Home / DTC / C168700 — CAN Time-Out MDPS

C168700 — CAN Time-Out MDPS

Detailed page for trouble code C168700.

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Code

C168700

HYUNDAI C — Chassis

CAN Time-Out MDPS

Brand: HYUNDAI
Views: UK: 12 EN: 14 RU: 12
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Page language: EN

Causes

  • Open or short in CAN High/Low wiring to MDPS
  • Intermittent or corroded connector at MDPS or junctions
  • Faulty MDPS module or internal CAN transceiver failure
  • Missing/incorrect termination resistor or damaged bus topology
  • Low battery voltage or poor ground affecting MDPS or bus
  • Software mismatch or corrupted module software/firmware

Symptoms

  • Power steering warning lamp (EPS/MDPS) illuminated
  • Reduced or lost power steering assist / heavy steering
  • Steering-related fault messages on cluster or scan tool
  • Related modules showing CAN communication faults or lamping
  • Intermittent assist or assist lost under certain conditions

What to check

  • Read all stored and pending DTCs with a capable scan tool; note freeze-frame and occurrence pattern
  • Check battery voltage and main ground integrity (at rest and during cranking if required)
  • Visually inspect MDPS connector and CAN wiring for corrosion, damage, or water intrusion
  • Check for other modules reporting CAN bus errors (U-codes) on same bus
  • Measure CAN High/Low voltages at MDPS connector with ignition ON
  • Measure resistance across CAN_H and CAN_L with ignition OFF (termination check)

Signal parameters

  • Recessive (idle) voltage: CAN_H ≈ 2.5 V, CAN_L ≈ 2.5 V (each line)
  • Dominant state voltages: CAN_H ≈ 3.5 V and CAN_L ≈ 1.5 V (differential ≈ 2.0 V)
  • Termination resistance across CAN_H and CAN_L (ign OFF): ≈ 60 ohms (two 120Ω in parallel)
  • Expected MDPS message: periodic steering/assist status messages — typically repeated at a short interval (tens to hundreds of ms); code set when messages are not received within the module's timeout window

Diagnostic algorithm

  1. Connect OEM-capable scan tool, confirm C168700 and list any other CAN-related codes; record freeze-frame and occurrence count.
  2. Verify battery voltage (12.4–12.8 V nominal at rest). Recharge or replace battery if low and clear codes to retest.
  3. Inspect MDPS connector and wiring: disconnect, inspect pins for corrosion/bent pins, clean and secure connector.
  4. With ignition ON, measure CAN_H and CAN_L at the MDPS connector. Verify recessive voltages ~2.5 V and proper dominant transitions while steering/vehicle systems active (use scope if available).
  5. Check termination resistance across CAN pair with ignition OFF (~60 Ω). Investigate if open or out-of-spec.
  6. Monitor CAN traffic with a scan tool or scope. Confirm whether MDPS is transmitting messages and at what rate; if MDPS is silent while other modules communicate, suspect MDPS.
  7. Perform wiggle test on harness/junctions while monitoring CAN data and code status to find intermittent faults.
  8. Isolate by disconnecting non-essential nodes or removing suspected modules one at a time to identify a conflicting device.
  9. If wiring and bus health are good but MDPS shows no transmit, consider reflashing/updating MDPS software per manufacturer service bulletin, then retest.
  10. If MDPS still does not communicate and wiring/termination are verified OK, replace MDPS module and verify repair by clearing codes and confirming stable communication.

Likely causes

  • Damaged or loose CAN connector at the MDPS unit
  • Broken or shorted CAN wires (chafing, pinched harness)
  • Failed MDPS CAN transceiver or internal electronics
  • Faulty termination (open or double termination) on the CAN bus
  • Vehicle battery voltage below ECU operating threshold during event

Fault status

⚠️ Status
MDPS CAN time-out — MDPS did not receive/send expected CAN messages within the module timeout period.
🟡 Repair difficulty: Medium
⏱️ Diagnostic time: 1.0-2.5 hours

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