Diagnostic Aids
- Sometimes, while diagnosing a specific customer concern or after a repair, you may notice a history U-code present. However, there is no associated "current" or "active" status. Loss-of- communication U-codes such as these can set for a variety of reasons. Many times, they are transparent to the vehicle operator and technician, and/or have no associated symptoms. Eventually, they will erase themselves automatically after a number of fault-free ignition cycles. This condition would most likely be attributed to one of these scenarios:
- A control module on the data communication circuit was disconnected while the communication circuit is awake.
- Power to one or more control modules was interrupted during diagnosis.
- A low battery condition was present, so some control modules stop communicating when battery voltage drops below a certain threshold.
- Battery power was restored to the vehicle and control modules on the communication circuit did not all re-initialize at the same time.
- If a loss-of-communication U-code appears in history for no apparent reason, it is most likely associated with one of the scenarios above. These are all temporary conditions and should never be interpreted as an intermittent fault, causing you to replace a part.
- A control module may have a U-code stored in history that does not require any repairs. Issues with late or corrupted messages between control modules can be temporary with no apparent symptom or complaint; this does not mean the control module is faulty. Do not replace a control module based only on a history U-code.
- Do not replace a control module reporting a U-code. The U-code identifies which control module needs to be diagnosed for a communication issue.
- Communication may be available between the control module and the scan tool with one or more GMLAN serial data systems inoperative. This condition is due to the control module using multiple GMLAN busses.
- Use Data Link References to determine what GMLAN serial data communications the non communicating control module uses.
- The control module may not have internal protection for specific control circuits and may open a B+ or ignition fuse. If a fuse is open and the B+ or ignition circuit is not shorted to ground, ensure none of the control circuits are shorted to ground before replacing the non communicating control module.