Sign inCreate free garage
U031ENetwork · Invalid data & softwareGeneric (SAE) code

U031E: Software Incompatibility With Parking Assist Control Module B

A module reports a software version mismatch with parking assist module B — typically after replacing one of the modules without programming the new unit to match the rest of the network.

Severity
Low
Can I drive? Generally yes.
Typical labor cost
$65–$250 est.
30 min–2 h at an assumed $125/hr · parts extra · use your rate
Most common fix
Module replaced without programming
DIY difficulty: Moderate · usually a shop job
01 —What it means

What U031E means

U031E is a generic OBD-II network code in the invalid data & software group.

U
Network
0
Generic (SAE)
3
Subsystem group
1E
Specific fault
How to read U031E. We group it under Invalid data & software.
Check engine light
Usually off
Emissions-related
No
Limp mode possible
Not typical
Drive cycle to clear
Not required
Code data: OBDex (CC0)

Get it fixed

Post this code once and get quotes from local mechanics. Free to post.

Your car Optional

Makes the repair and parts links below specific to your car. Kept in this browser only.

Get quotes on findmechanic.ai (opens in a new tab)
02 —Symptoms

Symptoms

What drivers typically notice
  • Multiple warning lights may illuminate
  • Affected modules may go into limp mode or shut down
  • Specific functions inoperative depending on module
  • Diagnostic tools may show communication faults
Code data: OBDex (CC0)
03 —Causes

Common causes

Ranked from most to least likely
  1. 01Module replaced without programmingMost likely
  2. 02Wrong part number for the vehiclePossible
  3. 03Gateway module routing CAN messages incorrectlyLess likely
Code data: OBDex (CC0)
04 —Severity

Can I drive with U031E?

Low

Generally yes.

This fault is unlikely to affect how the car drives. Fix it when convenient.

Why we rate it low

  • Does not normally turn on the check engine light

Severity is our rule-based rating from the code’s flags in OBDex and the system it affects, not an inspection of your car. If the check engine light is flashing, or you notice overheating, low oil pressure, or brake or steering problems, stop driving and get help.

Code data: OBDex (CC0)
05 —Diagnosis

How to diagnose U031E

General procedure — follow the service manual for your vehicle
  1. 1

    Confirm the code and save freeze-frame data

    Read the codes with an OBD-II scan tool and note every code, not just U031E. Save the freeze-frame data (speed, load, temperature when the fault set) before clearing anything; it tells you when the fault happens.

  2. 2

    Check for related codes first

    Look for U031D. Related codes often share a cause; a circuit or sensor code usually needs fixing before a performance code like this one.

  3. 3

    Check live data

    Watch the related sensor and actuator readings in live data (Parking assist module B) and compare them with expected values in the service information for your vehicle.

  4. 4

    Test the likely causes in order

    Start with the most likely cause and work down: Module replaced without programming; wrong part number for the vehicle; gateway module routing CAN messages incorrectly. Test before replacing parts.

  5. 5

    Check for recalls and service bulletins

    Look up recalls for your exact vehicle with its VIN, and ask a dealer about technical service bulletins (TSBs). Manufacturers sometimes issue software updates or extended warranties for known faults.

  6. 6

    Clear the code and verify the repair

    After the repair, clear the code and drive the car under the conditions in the freeze-frame data to confirm it does not return.

Code data: OBDex (CC0)
06 —Cost

U031E repair cost estimate

Labor only — set your local shop rate
Labor estimate for U031E
$65–$250
30 min–2 h of labor × $125/hr (assumed rate) · parts extra

Estimate, not a quote. Labor times are typical ranges for this code from OBDex, and $125/hr is an assumed rate. Shop rates and labor times vary by vehicle and region. Diagnosis time may be billed separately.

DIY difficulty
Moderate
Good DIY job?
Usually a shop job

Needs a scan tool and some experience with testing.

Code data: OBDex (CC0)
07 —Components

Parts and systems involved

  • Parking assist module B
Code data: OBDex (CC0)
09 —FAQ

U031E FAQ

What does U031E mean?

U031E means “Software Incompatibility With Parking Assist Control Module B”. A module reports a software version mismatch with parking assist module B — typically after replacing one of the modules without programming the new unit to match the rest of the network.

Is U031E serious? Can I keep driving?

We rate U031E as low severity. Generally yes. This fault is unlikely to affect how the car drives. Fix it when convenient.

What causes U031E?

The most common causes, from most to least likely: Module replaced without programming; Wrong part number for the vehicle; Gateway module routing CAN messages incorrectly. Test before replacing parts, because several causes can set the same code.

How much does it cost to fix U031E?

Typical labor is about $65–$250 at an assumed $125/hour shop rate, plus parts. That is an estimate, not a quote: labor times and rates vary by vehicle and region, and diagnosis may be billed separately.

Can I fix U031E myself?

DIY difficulty is moderate. Most owners leave this to a shop because it needs involved testing or specialist tools. Always confirm the cause before buying parts.

Will U031E clear itself?

If the fault was intermittent, the warning may go off once the computer stops seeing it, but the code stays in memory. Fix the cause; clearing the code alone doesn’t repair anything.

Code data: OBDex (CC0)