Home / DTC / C160E00 — CAN Bus Off P-CAN

C160E00 — CAN Bus Off P-CAN

Detailed page for trouble code C160E00.

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Code

C160E00

HYUNDAI C — Chassis

CAN Bus Off P-CAN

Brand: HYUNDAI
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Page language: EN

Causes

  • Physical damage to CAN wiring (chafing, pinched, broken conductors)
  • Short to battery or ground on CAN_H or CAN_L
  • Open circuit or high resistance in CAN wiring or connectors
  • Faulty CAN transceiver in a control module (ECM, TCM, ABS, BCM, etc.)
  • Missing or damaged termination resistor(s)
  • Corroded or poor module ground or battery connection

Symptoms

  • Multiple control modules report loss of communication or show related U‑codes
  • Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) or warning lights for powertrain/traction/ABS/instruments
  • No response from some modules with diagnostic scanner on P‑CAN network
  • Intermittent or permanent loss of functions tied to powertrain CAN (cruise control, transmission shifting, instrument cluster)
  • Vehicle may enter limp mode or fail to start if critical modules are offline

What to check

  • Read and record all present DTCs from every control module using a capable scanner
  • Inspect battery voltage and ground connections (engine and chassis grounds)
  • Visually inspect CAN wiring, connectors, and junctions for damage/corrosion/loose pins
  • Measure bus resistance between CAN_H and CAN_L (expected ~60 Ω with ignition on)
  • Measure idle voltages: CAN_H and CAN_L relative to ground (~2.5 V nominal)
  • Use oscilloscope or CAN analyzer to observe waveforms for dominant/recessive levels, error frames, and bus activity

Signal parameters

  • Idle (recessive) CAN_H ≈ 2.5 V, CAN_L ≈ 2.5 V (single‑ended)
  • Dominant state: CAN_H ≈ 3.5 V, CAN_L ≈ 1.5 V (approx. ±1 V swing each side; differential ≈ 2 V)
  • Bus resistance between CAN_H and CAN_L ≈ 60 Ω (two 120 Ω terminators in parallel)
  • Presence of repeated error frames or prolonged dominant state indicates a stuck transmitter
  • Bus‑off is indicated by a module ceasing normal transmission after repeated errors (node reports bus off state)

Diagnostic algorithm

  1. Connect a multi‑module capable scan tool; read and log all DTCs and network status messages from each module.
  2. Verify battery voltage and good engine/chassis grounds; correct any battery/ground issues first.
  3. Perform a visual inspection of P‑CAN wiring, splice packs, and module connectors; repair obvious damage or corrosion.
  4. With ignition ON, measure CAN_H and CAN_L voltages and confirm approx. 2.5 V idle; measure differential behavior during network activity.
  5. Measure termination resistance between CAN_H and CAN_L (target ≈ 60 Ω). If outside tolerance, inspect/replace termination resistors or related modules.
  6. Use an oscilloscope or CAN bus analyzer to capture waveforms; look for stuck dominant levels, excessive noise, and error frames. Note which module transmits when errors occur.
  7. Isolate the fault by disconnecting suspect modules or sections of harness one at a time while monitoring the bus; a restored normal bus indicates the isolated module/section contains the fault.
  8. Repair wiring, connectors, or replace faulty module/transceiver as identified. Ensure proper sealing and strain relief for harness repairs.
  9. After repairs, clear codes, perform reprogramming if required by manufacturer, and monitor bus during key on and driving to confirm stability.
  10. If no wiring fault found, consider replacement or bench testing of suspected ECU/transceiver per service manual procedures.

Likely causes

  • Loose or corroded connector at engine control module or junction splice on P‑CAN
  • Shorted CAN_H to battery from damaged harness near battery/engine bay
  • Open or high resistance in CAN_L due to pinched loom or repair splice
  • Faulty ECM/TCM CAN transceiver driving dominant bits continuously
  • Missing/failed 120 Ω termination resistor or damage to one termination leading to abnormal bus impedance

Fault status

⚠️ Status
P‑CAN Bus Off (C160E00): The powertrain CAN network has gone into bus‑off—communications on the P‑CAN are lost or unreliable due to repeated frame errors or an electrical fault. Normal operation requires locating and correcting the electrical or module fault and restoring correct termination and signal levels.
🔴 Repair difficulty: Hard
⏱️ Diagnostic time: 2-6 hours

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