Damaged, corroded or loose wiring or connector at the seat control module, often where wiring flexes under the seat; Low battery voltage or poor power or earth supply to the seat control module; Seat control module faulty or not waking up on the network; Water or spilled liquid under the seat affecting the module or connectors; Network wiring fault (open circuit, short or high resistance) on the communication bus serving the seat module; Fault in a gateway or another module disturbing the network, or outdated software where a known issue exists.

U0246

Lost Communication With Seat Control Module E.

Generic
Network
Generic code
Low severity

How this code is built

U: SystemNetwork
0: Defined bySAE, the same on every car
2: AreaNetwork area 2
46: FaultThe specific fault in that area

What it means

U0246 means a control unit on the vehicle network has lost communication with Seat Control Module E. The module that logs the code stopped receiving expected messages from it, or it stopped responding to requests. Which seat position or function 'E' refers to depends on the manufacturer and model, so check the vehicle-specific wiring information.

Symptoms

Seat adjustment, memory or heating or ventilation functions not working on one seat
Seat control or memory switch has no effect
Warning light or message related to the seat or body electrics
Other network codes stored at the same time
Intermittent fault that comes and goes with vibration or moisture

Possible causes

Damaged, corroded or loose wiring or connector at the seat control module, often where wiring flexes under the seatlikely
Low battery voltage or poor power or earth supply to the seat control modulelikely
Seat control module faulty or not waking up on the networkpossible
Water or spilled liquid under the seat affecting the module or connectorspossible
Network wiring fault (open circuit, short or high resistance) on the communication bus serving the seat modulepossible
Fault in a gateway or another module disturbing the network, or outdated software where a known issue existsrare

How to diagnose

Read all stored codes and freeze frame data, noting whether other U codes or seat module codes are present and whether the fault is current or historic
Check the battery condition and charging voltage, as low voltage can cause false communication codes
Check the seat functions for operation and see whether the module can be reached with a diagnostic scan tool
Inspect the seat wiring harness and connectors for chafing, pin damage, corrosion, moisture or signs of previous seat removal or trim work
Check fuses, power feeds and earths to the seat control module against the wiring diagram
Wiggle-test the harness under the seat with the scan tool live to see if communication drops in and out
Test the network bus wiring for continuity, shorts and resistance as per the manufacturer's procedure
Check for software updates or technical bulletins for the module and gateway on this model

How to fix

Repair or replace damaged wiring and clean or replace corroded connectors
Restore correct power and earth supply, replacing blown fuses only after finding the cause
Dry out and treat water ingress, then replace the module if it is damaged
Repair the network bus wiring fault found during testing
Replace and configure or code the seat control module to the vehicle if it is confirmed faulty
Update the module or gateway software where an outdated version is a known cause

Can I keep driving?

Low severity

The car is normally safe to drive, as this mainly affects seat functions. Book it in soon, and avoid driving with a seat stuck in an unsafe position or if the airbag warning light is on.

Guide written by AI from the code's definition. Confirm with a diagnosis before replacing parts.