AutoCodes – Generic – U0017

U0017 Code - Medium Speed CAN Communication Bus (-) High

Quick Answer

A Controller Area Network (CAN) is a vehicle bus standard designed to interconnect automotive devices without a host computer. Common causes include Diagnosis of this Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) is accomplished via the vehicle symptom(s), Check for more codes, Faulty Control Module. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means: U0017 indicates Medium Speed CAN Communication Bus (-) High.
Common causes: Common causes include Diagnosis of this Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) is accomplished via the vehicle symptom(s), Check for more codes, Faulty Control Module.
Severity: High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?: Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

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Code Popularity 5,992

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Mar 29, 2020

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code U0017 Description

A Controller Area Network (CAN) is a vehicle bus standard designed to interconnect automotive devices without a host computer. Operating information and commands are exchanged among the devices. The devices have programmed information about what messages are needed to be exchanged on the serial data circuits. CAN bus uses two dedicated wires for communication. The wires are called CAN high and CAN low. When the CAN bus is in idle mode, both lines carry 2.5V. When data bits are being transmitted, the CAN high line goes to 3.75V, and the CAN low drops to 1.25V, thereby generating a 2.5V differential between the lines. Since communication relies on a voltage differential between the two bus lines, the CAN bus is NOT sensitive to inductive spikes, electrical fields, or other noise. The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) sets when a supervised periodic message that includes the transmitter device availability has not been received.

OBDII Code U0017 - Medium Speed CAN Communication Bus (-) High - AutoCodes.com — U0017 Code - Medium Speed CAN Communication Bus (-) High

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC U0017?

Diagnosis of this Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) is accomplished via the vehicle symptom(s)
Check for more codes
Faulty Control Module
Control Module harness is open or shorted
Control Module circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC U0017?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the U0017 code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

Need more information about the U0017 code?

Need more information on how to fix the U0017 code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the U0017 code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

Information for Specific Makes

U0017 Ford — Medium Speed CAN Communication Bus (-) High
U0017 Lincoln — Medium Speed CAN Communication Bus (-) High
U0017 Mercury — Medium Speed CAN Communication Bus (-) High

About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about U0017 Code

1. What are common symptoms of OBDII code U0017 (Medium Speed CAN Communication Bus (-) High)?

- Common symptoms include intermittent or complete loss of communication with various control modules in the vehicle, malfunction indicator light (MIL) illumination, and potential drivability issues.

2. What are possible causes of OBDII code U0017?

- Possible causes of U0017 can include damaged wiring or connectors in the Medium Speed Controller Area Network (CAN) bus (-) circuit, faulty control modules, or issues with the CAN bus network itself.

3. How can I diagnose the cause of OBDII code U0017?

- Diagnosing U0017 typically involves checking the integrity of the CAN bus wiring, inspecting connectors for corrosion or damage, and using a diagnostic scan tool to communicate with the affected control modules and identify communication faults.

4. Are there any common repair tips for resolving OBDII code U0017?

- Common repair tips for U0017 may include repairing or replacing damaged wiring, cleaning or replacing connectors, resetting fault codes after repairs are made, and reprogramming control modules if necessary.

5. Can OBDII code U0017 be safely ignored or reset without repair?

- Ignoring or simply resetting U0017 without addressing the underlying issue is not recommended, as it can lead to ongoing communication problems between control modules and potential safety or drivability concerns.

6. How important is it to address OBDII code U0017 promptly?

- Promptly addressing U0017 is crucial to ensure proper communication between vehicle control modules, prevent potential performance issues, and maintain the overall functionality and safety of the vehicle.

7. Is it necessary to seek professional help for fixing OBDII code U0017?

- Due to the complexity of diagnosing and repairing communication network issues like U0017, seeking professional help from a qualified technician or automotive service center is often recommended for an accurate and timely resolution.

8. Can extreme weather conditions or environmental factors trigger OBDII code U0017?

- Yes, extreme weather conditions or environmental factors such as moisture intrusion can potentially cause electrical issues in the CAN bus system, leading to the triggering of U0017 and other related fault codes.

9. How can preventive maintenance help prevent OBDII code U0017 from occurring?

- Regular preventive maintenance, including checking and maintaining the integrity of electrical connections and wiring harnesses, can help prevent issues like U0017 by identifying and addressing potential problems before they escalate.

10. Are there any recalls or technical service bulletins related to OBDII code U0017?

- It's advisable to check with the vehicle manufacturer or authorized service centers for any recalls or technical service bulletins related to U0017, as they may provide specific repair procedures or guidance for addressing this code.