues, loose connections, or sensor calibration problems.

4. How can I diagnose the U146E code in my RAM vehicle?

- Diagnosing the U146E code typically involves performing a comprehensive inspection of the left C-pillar impact acceleration sensor, checking the wiring and connections, and using a diagnostic scanner to retrieve additional data.

5. Can I continue driving my RAM vehicle with the U146E code present?

- It is not recommended to continue driving with the U146E code active, as it may indicate a potentially serious issue with the airbag system that could affect its proper function in the event of a collision.

6. How can I repair the U146E code in my RAM vehicle?

- Repairing the U146E code often involves replacing the left C-pillar impact acceleration sensor if it is found to be faulty, addressing any wiring or connection issues, and recalibrating the sensor as necessary.

7. Is it safe to reset the OBDII code U146E in my RAM vehicle without addressing the underlying issue?

- Simply resetting the code without addressing the root cause may temporarily turn off the warning light, but the issue with the impact acceleration sensor and airbag system will likely persist and could pose a safety risk.

8. Are there any DIY steps I can take to troubleshoot the U146E code in my RAM vehicle?

- While basic checks like inspecting the sensor connections and wiring for damage or corrosion can be performed, diagnosing and repairing the U146E code often requires specialized tools and expertise best handled by a professional technician.

9. How much does it typically cost to repair the U146E code in a RAM vehicle?

- The cost of repairing the U146E code can vary depending on the specific cause of the issue, the labor rates in your area, and the cost of any replacement parts needed. It's recommended to consult with a mechanic for a more accurate estimate.

10. Can the U146E code be triggered by other related issues in a RAM vehicle?

- Yes, other issues such as impact sensor malfunctions, wiring faults, or airbag system problems can potentially trigger the U146E code in a RAM vehicle, highlighting the importance of a thorough diagnostic process.