Code
C161100
HYUNDAI
C — Chassis
CAN Time-out EMS
Views:
UK: 17
EN: 23
RU: 18
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Open or shorted CAN_H or CAN_L wiring
- Poor or corroded ground or battery connections
- Faulty EMS (engine control module) or other control module
- Missing or incorrect termination resistors on CAN bus
- Intermittent connector or pin damage at harness or module
- Low battery voltage or supply faults
Symptoms
- Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) or warning lights illuminated
- Reduced engine performance or limp-home mode if EMS loses communication with other modules
- No live EMS data available on scan tool or intermittent data
- Other modules may show related communication fault codes
- Vehicle may fail to start if critical messages are missing
What to check
- Connect a manufacturer-level scan tool and read all stored and pending DTCs; record freeze frame and live data
- Check battery voltage (should be within normal range, 12.4–12.9 V engine off; 13.5–14.8 V charging) and ground connections
- Visually inspect CAN connectors at EMS and gateway modules for corrosion, bent pins, or water intrusion
- Inspect CAN_H and CAN_L wiring along their full route for damage, chafing or recent repairs
- Check for other communication codes (U-codes) to identify which modules are not communicating
- Measure termination resistance across CAN_H and CAN_L with ignition off; expected ≈60 ohms (two 120 Ω resistors in parallel)
Signal parameters
- Idle (recessive) voltage: CAN_H ≈2.5 V, CAN_L ≈2.5 V (measured to chassis ground)
- Dominant message state: CAN_H ≈3.5 V, CAN_L ≈1.5 V (differential ≈2.0 V) when active
- Bus differential idle ≈0 V; active differential pulses when messages present
- Termination resistance: ≈60 Ω measured between CAN_H and CAN_L (ignition off)
- Typical high-speed CAN baud rate for powertrain networks: commonly 500 kbps (verify factory specification)
- EMS message period: periodic messages expected at defined intervals — absence beyond the module timeout threshold triggers the code
Diagnostic algorithm
- Record all DTCs and clear codes. Re-scan to see which codes return and whether C161100 reappears immediately or after driving.
- Verify battery voltage and ground; poor supply can cause communication drops. Repair any battery/ground issues before continuing.
- With a scan tool, check if EMS appears on the network and whether other modules report loss of communication (U-codes). Note which modules are silent.
- Visually inspect CAN connectors and harness for damage at EMS, gateway, fuse/relay boxes and any splices. Repair any damaged wiring or connectors.
- Measure CAN bus termination resistance across CAN_H and CAN_L (ignition off). Replace or restore missing/incorrect termination resistors if value far from ~60 Ω.
- Use an oscilloscope to observe CAN_H and CAN_L for correct idle voltages and message waveform integrity with ignition on. Look for missing messages, excessive noise, stuck dominant states or voltage offsets.
- If waveform shows no activity from the EMS but other modules are active, test power and ground to the EMS and confirm supply fuses and relays. Repair power/ground faults.
- If a specific module is silent or injecting noise, disconnect the module (if safe) and re-check bus activity to isolate the faulty unit.
- If wiring and other modules test good, consult technical service bulletins and consider reflashing or replacing the EMS per manufacturer procedures.
- After repairs, clear codes and perform road test to confirm the CAN timeout does not return.
Likely causes
- Open/loose connector or damaged wiring on CAN_H or CAN_L to the EMS
- Failed EMS or another module that should send periodic messages
- Faulty CAN bus termination (missing or shorted resistor)
Fault status
Status
CAN bus timeout: EMS communication lost or intermittent — check CAN wiring, termination, and module connectivity.
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 1.0-2.5 hours
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