Code
U0100
Generic
U — Network/User
Lost Communication With ECM/PCM A
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Blown fuse or power supply fault to ECM/PCM
- Poor or corroded battery/ground connections
- Open, shorted, or damaged wiring in power, ground, or data lines (CAN/LIN)
- Faulty ECM/PCM or another module asserting bus-off
- Failed or missing termination resistor(s) on communication bus
- Intermittent connector contact or pin damage
Symptoms
- Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) or other warning lights illuminate
- No engine data or live parameters available from ECM/PCM with scan tool
- Crank or no-start conditions if ECM/PCM not powered
- Loss of engine-related features (cruise, transmission shifting faults) or limp-home behavior
- Multiple modules reporting network-related faults or reduced functionality
What to check
- Verify battery voltage and state of charge (12.4–12.8 V resting; >13.5 V with engine running)
- Check all fuses and relays related to ECM/PCM power and ignition feed
- Inspect main ECM/PCM connector for corrosion, bent pins, or pushed-out pins
- Scan all modules to see which modules are present and which report U-codes
- Check CAN bus physical layer: measure CAN_H and CAN_L voltages and termination resistance
- Look for aftermarket accessories connected to data or power circuits and disconnect them
Signal parameters
- CAN_H idle voltage: typically ~2.5–3.5 V (vehicle dependent)
- CAN_L idle voltage: typically ~1.5–2.5 V (vehicle dependent)
- Differential voltage during dominant state: commonly ~1.0–2.0 V
- Bus termination resistance: approximately 60 ohms measured between CAN_H and CAN_L (two 120Ω in parallel)
- Expected CAN bus traffic: presence of regular message frames at vehicle baud rate (e.g., 125 kbps, 250 kbps, 500 kbps)
- Bus error counters and 'bus-off' status reported by modules
Diagnostic algorithm
- Record freeze-frame data and all U-codes and related P/U codes from scan tool. Note when the fault was set (key on/off, driving, startup).
- Verify battery condition and main power/ground feeds to ECM/PCM. Repair any low voltage or bad ground before further testing.
- Check ECM/PCM power and constant/ignition feed fuses and relays. Replace or test relays and fuses as required.
- Visually inspect ECM/PCM connector and nearby wiring for damage, corrosion, moisture, or pin issues. Repair wiring and connectors as needed.
- Use a scan tool to poll the ECM/PCM. If no response, scan other network modules to determine which nodes are present and which also fail to communicate.
- Measure CAN_H and CAN_L voltages at the ECM/PCM connector with key ON (engine off) and compare to expected values. Check termination resistance between CAN_H and CAN_L with ignition off.
- If voltages or termination are out of range, isolate the short/open by disconnecting harness sections or peripheral modules and rechecking the bus until the fault clears or the problematic section is found.
- Inspect for modules in 'bus-off' condition. If a single aftermarket or failed module is causing bus issues, disconnect it and verify network operation.
- If wiring and external modules check good but ECM/PCM still unresponsive, consult vehicle-specific tech docs for ECM programming/flash or replacement procedures. Do not replace ECM/PCM unless other tests confirm module fault.
- After repairs, clear codes and perform a road/test cycle and re-scan to confirm the U0100 does not return.
Likely causes
- ECM/PCM lost battery power or main relay/fuse open
- CAN high or CAN low shorted to battery or ground near ECM/PCM
- Damaged connector or corroded pin at ECM/PCM harness
- Another control module in bus-off state preventing network communications
- Open or high-resistance ground at engine/chassis ground strap
Fault status
Status
Lost Communication With ECM/PCM A — the ECM/PCM is not responding on the vehicle data bus. Verify power and network integrity before replacing the module.
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 1-4 hours
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