Code
U2600
Generic
U — Network/User
Invalid CAN communication received
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Damaged or corroded CAN wiring or connectors
- Failed CAN transceiver in a control module
- Incorrect or mismatched module software/configuration on the bus
- Missing or incorrect termination resistors (open/shorted termination)
- Electrical interference (EMI) or high bus load causing bit errors
- Loose or poor ground or power supply to one or more modules
Symptoms
- MIL (check engine) or warning lamp(s) illuminated
- Intermittent or permanent loss of functionality for one or more modules or subsystems
- Erratic instrument cluster readings or switched functions
- Stored communication-related DTCs in one or more modules
- Modules showing as offline or not responding to diagnostic tool
- Network-related fault flags such as bus-off in ECU error counters
What to check
- Read all modules and record all stored and pending DTCs and freeze-frame data
- Visually inspect CAN wiring, connectors and grounds for damage, corrosion, loose pins or aftermarket splices
- Confirm vehicle history: recent module replacements, software updates, or accessory installations
- Measure termination resistance between CAN_H and CAN_L at key harness connectors (expect ~60 Ω with two 120 Ω terminators)
- Use a scan tool to monitor CAN bus traffic and note missing, malformed, or abnormally timed frames
- Check battery and module supply/ground voltages for stability
Signal parameters
- Idle (recessive) voltage: CAN_H ≈ 2.5 V, CAN_L ≈ 2.5 V (each)
- Dominant state voltages: CAN_H ≈ 3.5 V, CAN_L ≈ 1.5 V (differential ≈ 2.0 V)
- Expected bus bit rates: commonly 125 kb/s, 250 kb/s, 500 kb/s, 1 Mb/s — verify correct baud for vehicle
- Differential voltage between CAN_H and CAN_L (dominant ≈ 2.0 V, recessive ≈ 0 V)
- Termination resistance across CAN_H and CAN_L ≈ 60 Ω (two 120 Ω in parallel)
- Error counters/TEC/REC and bus-off counts from affected modules
Diagnostic algorithm
- Retrieve and document all stored/pending U- and P-codes and freeze-frame data from every module on the network.
- Note recent service or accessory work that could have introduced wiring changes or replacement modules.
- Visually inspect CAN_H/CAN_L wiring, connectors and module pins for damage, corrosion, bent pins or aftermarket splices; repair any issues found.
- With ignition off, measure termination resistance between CAN_H and CAN_L at diagnostic connector or harness — expect ≈60 Ω. If open or low, trace and repair termination.
- With a bidirectional scan tool, monitor live CAN traffic while exercising affected functions; identify missing or malformed frames and which node/transmit ID is associated.
- Probe CAN_H and CAN_L with an oscilloscope (or CAN bus analyzer). Verify proper recessive/dominant voltages, clean edges, correct bit timing, and absence of repeated bit errors or distortions.
- Isolate the network segment: disconnect suspect modules or aftermarket devices one at a time while monitoring bus quality to locate the node causing invalid frames.
- If a suspect module is identified, check its supply and ground, re-seat connectors, update or reflash module software if available, or replace module/transceiver per manufacturer guidance.
- After repair, clear all codes, re-run communication checks, and road-test while monitoring CAN traffic to confirm no recurrence.
- If fault persists and root cause cannot be isolated, escalate to manufacturer-specific diagnostics or specialist with OEM-level tools.
Likely causes
- Wiring harness damage, chafing, or poor connector pin contact on CAN_H/CAN_L
- Faulty CAN transceiver on a control module causing malformed frames
- Incorrect termination (open or shorted 120 Ω resistors) or additional unintended termination
- Software mismatch or corrupted firmware in a recently replaced/updated module
- Intermittent ground or supply voltage to a module causing corrupted transmissions
Fault status
Status
Invalid CAN communication received — one or more frames failed protocol validation (malformed data, CRC/timing error, or unexpected message).
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 1–4 hours
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