Lost Communication With Lateral Acceleration Sensor Module
Your vehicle's computer has lost the radio signal from the sensor that measures side-to-side movement (like during turns). It's like a walkie-talkie losing connection—the sensor works fine, but the ECU can't hear it anymore.
The lateral acceleration sensor (typically a MEMS accelerometer) measures side forces during cornering and relays this data via CAN bus to the ECU. The ECU uses this input to modulate stability and traction control systems. Loss of communication means the ECU cannot receive or validate these critical lateral motion signals.
| Parameter | Normal Range | Fault Condition |
|---|---|---|
| CAN Bus Signal Timeout | Data received every 10-50ms | No signal received for 100+ ms |
| Signal Validity Check | Checksum and counter match | Checksum failure or counter error |
Code U0124 is a moderate fault. You can generally drive to a workshop, but avoid long trips or high-load driving (motorway, uphill towing) until it is diagnosed. If the code keeps returning after clearing, or if you notice the symptoms listed above worsening, do not delay professional diagnosis. Many moderate codes have multiple possible root causes — a mechanic with live OBD data can identify the exact fault more efficiently than part-by-part trial and error.
Once the fault is repaired, U0124 can be cleared using any OBD-II scanner. Connect the scanner, navigate to "Clear Codes" or "Erase DTCs," and confirm. The check engine light turns off immediately.
The code will return if the root cause was not actually fixed. The ECM re-detects the fault within 1–3 drive cycles and sets the code again.