Code
B298E
Generic
B — Body
Body Control Module Communication Fault
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Faulty BCM (internal failure or software error)
- Open, short or high resistance in CAN/wiring harness between BCM and network
- Poor power supply or ground to the BCM (low battery, corroded ground)
- Faulty connector or pin damage at BCM or intermediate junctions
- Bus termination fault (missing or incorrect resistor) or short to battery/ground on CAN_H or CAN_L
- Intermittent connection caused by chafed wiring, water intrusion or corrosion
Symptoms
- Warning lights on instrument cluster (communication warnings)
- Loss or intermittent operation of body functions (locks, lighting, wipers, HVAC, immobilizer)
- No response to remote/keyless entry or intermittent remote operation
- Multiple module communication errors present on a scan tool
- Some modules report ‘‘no communication’’ or go bus-off
What to check
- Retrieve freeze frame and full communication list with a scan tool; note time/states when fault logged
- Check battery voltage at rest and cranking; ensure proper battery state (12.4–12.8V nominal at rest)
- Verify BCM key power and ground pins for good contact and
- Visually inspect BCM connectors and harness for corrosion, bent pins, water intrusion and damage
- Check CAN bus physical condition and routing for chafe points or recent repairs
- Check for related network U-codes (U0100, U0140, etc.) to find affected segments
Signal parameters
- CAN bus idle (recessive): CAN_H ≈ 2.5 V, CAN_L ≈ 2.5 V, differential ≈ 0 V
- CAN bus dominant: CAN_H ≈ 3.5 V, CAN_L ≈ 1.5 V, differential ≈ 2 V
- Expected CAN bus resistance between H and L (ignition off): ≈ 60 Ω (two 120 Ω terminators in parallel)
- No continuous short to battery or ground on CAN lines (measure resistance to battery and ground)
Diagnostic algorithm
- Safety first: follow vehicle-specific service manual and disconnect battery per procedure when required; use ESD precautions when handling modules.
- Connect a capable scan tool and record active/stored DTCs and live network module list. Note which modules are missing or reporting errors.
- Attempt to recreate the fault by cycling ignition and operating affected circuits; watch live data and module presence.
- Check BCM power and ground: verify voltages at connector with ignition on/off and measure ground resistance to chassis.
- Visually inspect connectors and harness; repair any corrosion, bent pins or damaged insulation. Re-seat connectors and apply dielectric grease where appropriate.
- Measure CAN_H and CAN_L voltages at the BCM connector with key on. Compare to expected signal_params. If bus is silent or stuck, look for shorts/open circuits.
- Measure resistance between CAN_H and CAN_L with key off; confirm ~60 Ω. If not, isolate segments by disconnecting harnesses/modules to find section causing mismatch.
- Wiggle-test harness and connectors while monitoring bus and for intermittent errors to locate broken wires.
- If wiring and power/ground are good, update BCM software/calibration per OEM procedure, then clear codes and retest.
- If all wiring, power, ground and bus termination verified and code persists, consider swapping in a known-good BCM or bench-testing BCM per manufacturer guidelines before replacement.
- After repair, clear DTCs and verify vehicle functions and network stability over a road test or extended cycle.
Likely causes
- Faulty or loose BCM ground or power supply
- Damaged or corroded connector pins at the BCM
- Short or open on CAN_H or CAN_L wiring near BCM or junctions
- Bus termination resistor missing or open
- Faulty BCM after wiring and power/ground verified
Fault status
Status
Body Control Module communication fault stored—BCM not responding properly on vehicle network or network errors detected. Verify wiring, power/ground, and other modules before replacement.
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 1.0-3.0 hours
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