Code
U1901
Generic
U — Network/User
Communication Bus 'A' Off (loss of network communication)
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Open circuit in bus wiring (broken CAN_H or CAN_L)
- Short to battery or short to ground on bus wiring
- Failed/or stuck module driving bus into dominant state
- Missing or damaged termination resistors
- Loss of power or ground to one or more bus nodes
- Corroded/damaged connectors or wiring harness
Symptoms
- Multiple control modules not responding to scan tool
- No network data messages or intermittent communications
- Warning lights or MIL illuminated for multiple systems
- Loss of instrument cluster data, engine/ABS/BCM features
- Vehicle may go into limp mode or refuses to crank/start if critical modules are unreachable
What to check
- Connect a diagnostic scan tool and confirm U1901 and any related U-codes; record freeze frame and module presence
- Visually inspect wiring harnesses, connectors, and modules on Bus A for damage, corrosion, or water intrusion
- Check fuses and power/ground circuits for modules that interface to Bus A
- Measure DC voltage at CAN_H and CAN_L relative to chassis with ignition ON (expected ~2.5 V idle)
- Measure resistance across CAN_H and CAN_L with ignition OFF — expected ~60 Ω (two 120 Ω terminators in parallel)
- Check for short to battery or ground on each bus conductor with an ohmmeter
Signal parameters
- Idle (recessive) voltage: CAN_H ≈ 2.5 V, CAN_L ≈ 2.5 V (measured vs chassis)
- Dominant state: CAN_H ≈ 3.5 V, CAN_L ≈ 1.5 V (differential ≈ 2.0 V)
- Termination: nominal two 120 Ω resistors (ends) → ~60 Ω across bus
- Common data rates: 125 kbps, 250 kbps, 500 kbps (verify vehicle-specific rate)
- No communication: bus may appear stuck dominant (one line low/high) or idle with no toggling
Diagnostic algorithm
- Confirm the code and note any accompanying U-codes; attempt to communicate with modules using a scan tool and list which modules respond.
- Perform a visual inspection of Bus A wiring, connectors, and modules; check for recent repairs or aftermarket installs.
- Verify power and ground supplies for gateway/interface modules and any modules that provide transceivers to Bus A; check related fuses.
- With ignition ON, measure CAN_H and CAN_L voltages vs chassis. Look for stuck/high/low values or equal voltages indicating open/short conditions.
- With ignition OFF, measure resistance between CAN_H and CAN_L at a convenient connector; expected ≈60 Ω. If much higher → open/poor termination; near 0 Ω → direct short.
- Isolate by disconnecting sections or individual modules: unplug non-critical modules or aftermarket devices one at a time while watching bus resistance and scan tool communications to find the offending node.
- Use an oscilloscope or dedicated CAN tester to view signal waveforms and confirm proper differential signaling and data activity. Look for collisions, constant dominant, or noise.
- If a specific module is identified as faulty (holding bus dominant or not responding), verify power/ground and replace or reprogram module per manufacturer procedures. Repair or replace damaged wiring/terminators as required.
- After repairs, clear codes and perform full system scan and road test to confirm normal communications and that U1901 does not return.
Likely causes
- Short (to ground or +12V) or open on CAN_H or CAN_L
- Failed module with defective transceiver holding line dominant
- Missing/shorted termination resistors (should be 120 Ω at each end)
- Loss of module supply or ground interrupting the network
- Corroded connector or water intrusion at a gateway/module connector
Fault status
Status
Loss of communication on Bus A — network messages missing or bus driven off/held dominant. Multiple modules may be not responding.
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 1-4 hours
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