OBD-II trouble code
U0476: Invalid Data Received From Restraints System Sensor F
The airbag (restraints) control module is receiving messages from restraints system sensor F, but the values are implausible or out of range and get rejected. The sensor is talking; the data can't be trusted. Because it feeds airbag deployment, treat U0476 as safety-critical and diagnose it promptly.
Quick facts
- System
- Network
- Category
- Network Communication
- Severity
- High severity
- Drivable
- Usually safe to drive short-term
- Repair cost range
- $100 – $700
- DIY difficulty
- Shop recommended
What does U0476 mean?
The restraints (airbag) control module fuses data from several impact, acceleration, and side-pressure sensors to detect a collision and decide how to deploy airbags and pretensioners. 'Sensor F' is one specific sensor in that network — often the counterpart to sensor E on the opposite side, or another side/satellite sensor, with the exact identity defined by the manufacturer. U0476 sets when a receiving module still receives messages from restraints system sensor F, but the data inside is invalid — out of range, implausible, or inconsistent with the rest of the system — so the controller questions its integrity.
This is an invalid-data fault: the sensor is still transmitting, but the numbers are wrong. That distinguishes it from the lost-communication code U0175, where sensor F has gone silent. Because bad data from a crash sensor is a safety risk in both directions — an unwanted deployment or a missed one — the module stores the fault, turns on the airbag/SRS warning light, and can set the affected zone to a fault state.
Usual causes include a poor ground or low system voltage; corroded, loose, or moisture-damaged connectors at a door or side location; chafed wiring; a sensor that has drifted out of range or failed; or a software/configuration problem after a sensor or module was replaced without being programmed to the vehicle. When U0475 (sensor E) is also present, suspect a shared cause feeding both rather than two independent failures. The vehicle usually drives normally, hiding the reduced protection. Have U0476 diagnosed by a technician equipped to handle airbag circuits safely, since restraint wiring can trigger an accidental deployment if mishandled.
Common causes
- Corroded, loose, or moisture-damaged connector at restraints sensor F
- Water intrusion at a door- or side-mounted sensor location
- Chafed or fatigued wiring at a door hinge harness
- Poor ground or low system voltage
- Sensor F drifting out of range or internally failing
- Sensor or restraints module replaced without correct programming/configuration
- Shared power/ground/bus fault (especially if U0475 is also set)
- Connector disturbed during door, window, or collision repair
Symptoms
- Airbag/SRS warning light on, often with a service-airbag message
- Restraints system fault state; side/zone deployment behavior may be affected
- Companion restraints or network codes stored with U0476 (often U0475)
- Intermittent setting after door slams or over rough roads
- Vehicle otherwise starts and drives normally
Diagnostic steps
- 1.Scan the restraints/SRS module and all modules; record every code. Follow safe SRS procedure — disconnect the battery and wait the specified time before handling airbag circuits.
- 2.Check whether U0475 (sensor E) or other restraints codes are also present — multiple codes suggest a shared power/ground/bus cause.
- 3.Locate restraints sensor F for the specific vehicle using factory service information.
- 4.Load-test the battery and verify charging voltage and the module's grounds.
- 5.Inspect the sensor F connector and harness for corrosion, moisture, and chafing; flex-test any door hinge harness.
- 6.Confirm the sensor and module are configured to the vehicle, especially after a recent replacement.
- 7.If power, ground, and wiring are good but data stays invalid, replace sensor F with the correct part and clear codes per factory procedure.
Repair cost
$100 – $700
Cost depends on the cause. Diagnosis usually runs $100-$200. Correcting low voltage, a bad ground, or a connector is often $150-$450. Reprogramming or configuring the sensor/module is typically $100-$350. Replacing restraints system sensor F with any required programming typically runs $200-$600+ depending on the sensor and its location. If one shared fault is driving both E and F, fixing it can be cheaper than replacing sensors. Diagnose before replacing on any safety system.
Estimate your repair
Run the numbers for your vehicle
Open the Repair Cost Estimator with airbag / srs crash sensor replacement preselected. Adjust labor rate and vehicle category to fit your situation.
DIY vs shop
Leave this one to a qualified shop. It typically involves emissions-critical components, refrigerant handling, or other work that requires manufacturer-grade tooling, training, or certification. DIY attempts often produce a more expensive problem than the original code.