Faulty restraints system sensor D itself, producing erratic or out-of-range data; Damaged, chafed, or corroded wiring and connector pins between sensor D and the restraints control module; Water intrusion or corrosion at the sensor connector or module harness, common at floor and pillar locations; Loose or improperly seated sensor mounting, causing the sensor to report implausible data; Low battery voltage or poor grounds causing the sensor's data message to be corrupted; Failed restraints control module that cannot correctly interpret valid sensor data; Aftermarket accessories or previous collision repair wiring that disturbed the SRS network

DTC codes / U04xx · Invalid data received from a module / U0474

U0474Invalid Data Received From Restraints System Sensor D

Q: What does code U0474 mean?

Invalid Data Received From Restraints System Sensor D. U0474 is a communication fault where the restraints control module (RCM) or airbag control module reports that it has received invalid or corrupted data from a specific restraints system sensor, designated as Sensor D. The module detects that the data message from that sensor is missing expected values, out of range, or fails its internal checksum, so it flags the sensor's data as untrustworthy rather than reporting a direct sensor circuit failure.

U0474 is a communication fault where the restraints control module (RCM) or airbag control module reports that it has received invalid or corrupted data from a specific restraints system sensor, designated as Sensor D. The module detects that the data message from that sensor is missing expected values, out of range, or fails its internal checksum, so it flags the sensor's data as untrustworthy rather than reporting a direct sensor circuit failure.

SystemNetwork

Code typeGeneric (all makes)

SeverityMedium

Fix difficultyProfessional

AreaInvalid data received from a module

Symptoms you may notice

Airbag warning light illuminated on the instrument cluster, often with no other noticeable symptoms
Supplemental restraint system (SRS) warning message displayed on the driver information center
Airbag system may be disabled or default to a reduced deployment strategy until the fault is resolved
Intermittent warning light that comes and goes with temperature changes or rough road surfaces
Other restraint-related codes stored alongside U0474 in the same module
No drivability symptoms, since the fault is confined to the restraints network

Common causes, most likely first

Faulty restraints system sensor D itself, producing erratic or out-of-range data
Damaged, chafed, or corroded wiring and connector pins between sensor D and the restraints control module
Water intrusion or corrosion at the sensor connector or module harness, common at floor and pillar locations
Loose or improperly seated sensor mounting, causing the sensor to report implausible data
Low battery voltage or poor grounds causing the sensor's data message to be corrupted
Failed restraints control module that cannot correctly interpret valid sensor data
Aftermarket accessories or previous collision repair wiring that disturbed the SRS network

How to diagnose and fix it

Scan all modules and record every stored code, then clear codes and verify whether U0474 returns immediately or only after a road test
Inspect the battery, charging system, and SRS module grounds to rule out low voltage corrupting data messages
Locate restraints system sensor D and inspect its connector, pins, and wiring for corrosion, looseness, or chafing
Check the sensor mounting for tightness and correct orientation, and confirm no water intrusion is present
Perform a wiggle test on the sensor harness while watching live sensor data or the code status to expose intermittent faults
If wiring and power are good, substitute a known-good sensor D and recheck whether the invalid data code clears
If the code persists with a known-good sensor and verified wiring, diagnose or replace the restraints control module and reinitialize the SRS system

What U0474 does not tell you

U0474 points to invalid data rather than an open or short circuit, so a sensor that ohms out perfectly can still be the culprit because its message content is corrupted.
A weak battery or failing alternator is a commonly missed cause, since low voltage during cranking can corrupt serial data and set restraint communication codes without any sensor fault.
Technicians often replace sensor D first and find the code returns, because corrosion in a connector two feet away was interrupting the data line intermittently.
This code does not mean the airbag will not deploy in every case, but the module may disable that sensor's contribution to the deployment decision, so the system should be treated as compromised.
After any SRS repair, the restraints module must be cleared and the system verified; some vehicles latch a crash or fault record that keeps the warning light on until a proper scan tool reset is performed.

Can I keep driving with U0474?

The vehicle remains drivable, but the airbag system may be operating in a degraded state, so avoid aggressive driving and get the fault diagnosed promptly. Do not ignore the warning light, because a restraints fault can affect airbag deployment in a collision.

Tools that help

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Guidance is general and written for all OBD-II vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.