U0481Invalid Data Received From Automatic Lighting Control Module
- Generic OBD-II code · Network
- How the car detects it
- U0481 means a module still receives frames from the automatic lighting control module but refuses their content, for instance an ambient-light value outside its range, a frozen message counter or a failed checksum; silence from that unit would be U0180. The unit decides from a light sensor, often housed with the rain sensor behind the windscreen, when the headlamps come on. No manufacturer documents U0481 publicly. Mazda shows how such a sensor flags its own trouble: on the 2019 Mazda3 (SA-035/19) heat drives the rain and light sensor beyond its operating range, the auto-light function pauses with B10AD:09 and resumes once the cabin cools. For automatic beam switching FMVSS 108 asks for an indicator telling the driver when the system is in control. Lights must be switched by hand; no MIL.
- What you may notice
- Automatic headlamp function unavailable, lights must be switched manually
- Exterior lighting warning or message in the cluster
- Likely causes
- PossibleLight or rain/light sensor delivering values outside its range, e.g. after heat soak or windscreen replacement
- PossibleSoftware or configuration of the lighting module not matching the receiving module
- RareCorroded or loose connector on the bus line to the module
- Repair
- Medium · Usually a job for a workshop.Typical cost: €0 – €450
- Related codes
Explanation from obdex (CC0), exactly as the app shows it. Guidance only; confirm with a workshop.