Engine-CodesGeneric – U017E

U017E Code - Lost Communication With Seatbelt Pretensioner Module 'A'

Quick Answer

The U017E code indicates that the vehicle's onboard computer has lost communication with the Seatbelt Pretensioner Module 'A'. Common causes include Faulty wiring or connectors leading to the Seatbelt Pretensioner Module, Corrosion or damage to the wiring harness, Defective Seatbelt Pretensioner Module. 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
U017E indicates Lost Communication With Seatbelt Pretensioner Module 'A'.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty wiring or connectors leading to the Seatbelt Pretensioner Module, Corrosion or damage to the wiring harness, Defective Seatbelt Pretensioner Module.
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.
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Aug 30, 2024
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Code U017E Description

The U017E code indicates that the vehicle's onboard computer has lost communication with the Seatbelt Pretensioner Module 'A'. The Seatbelt Pretensioner Module is responsible for activating the seatbelt pretensioners in the event of a collision to tighten the seatbelt and reduce the risk of injury to the occupant. When communication with this module is lost, it can impact the vehicle's safety systems and potentially compromise the effectiveness of the seatbelt pretensioners in case of an accident. This issue can also trigger the vehicle's airbag warning light to illuminate on the dashboard.

OBDII Code U017E - Lost Communication With Seatbelt Pretensioner Module 'A'
U017E Code - Lost Communication With Seatbelt Pretensioner Module 'A'

Common Causes of U017E

  1. Faulty wiring or connectors leading to the Seatbelt Pretensioner Module
  2. Corrosion or damage to the wiring harness
  3. Defective Seatbelt Pretensioner Module
  4. Issues with the vehicle's onboard computer or communication network
  5. Electrical interference from aftermarket accessories or modifications

Symptoms of U017E

  1. Airbag warning light on the dashboard
  2. Inoperative seatbelt pretensioners
  3. Faulty seatbelt warning chime
  4. Loss of communication with other safety modules
  5. Potential failure of the vehicle's airbag system

How to Fix U017E

  1. Begin by checking and repairing any damaged wiring or connectors leading to the Seatbelt Pretensioner Module.
  2. Inspect the wiring harness for corrosion or damage, replacing any affected sections.
  3. Test the Seatbelt Pretensioner Module for functionality and replace if necessary.
  4. Scan the vehicle's onboard computer for any stored fault codes and clear them.
  5. Perform a system reset to re-establish communication between the onboard computer and the Seatbelt Pretensioner Module.

Cost to Fix U017E

The cost of repairing a lost communication issue with the Seatbelt Pretensioner Module 'A' can vary depending on the specific cause of the problem and the labor rates in your area. On average, this repair can cost anywhere from $150 to $500, including parts and labor. Keep in mind that diagnostic time and labor rates at auto repair shops can fluctuate, so it's recommended to obtain quotes from multiple sources for a more accurate estimate.

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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 U017E Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code U017E?

- Common symptoms include the airbag warning light illuminating on the dashboard, loss of communication with the seatbelt pretensioner module, and potential issues with the seatbelt system.

2. What are the possible causes of OBDII code U017E?

- The code U017E may be caused by a faulty seatbelt pretensioner module, damaged wiring or connectors in the seatbelt system, software issues, or a communication error within the vehicle's network.

3. How can I diagnose OBDII code U017E?

- Diagnosing code U017E typically involves using a scan tool to retrieve the specific fault codes, checking the seatbelt pretensioner module for communication errors, inspecting wiring and connectors for damage, and conducting a thorough visual inspection of the seatbelt system.

4. Can I repair OBDII code U017E myself?

- Repairing code U017E often requires specialized tools and knowledge of automotive electronics. It is recommended to consult with a professional mechanic or technician to properly diagnose and repair the issue.

5. Is it safe to drive with OBDII code U017E present?

- It is not recommended to drive with code U017E present, as it indicates a potential issue with the seatbelt pretensioner system, which is a critical safety component in the event of a collision.

6. How much does it cost to fix OBDII code U017E?

- The cost of fixing code U017E can vary depending on the specific cause of the issue. Repair costs may include parts replacement, labor fees, and diagnostic charges from a repair shop or dealership.

7. Can resetting the OBDII system clear code U017E?

- Resetting the OBDII system may temporarily clear the code, but it is important to address the underlying issue causing code U017E to prevent the problem from recurring.

8. Are there any recalls related to OBDII code U017E?

- It is recommended to check with the vehicle manufacturer or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for any recalls related to code U017E and the seatbelt pretensioner module.

9. Can code U017E affect the overall performance of the vehicle?

- While code U017E is more related to the safety systems of the vehicle, it can potentially affect the overall performance if left unresolved, as it may indicate a communication error within the vehicle's network.

10. How long does it typically take to repair OBDII code U017E?

- The repair time for code U017E can vary depending on the complexity of the issue and the availability of parts. It is advisable to consult with a professional technician for a more accurate estimate of repair time.

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