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U3004

Moderate

Accessory Power Relay

What Does U3004 Mean?

DTC U3004 indicates that a control module has detected a malfunction with the Accessory Power Relay circuit. The accessory power relay provides switched 12V power to vehicle accessories (radio, power windows, power seats, etc.) when the ignition is in the accessory or run position. This code is set when the relay output does not match the expected state based on the ignition switch position or BCM command.

Common Causes

35%

Failed accessory power relay stuck open or stuck closed, not responding to BCM control signals

Accessory Power Relay

25%

Open or shorted wiring in the relay control circuit between the BCM and the accessory relay

Relay Control Wiring
Relay Socket Connector

20%

Body Control Module relay driver circuit failure — unable to command the accessory relay properly

Body Control Module

20%

Blown fuse in the accessory relay power feed or relay coil supply circuit

Accessory Relay Fuse
Relay Coil Supply Fuse

Diagnostic Steps

1

Step 1: Locate the accessory power relay in the fuse/relay box — swap it with an identical relay from a non-critical circuit (e.g., horn relay) and check if the condition follows the relay or stays in the original location.

2

Step 2: With the relay removed, use a multimeter to check for battery voltage on the relay power input terminal and the relay coil supply terminal — both should show battery voltage with ignition on.

3

Step 3: Check the relay control signal from the BCM — backprobe the relay coil ground control wire and verify the BCM provides ground when the ignition is in the accessory or run position (should read less than 0.5V when commanded on).

4

Step 4: Inspect the relay socket for burnt, loose, or corroded terminals — clean or replace the socket if damage is found.

5

Step 5: If the relay and wiring test good, check BCM operation — use the scan tool to command the accessory relay on/off via bi-directional controls and verify the BCM can toggle the relay.

Estimated Repair Cost

$30 - $400

Parts + labor, varies by vehicle and location

Frequently Asked Questions

What does U3004 mean?

DTC U3004 indicates that a control module has detected a malfunction with the Accessory Power Relay circuit. The accessory power relay provides switched 12V power to vehicle accessories (radio, power windows, power seats, etc.) when the ignition is in the accessory or run position. This code is set ...

What causes U3004?

The most common cause of U3004 (Accessory Power Relay) is: Failed accessory power relay stuck open or stuck closed, not responding to BCM control signals

How much does it cost to fix U3004?

Typical repair costs for U3004 range from $30 to $400, depending on the vehicle, location, and whether you do it yourself or go to a shop.

Is it safe to drive with U3004?

Generally safe to drive. Accessory relay failure may cause loss of convenience features such as radio, power windows, or power seats. If the relay is stuck on, it could cause a parasitic battery drain when the vehicle is off.

How do I diagnose U3004?

Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner to read the code and any freeze frame data. Then follow the diagnostic steps specific to U3004 to identify the root cause.

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Quick Info

Category

Network

System

Electrical System / Accessory Power Distribution

Difficulty

Moderate

Type

Generic (SAE)

Recommended Tools

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