Diagnostic Aids

Use the Data Link References to identify the powertrain high speed CAN devices.
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 device on the data communication circuit was disconnected while the communication circuit is awake.
- Power to one or more devices was interrupted during diagnosis.
- A low battery condition was present, so some devices stop communicating when battery voltage drops below a certain threshold.
- Battery power was restored to the vehicle and devices 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.
Do not replace a device reporting a U code. The U code identifies which device needs to be diagnosed for a communication issue.
Communication may be available between some devices and the scan tool with the powertrain high speed CAN serial data system inoperative. This condition is due to those devices using multiple serial data communication systems.
An open in the DLC ground circuit terminal 5 will allow the scan tool to operate but not communicate with the vehicle.
Technicians may find various Local Area Network (LAN) communication Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC).
Some devices may not have internal protection for specific voltage outputs and may open a battery positive voltage or ignition voltage source fuse. If a voltage input fuse is open and no short is found in that circuit, ensure that no device output voltage circuit is shorted to ground before replacing the device.