U0151

Lost Communication With Restraints Control Module

Car Fault Codes Network

Can you still drive? With care, short trips only

Who can fix it? Needs a specialist or dealer

Typical repair time 30 minutes – 3 hours

Typical cost SAR 150 to 4,500

What it means

The restraints control module is the airbag and seat belt pretensioner (SRS) module that decides when to deploy the airbags in a crash. This code sets in another module, usually the instrument cluster, when messages from the airbag module stop arriving. This is a serious safety fault: the airbags may not deploy and the belt pretensioners may not fire in a crash.

Symptoms4

Airbag warning light stays on in the cluster.
Warning message about the restraint or airbag system.
Passenger airbag disable indicator not working on some vehicles.
Scan tool unable to communicate with the airbag module.

Possible causes6

Blown airbag module power fuse.
Weak battery or low voltage.
Loose or corroded module connector; the module usually sits under the center console or seats where water can reach it.
Poor module ground connection.
Open or shorted network wiring to the module.
A module locked after an earlier crash with airbag deployment, or an internal module failure.

How to diagnose5

Leave testing to a technician trained in airbag systems; do not unplug or test airbag connectors yourself because of the risk of deployment.
The technician checks the battery and voltage, then tries to connect to the airbag module with a scan tool.
If the module does not respond, its fuses, power and ground are checked following the approved safety procedure after disconnecting the battery and waiting the specified time.
The module location and connector are inspected for water or corrosion.
The network lines to the module are checked, along with whether an earlier crash may have locked the module.

How to fix5

Replace the blown fuse and repair a weak battery.
Have a trained technician repair the connector, ground or network wiring.
Fix the source of any water reaching the module area.
Replace the airbag module, or reset its crash data after an accident, then program it to match the vehicle.
Clear the codes with a scan tool and confirm the airbag light goes out after start-up.

Repair cost

0–500

500–2,000

2,000–5,000

5,000+

In Saudi riyals; the highlighted part is the expected range for this fault.

The cost is low for a fuse or connector plus a system scan and code reset, and reaches the upper end if the airbag module must be replaced and programmed.

Prices are rough estimates for common cars at independent workshops and vary with the car and the source of the part.
Prices last updated: September 2026

Frequently asked questions

Will the airbags work with this code?

You cannot count on it. If the airbag module has lost communication or power, the airbags may not deploy and the pretensioners may not fire in a crash. The car drives, but repair it as soon as possible and always wear your seat belt.

Can I check the airbag connectors myself?

No. Handling airbag connectors or testing them with ordinary tools can deploy an airbag and cause serious injury. This is work for a trained technician following safety procedures.

Why did the airbag light come on after cleaning the interior?

The airbag module or its connectors are often on the floor or under the seats, and water or moving the seats can cause moisture or a loose connector. Tell the technician, as it makes diagnosis easier.

This guide is for information only and does not replace an inspection by a qualified technician. If the fault involves brakes, steering, engine temperature, electrics or refrigerant, do not attempt the repair yourself.

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