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Home / DTC / C161187 — CAN Time-out EMS

C161187 — CAN Time-out EMS

Detailed page for trouble code C161187.

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C161187

HYUNDAI C — Chassis

CAN Time-out EMS

Brand: HYUNDAI
Type: C — Chassis
Views: UK: 18 EN: 30 RU: 18
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Page language: EN

Causes

  • Open or short in CAN bus wiring between EMS and reporting module
  • Poor or corroded connector or pin (power, ground or CAN high/low)
  • Failed EMS (ECM/PCM) or reporting module
  • Missing or incorrect CAN bus termination (open or incorrect resistance)
  • Low battery voltage or intermittent power/ground to EMS or gateway module
  • Intermittent wiring damage (chafing, water intrusion)

Symptoms

  • MIL (check engine) or communication warning lamp illuminated
  • Loss of data from EMS on the scan tool (no PID values or stale data)
  • Reduced engine performance or limp-home mode if EMS messages are blocked to other modules
  • Multiple modules show communication errors or CAN timeout codes
  • Intermittent start/no-start or engine stalls if EMS not communicating
  • Some vehicle features dependent on EMS (transmission control, ABS integration) may behave erratically

What to check

  • Retrieve all stored codes and freeze frame data with an OEM-level scanner / diagnostic tool
  • Check battery voltage and charging system (battery at least 12.2 V with key on; >13.5 V with engine running)
  • Visually inspect wiring harnesses and connectors at the EMS, gateway, and reporting module for corrosion, damage, or bent pins
  • Verify power and ground circuits to the EMS and gateway module
  • Measure CANH and CANL idle voltages with ignition ON (see signal parameters) and check differential
  • Measure resistance across CANH-CANL at two different points to confirm termination (~60 ohms)

Signal parameters

  • Typical CAN idle voltages (ignition ON, bus idle): CANH ≈ 2.5 V, CANL ≈ 2.5 V
  • Dominant state voltages during data bits: CANH ≈ 3.5 V, CANL ≈ 1.5 V (differential ≈ 2.0 V)
  • Expected differential voltage (CANH - CANL) when active: ~2.0 V
  • Nominal bus bit-rate for powertrain CAN: commonly 500 kbps (verify vehicle-specific rate)
  • Termination resistance across CANH-CANL with two 120 Ω terminators in place: ≈ 60 Ω

Diagnostic algorithm

  1. Safety and data capture: Record conditions, retrieve and save all codes and freeze frame data with diagnostic tool. Note if multiple modules report loss of EMS communications.
  2. Battery and grounds: Verify battery state of charge and inspect/clean main battery negative and engine grounds. Repair any poor grounds and retest.
  3. Visual inspection: Inspect connectors and wiring from EMS to gateway/module reporting the timeout for damage, corrosion, or pins pushed out. Repair as needed.
  4. Confirm power to EMS: Verify ignition/switched power and constant power to EMS pins as per wiring diagram, plus local grounds.
  5. Verify CAN bus idle voltages: With ignition ON, measure CANH and CANL at the reporting module and at EMS connector. Compare values and note any open/short conditions.
  6. Check termination: Measure resistance across CANH-CANL at two far-apart points; expect ≈60 Ω. If open or much lower, investigate missing/bad terminator or short.
  7. Isolate network: If safe, disconnect non-essential modules or devices one at a time (including aftermarket) to see if communication returns. Use wiring diagrams to isolate segments.
  8. Oscilloscope test: If available, capture CAN waveform to identify noise, missing frames, bus loading, or bit errors. Look for expected message IDs from EMS and regular frame intervals.
  9. Module swap/programming: Only after wiring/power/termination are confirmed good, consider swapping or bench-testing suspected modules (refer to OEM procedures). Reprogram or update module software if required.
  10. Clear codes and retest: After repairs, clear fault codes, perform a drive or functional cycle, and verify the code does not return and that EMS data is present and stable on the scanner.

Likely causes

  • Damaged or corroded connector/pin at EMS or gateway module
  • Open/shorted CANH or CANL wiring (broken, pinched, or short to ground/power)
  • Faulty termination resistor (not ~60 ohms across CANH-CANL)
  • Poor ground or low battery voltage causing EMS to not transmit
  • Faulty EMS (less common after wiring and power/ground checks)

Fault status

⚠️ Status
CAN Timeout — no EMS messages received within timeout window
🟡 Repair difficulty: Medium
⏱️ Diagnostic time: 1.0 - 3.0 hours

Similar codes

U0100 U0073 U0121 U0020 C1201
371

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