U0481
Invalid Data Received From Automatic Lighting Control Module
A receiving module detected implausible data from the automatic lighting (ambient light/rain sensor) control module. Lux or wiper-trigger values fail plausibility checks and are rejected.
- Check engine light: Not always
- Emissions related: No
- Repair difficulty: easy
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.
- Module internal fault or sensor input driftCommon
- Software version mismatch after replacementPossible
- Gateway module routing CAN messages incorrectlyLess likely
Parts involved
- Automatic Lighting Module
U0481 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.