AutoCodes – Generic – U0072

U0072 Code - Vehicle Communication Bus 'E' (-) Shorted To Bus E (+)

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: U0072 indicates Vehicle Communication Bus 'E' (-) Shorted To Bus E (+).
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 6,278

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 U0072 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 U0072 - Vehicle Communication Bus 'E' (-) Shorted To Bus E (+) - AutoCodes.com — U0072 Code - Vehicle Communication Bus 'E' (-) Shorted To Bus E (+)

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC U0072?

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 U0072?

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 U0072 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.

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Need Help with the Code?

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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 U0072 Code

1. What does the OBDII code U0072 mean?

The U0072 code indicates that there is a communication issue within the vehicle's network, specifically that the Vehicle Communication Bus 'E' (-) is shorted to Bus 'E' (+).

2. What are the common symptoms of the U0072 code?

Symptoms may include warning lights on the dashboard, issues with electronic systems like ABS or traction control, and intermittent or complete loss of communication with certain modules.

3. What causes the U0072 code to appear?

Common causes include short circuits in the wiring, damaged connectors, faulty control modules, or corrosion in the vehicle's communication bus wiring.

4. How do I diagnose the U0072 code?

Start by inspecting the wiring and connectors for damage or corrosion, check the voltage levels on the communication bus, and use a scan tool to identify which module is not communicating.

5. Can I drive my car with the U0072 code?

It depends on the severity of the issue. If critical systems like braking or steering are affected, itâ€™s unsafe to drive. Otherwise, itâ€™s best to address the issue promptly.

6. How do I fix the U0072 code?

Repairs may involve replacing or repairing damaged wiring, cleaning or replacing corroded connectors, or replacing a faulty control module.

7. Can a weak battery cause the U0072 code?

Yes, a weak or failing battery can cause communication issues and trigger the U0072 code by disrupting the electrical signals in the network.

8. Is the U0072 code specific to any vehicle brand?

No, the U0072 code is a generic OBDII code and can appear on any vehicle equipped with an OBDII system, but the exact network configuration may vary by manufacturer.

9. How much does it cost to repair the U0072 code?

Repair costs can vary widely depending on the root cause, ranging from $50 for minor wiring repairs to several hundred dollars for module replacements.

10. Can a software update fix the U0072 code?

In some cases, a software update to the affected control module might resolve the issue if the communication problem is related to a programming error.