Code
U1700
Generic
U — Network/User
Control Module Communication - Bus Off
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- CAN/CAN-FD bus wiring shorted to battery or ground
- Open or high-resistance CAN wiring or connector corrosion
- Failed CAN transceiver or control module ECU
- Missing or damaged termination resistor(s)
- Excessive electrical noise or voltage spikes on the bus
- Low battery or poor ground connections
Symptoms
- Loss of communication with the affected module(s)
- Multiple U-codes or 'lost communication' faults present
- Malfunctions or loss of systems controlled by the module (e.g., ABS, instrument cluster, HVAC)
- MIL or warning messages illuminated
- No or erratic network data visible on a scan tool
- Modules entering limp/fail-safe modes
What to check
- Read all stored and pending DTCs and freeze frame data with a scan tool
- Identify which module reports BUS-OFF and note network name (CAN1/CAN2/CAN-FD)
- Check battery voltage and main ground connections (stable 12V while cranking)
- Inspect CAN connectors and harnesses for damage, corrosion, or recent repairs
- Measure termination resistance across CAN_H and CAN_L (≈60 Ω with two 120 Ω terminators)
- Measure idle voltages on CAN_H and CAN_L with key on (recessive ≈2.5 V each, differential ≈0 V)
Signal parameters
- CAN_H idle voltage ≈ 2.5 V (recessive); dominant ≈ 3.5 V
- CAN_L idle voltage ≈ 2.5 V (recessive); dominant ≈ 1.5 V
- Bus differential (CAN_H - CAN_L) ≈ 0 V idle, ≈ 2.0 V dominant
- Termination resistance across CAN_H and CAN_L ≈ 60 Ω (two 120 Ω terminators)
- Bit rate / baud (e.g., 125 kb/s, 250 kb/s, 500 kb/s or CAN-FD rates)
- Error counters and bus-off status flags reported by the ECU
Diagnostic algorithm
- Connect a capable scan tool; record all U-codes and which module reports BUS-OFF. Note network name.
- Confirm battery voltage stable ≥12 V and good main grounds before continuing diagnostics.
- Visual inspection of wiring harnesses, connectors, and modules on the affected network for damage or corrosion.
- Check termination resistance across CAN_H and CAN_L with ignition off (~60 Ω expected).
- Measure CAN_H and CAN_L voltages with key on (recessive ~2.5 V each).
- Use an oscilloscope or CAN bus analyzer to view traffic and error frames. Look for continuous dominant state, repeated error frames, or lack of traffic.
- Isolate sections: disconnect non-critical modules or aftermarket devices one at a time (with proper procedures) to see if bus recovers from BUS-OFF.
- If a specific module transceiver is suspected, test/replace transceiver or swap with known-good identical module if available.
- Repair wiring, connectors, or termination as required. Clear codes and attempt to reinitialize the bus (some modules recover only after key cycles or programmed reflash).
- After repair, clear codes, verify normal bus traffic with scan tool/scope, and confirm all affected systems operate correctly. Road test if needed.
Likely causes
- Faulty module CAN transceiver or internal driver causing continuous errors
- Short to battery/ground on CAN_H or CAN_L
- Open/intermittent CAN wiring or damaged connector
- Failed/missing 120 Ω termination resistor (no parallel termination)
- External device or aftermarket accessory injecting noise onto the bus
Fault status
Status
Control module has entered BUS-OFF on the vehicle network; communication is lost until bus errors are resolved.
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 1.0-3.0 hours
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