Code
B1A68
Generic
B — Body
Body Control Module (BCM) CAN Bus Communication Fault
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UK: 0
EN: 2
RU: 0
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Damaged CAN bus wiring (open, short to ground or battery)
- Corroded or loose BCM connector or pins
- Poor or missing ground or battery supply to BCM
- Failed or intermittent Body Control Module
- Another module on the CAN network is pulling the bus down
- Missing or incorrect CAN termination resistor
Symptoms
- No response or limited response from BCM on a scan tool
- Multiple body systems inoperative (lights, locks, windows, wipers)
- Intermittent or permanent loss of convenience features (keyless entry, dome lights)
- Dashboard warnings for modules or CAN communication
- Other modules reporting 'lost communication with BCM'
- Possible abnormal battery drain or failure to wake from sleep
What to check
- Connect an OEM-level scan tool and attempt to communicate with the BCM. Record related U-codes and freeze frame data.
- Check vehicle battery voltage (should be ~12.6 V at rest) and charging system health.
- Visually inspect BCM connectors and harness for corrosion, bent pins, water intrusion, or mechanical damage.
- Check fuses and power/ground circuits for the BCM.
- Measure CAN‑H and CAN‑L voltages at the BCM connector with key on (see signal_params).
- Check continuity and resistance of CAN‑H and CAN‑L between BCM and other network nodes; check for shorts to ground or battery.
Signal parameters
- Typical voltages (varies by vehicle): Recessive state: CAN‑H ≈ 2.5 V, CAN‑L ≈ 2.5 V
- Dominant state: CAN‑H ≈ 3.5 V, CAN‑L ≈ 1.5 V (differential ≈ 2 V)
- Idle differential voltage should be near 0 V between nodes in recessive state, measured as CAN‑H ≈ CAN‑L ≈ 2.5 V
- Termination: two 120 Ω resistors in parallel (one at each end) → ~60 Ω measured across CAN‑H and CAN‑L at a single point
- Common CAN speeds: 250 kbps or 500 kbps (verify vehicle spec before waveform analysis)
- Expected behaviour: stable square/bit waveforms on scope; excessive noise, dominant stuck levels, or distorted edges indicate wiring/module faults
Diagnostic algorithm
- Record DTC and any freeze frame data. Clear codes and attempt to re-create to confirm consistency.
- Verify battery and charging voltages, inspect BCM power and ground circuits and fuses.
- Attempt to communicate with BCM using a scan tool. Note 'no response' or partial response and check whether other modules can see the BCM.
- Visually inspect BCM connector, pins and harness. Repair any corrosion, bent pins or damaged insulation before further testing.
- Backprobe CAN‑H and CAN‑L at the BCM with an accurate multimeter: confirm recessive voltages ~2.5 V, then monitor while key/ignition cycles to observe changes.
- Measure termination resistance across CAN‑H and CAN‑L. If not ~60 Ω, locate missing/failed terminator(s) or open splices.
- Use an oscilloscope to view CAN waveforms at BCM and at a known-good node; compare wave shapes, amplitude, and timing to identify fault location or noisy segments.
- Isolate sections of the network if necessary: disconnect suspect modules one at a time (with proper service procedure) while monitoring the bus to see when communication is restored.
- Repair wiring, connectors, grounds, or replace faulty module(s) as indicated by tests. Replace BCM only after wiring and bus integrity are confirmed.
- After repairs, clear codes, verify communication with scan tool, and perform functional checks of affected systems. Reprogram/configure replaced modules per manufacturer procedure.
Likely causes
- Loose/corroded connector at the BCM
- Short or high resistance in CAN‑H or CAN‑L between BCM and network
- Failed BCM
- Faulty termination (open or incorrect resistor)
- Another module fault affecting bus communication
Fault status
Status
BCM CAN bus communication fault — Body Control Module not communicating properly on vehicle CAN network.
Repair difficulty: Hard
Diagnostic time: 1.0-4.0 hours
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