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U2600 — Invalid CAN communication received

Detailed page for trouble code U2600.

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Code

U2600

Generic U — Network/User

Invalid CAN communication received

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Page language: EN

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

  1. Retrieve and document all stored/pending U- and P-codes and freeze-frame data from every module on the network.
  2. Note recent service or accessory work that could have introduced wiring changes or replacement modules.
  3. Visually inspect CAN_H/CAN_L wiring, connectors and module pins for damage, corrosion, bent pins or aftermarket splices; repair any issues found.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. After repair, clear all codes, re-run communication checks, and road-test while monitoring CAN traffic to confirm no recurrence.
  10. 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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