U0153

Universal

Lost Communication With Side Restraints Control Module Right

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

The vehicle is not receiving expected communication from the right-side restraints control module over its communication network. That module is part of the supplemental restraint system (SRS), which may manage or report on restraint devices such as side airbags or pretensioners, depending on the vehicle. The code indicates a communication problem, not proof that the module itself has failed. SRS functions associated with the affected system may be limited until the cause is diagnosed.

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⚠️ Before You Begin (Safety First)

Treat an SRS or airbag warning as a possible reduction in occupant protection and arrange prompt diagnosis. Do not probe, disconnect, or attempt repairs on airbag or pretensioner wiring or connectors; improper handling can cause injury or disable safety equipment. If the vehicle has been in a collision or the restraint system shows other signs of damage, have it inspected by a qualified technician before relying on it.

Common Symptoms

  • An SRS or airbag warning light may remain on or appear because the vehicle has detected a restraint-system communication problem.
  • Some right-side restraint functions or related status reporting may be unavailable; the exact effect depends on vehicle design and which devices the module manages.
  • Other communication-related warning lights or stored codes may appear if the problem affects or involves a shared vehicle network.
  • There may be no obvious driving symptoms, since a communication fault may not change how the engine or transmission operates.

Common Causes

  • A loose, damaged, corroded, or otherwise poor electrical connection at the module or elsewhere in the relevant circuit may interrupt communication.
  • A problem with the module's power supply or ground may prevent it from communicating.
  • Damage or an electrical fault in the vehicle network wiring may disrupt messages to or from the module.
  • Low vehicle battery voltage or another electrical-system issue may contribute to communication errors.
  • The module may have an internal fault, but this code alone does not establish that it needs replacement.

Diagnostic Steps

  1. Record the warning lights and any other diagnostic codes, including whether the SRS warning appeared after a battery or electrical-system problem; related information can help narrow the diagnosis.
  2. Check the owner's manual for the meaning of the vehicle's restraint-system warning and for any safe, owner-level inspection guidance.
  3. With the vehicle off, look only for obvious external damage or moisture near accessible areas. Do not remove trim, unplug SRS connectors, probe wiring, or handle airbag or pretensioner circuits.
  4. If the SRS warning is on or the code returns, arrange diagnosis by a qualified technician with suitable scan equipment and vehicle-specific SRS procedures.

When to Call a Professional

Use a scan tool capable of communicating with restraint and other vehicle modules to check whether this code is current or stored and to identify related network or power-supply codes. Follow model-specific service information to verify the module's power, ground, connectors, and network circuits using SRS-safe procedures. Confirm the cause before replacing a module; programming or configuration may be required for some vehicles.

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Commonly Asked Questions

Does U0153 prove the right-side restraints control module is defective?

No. It reports lost communication with that module. Power, ground, wiring, connectors, network faults, or the module itself can be involved, so testing is needed before parts are replaced.

Can the vehicle still be driven with this code?

The code may not affect ordinary engine operation, but the SRS warning can mean that some restraint protection is limited. Arrange prompt diagnosis, and do not rely on affected restraint functions until the system is checked.

Could this code appear without noticeable symptoms?

Yes. A communication fault may produce only a stored code or an SRS warning, with no change in how the vehicle drives.

What should be checked before replacing a module?

A technician should check related codes and communication status, then verify the module's power, ground, connectors, and network circuits using procedures appropriate to the vehicle.

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