U0124

Universal

Lost Communication With Lateral Acceleration 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 that one or more control modules cannot communicate with the lateral acceleration sensor module. This sensor provides information about sideways vehicle motion that stability-control systems may use to assess and respond to vehicle movement. The code identifies a communication problem, not proof that the sensor itself has failed. Depending on the vehicle, stability-control functions may be limited and warning lights may appear.

Report an error with this code

⚠️ Before You Begin (Safety First)

If a stability-control or ABS warning appears, drive cautiously and allow extra stopping distance, especially on slippery roads; some assistance functions may be unavailable. Stop in a safe place and seek service if braking or steering feels abnormal, or if other serious warnings appear.

Common Symptoms

  • The check-engine, ABS, traction-control, or stability-control warning light may illuminate, depending on the vehicle.
  • Stability control or traction control may be limited or unavailable if the system cannot obtain the sensor information it needs.
  • A scan tool may show that the lateral acceleration sensor module is not communicating.
  • There may be no noticeable driving symptoms if the fault is intermittent or the vehicle's systems do not report an obvious effect.

Common Causes

  • A loose, corroded, damaged, or contaminated connector or wiring may interrupt communication.
  • A fault in the vehicle communication network may prevent the module from exchanging data.
  • The module may lack a proper power or ground connection.
  • The lateral acceleration sensor module may have an internal fault, but the code alone does not establish that it needs replacement.
  • Low or unstable vehicle voltage or a fault elsewhere in the network may disrupt communication.

Diagnostic Steps

  1. Note which warning lights are on and whether braking, steering, traction, or stability-control behavior has changed; stop driving and arrange service if braking or steering feels abnormal.
  2. With the vehicle parked safely, check for an obviously weak battery or loose battery connections, since unstable vehicle voltage can affect module communication.
  3. If accessible without removing safety-system components, visually inspect related wiring and connectors for obvious damage, looseness, or corrosion. Do not probe connectors or wiring associated with airbags or other safety restraints.
  4. Use a compatible scan tool to check for communication with the affected module and record related codes from other modules; multiple communication codes can point to a wider network or power issue.
  5. Have a qualified technician perform circuit and network tests using vehicle-specific service information before replacing a sensor or module.

When to Call a Professional

A technician can scan all modules for related communication or power-supply faults, check whether the lateral acceleration sensor module responds, and test its power, ground, connectors, wiring, and vehicle network using the correct wiring information. The exact sensor arrangement and diagnostic procedure depend on the vehicle.

Compare component listings

Confirm diagnosis and vehicle fitment before buying. A listing does not prove that a part needs replacement. We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.

Search Amazon Search eBay

Commonly Asked Questions

Does U0124 prove that the lateral acceleration sensor module has failed?

No. It reports lost communication with the module. Wiring, connectors, power, ground, vehicle voltage, or the communication network can cause the same condition.

Can I drive with U0124?

If the vehicle brakes and steers normally, cautious driving to arrange diagnosis may be possible, but stability-control assistance may be limited. Avoid slippery or high-risk driving, and stop if braking or steering feels abnormal.

Why might the vehicle have a stability-control warning?

Stability-control systems may use lateral acceleration information to assess vehicle movement. If that information is unavailable because communication is lost, the system may limit a function or turn on a warning.

What should be checked before replacing the module?

Check related codes, module communication, power and ground, connectors, wiring, and network operation using vehicle-specific service information. The code alone does not identify which item is at fault.

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.