Code
U0015
Generic
U — Network/User
Medium Speed CAN Communication Bus (-) Open
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Open or broken CAN- wire in harness
- Corroded, bent, or poorly seated connector pins on CAN- terminals
- Damaged CAN bus transceiver in a module
- Short or intermittent connection to battery positive or ground affecting CAN-
- Failed module pulling the bus to an open or invalid state
- Missing or incorrect termination resistor(s) on the medium-speed CAN network
Symptoms
- MIL (check engine light) or communication related warning lamp illuminated
- Loss of functions controlled by modules on the medium-speed CAN network (e.g., body modules, gateways, sensors)
- Intermittent or permanent module communication faults on scan tool
- Multiple U‑codes or dependent DTCs for modules that cannot be reached
- No data or timeout when requesting data from modules on the MS CAN network
What to check
- Scan for all U‑codes and module-specific COMM codes; note modules reporting loss of communication
- Visually inspect CAN wiring, connectors, and harness routing for damage, corrosion, abrasions, or rodents
- Verify relevant fuses and power/ground for modules on this CAN network
- Check connector seating at gateway/module junctions and any splice boxes
- Measure resistance across CAN H and CAN L at key connector points (expected ~60 Ω with network intact)
- Use a multimeter or oscilloscope to measure idle voltages on CAN- and CAN+ at multiple nodes
Signal parameters
- Recessive state: CAN+ ≈ 2.5 V, CAN- ≈ 2.5 V (both lines near mid‑rail)
- Dominant state: CAN+ ≈ 3.5 V, CAN- ≈ 1.5 V (differential ~2.0 V)
- Bus differential (dominant) ≈ 2.0 V
- Termination resistance: ≈ 60 Ω measured across CAN H and CAN L with network connected (two 120 Ω terminators in parallel)
- Typical medium-speed CAN baud rate: commonly 125 kbps (verify vehicle-specific rate)
Diagnostic algorithm
- Connect a diagnostic scan tool; record U0015 and related codes and freeze frame data. Check for multiple network faults.
- Identify all modules on the medium-speed CAN network and note their connector/power/ground locations from wiring information.
- Visually inspect wiring, connectors, harnesses, and splice points for damage, corrosion, pin push‑out or moisture at each module and gateway.
- Verify fuses and module power/grounds. Repair any lost power or poor ground before further testing.
- With ignition on, measure idle voltages at CAN+ and CAN- at a convenient connector near the gateway and at remote modules; compare to expected values.
- Measure DC resistance across CAN H and CAN L at several points. If resistance is very high or open, suspect an open circuit; if low to ground or battery, suspect short.
- Use a scope to view waveforms at multiple nodes while bus is active. Look for missing transitions on CAN-, missing dominant pulses, or flatline on CAN-.
- If short/open not localized, disconnect modules one at a time (unplug) while monitoring bus resistance/voltages to identify module causing open or loading the line.
- Repair or replace damaged wiring, connectors, or terminals. Replace faulty module transceivers only after isolating the bad module. Ensure proper reconnection and corrosion protection.
- Reinstall proper termination resistors if missing or incorrect. Clear codes, perform key-on and test drive, and verify code does not return and all modules communicate normally.
Likely causes
- Broken/chafed CAN- conductor between modules
- Disconnected or corroded connector at a gateway or module
- Failed CAN transceiver in one module (internal open)
- Open splice or poor crimp in harness splice box
- Removed or incorrect termination (open 60 Ω across bus)
- Blown fuse or lost power/ground to a module that provides CAN- continuity
Fault status
Status
Medium Speed CAN bus (CAN-) open — loss of communication on the negative CAN line (open circuit detected).
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 1.5 - 3.0 hours
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