C162500 — CAN Time-Out ABS/ESP | CAN time-out ESC

Causes

• Open, short or intermittent wiring on the CAN high/low lines
• Failed ABS/ESC control module or internal CAN transceiver
• Poor power or ground to the ABS/ESC module
• Missing or incorrect CAN termination (open or shorted terminator)
• Corroded or loose connectors at module or junction points
• Aftermarket device or module interfering with the CAN bus

Symptoms

• ABS, ESP or ESC warning lamp(s) illuminated on dash
• Traction control / stability functions disabled or nonfunctional
• Scanner shows 'No Communication' or timeout with ABS/ESC module
• Related systems that rely on CAN messages may show errors
• Intermittent or permanent loss of ABS/ESC status or wheel-speed data

What to check

• Use a professional scan tool to confirm C162500, read freeze frame and stored codes, and check live communication status with the ABS/ESC module
• Inspect ABS/ESC module connector for corrosion, bent pins, water ingress and secure locking
• Visually trace CAN H and CAN L wiring for damage, chafing, pinch points, repairs or aftermarket splices
• Measure CAN H and CAN L idle voltages with ignition ON (expected ~2.4–2.6 V) and check differential behavior while cranking
• Measure bus termination resistance across CAN H–CAN L with battery disconnected (approx. 60 ohms for two 120Ω terminators in parallel)
• Check module power and ground circuits for correct voltage and low resistance to chassis ground

Signal parameters

• CAN High (CAN H) idle ≈ 2.4–2.6 V, CAN Low (CAN L) idle ≈ 2.4–2.6 V; differential ~0 V at rest
• Healthy bus shows periodic ABS/ESC message IDs at regular intervals (tens to hundreds of ms depending on parameter)
• Expected bus speed commonly 500 kb/s (verify vehicle-specific documentation)
• Termination: two 120 Ω resistors in parallel ≈ 60 Ω across CAN H–CAN L
• Loss of messages, long gaps, or dominant-level stuck signals indicate wiring or node failure

Similar codes