U0123

Universal

Lost Communication With Yaw Rate Sensor Module

Definition source: General OBD-II reference catalog
Definition verification: Not independently verified for display.
Time: Varies by diagnosis and vehicle | Diagnostic difficulty: Medium
Medium Severity

The vehicle has detected a loss of communication with the yaw rate sensor module. This sensor reports how quickly the vehicle is rotating around its vertical axis, and stability-control or related systems may use that information to assess vehicle motion. A communication fault can limit or disable some assistance features; the code does not by itself prove that the sensor module has failed.

Report an error with this code

⚠️ Before You Begin (Safety First)

If stability or traction assistance is unavailable, drive cautiously, especially on slippery roads or during sudden maneuvers. Stop safely and seek assistance if braking, steering, or vehicle handling seems abnormal, or if the dashboard indicates a more serious brake or safety fault.

Common Symptoms

  • A stability-control, traction-control, or related warning may appear if the vehicle cannot receive yaw-rate information.
  • Stability or traction assistance may be limited or unavailable because the system may not have the motion data it needs.
  • Related systems may store additional communication or sensor codes.
  • There may be no noticeable change in normal driving, particularly if the fault is intermittent or another system is not actively using the missing data.

Common Causes

  • The yaw rate sensor module may have lost power or ground.
  • A loose, damaged, corroded, or poorly connected connector or wire may interrupt communication.
  • A fault in the vehicle communication network or another connected module may prevent messages from reaching or leaving the yaw rate module.
  • Low or unstable vehicle voltage may disrupt module communication.
  • The yaw rate sensor module itself may have an internal fault, but the code alone does not confirm this.

Diagnostic Steps

  1. Note any warning lights or changes in braking, steering, or handling; stop driving and arrange help if the vehicle behaves abnormally.
  2. Check the vehicle battery condition and terminals for obvious looseness or corrosion, since unstable voltage can affect module communication.
  3. With the vehicle safely parked and switched off, visually inspect any readily accessible wiring or connectors related to the yaw rate system for damage, looseness, or moisture. Do not probe wiring or disturb components if their location or safe access is uncertain.
  4. Check the owner's manual for relevant fuses and inspect them only as directed; replace a fuse only with the specified type and rating, and do not keep replacing one that fails again.
  5. If an appropriate scan tool is available, record codes from all modules before clearing anything. Related codes can help distinguish a local connection or power issue from a broader communication problem.
  6. If the code returns or the checks do not identify a clear cause, have a qualified technician test module power, ground, and network communication using vehicle-specific service information.

When to Call a Professional

A technician can scan all vehicle modules for related communication and voltage codes, check whether the yaw rate module is responding, and inspect its power, ground, connectors, and network circuits using vehicle-specific service information. Confirm the cause before replacing the module; wiring, power supply, or a broader network issue can produce the same communication loss.

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Commonly Asked Questions

Does U0123 prove the yaw rate sensor module is bad?

No. It indicates lost communication with the module. Power, ground, wiring, connectors, network faults, or low voltage can also cause communication loss.

What does the yaw rate sensor do?

It measures the vehicle's rotational motion around its vertical axis. Stability-control and related systems may use this information to assess whether the vehicle is turning as expected.

Can I keep driving with U0123?

If the vehicle feels and brakes normally, cautious driving to a repair facility may be possible, but some stability or traction assistance may be unavailable. Stop safely if handling or braking is abnormal, or if a serious brake warning appears.

Why should all modules be scanned?

Other modules may store related communication, voltage, or sensor codes that help locate the source of the fault. A code from one module does not always identify where the communication problem began.

Browse Available Code Guides

Previous and next available guides in database record order, across makes. Adjacent entries may share a code number and do not necessarily describe related faults.