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U0134

Lost Communication with Restraints System Sensor (Side Sensor)

The airbag control module has stopped receiving data from a side impact sensor. Airbag warning lamp lights up; restraint deployment for side and curtain bags may be inhibited.

  • Check engine light: Not always
  • Emissions related: No
  • Repair difficulty: hard

Symptoms

  • Multiple warning lights may illuminate
  • Affected modules may go into limp mode or shut down
  • Specific functions inoperative depending on module
  • Diagnostic tools may show communication faults

Common causes

Ordered by how often each turns out to be the cause.

  • Side impact sensor failedPossible
  • Wiring damage in door or B-pillarPossible
  • Gateway module routing CAN messages incorrectlyLess likely

Parts involved

  • Side Impact Sensor
  • Airbag Module
  • Sensor Wiring

U0134 is a generic OBD-II code defined by SAE J2012. Exact wording and diagnostic procedure vary by manufacturer and model. Code definitions are drawn from the public-domain OBDex dataset; the workshop notes are our own.