AutoCodes – Generic – U0183

U0183 Code - Lost Communication With Rear Lighting Control Module 'A'

Quick Answer

A Controller Area Network (CAN) is a vehicle bus standard designed to interconnect automotive devices without a host computer. Common causes include Faulty Rear Lighting Control Module 'A', Rear Lighting Control Module 'A' harness is open or shorted, Rear Lighting Control Module 'A' circuit poor electrical connection. 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
U0183 indicates Lost Communication With Rear Lighting Control Module 'A'.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Rear Lighting Control Module 'A', Rear Lighting Control Module 'A' harness is open or shorted, Rear Lighting Control Module 'A' circuit poor electrical connection.
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 2,261
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Apr 02, 2020
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Code U0183 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 periodic message from the Rear Lighting Control Module 'A' has not been received.
OBDII Code U0183 - Lost Communication With Rear Lighting Control Module 'A' - AutoCodes.com
U0183 Code - Lost Communication With Rear Lighting Control Module 'A'

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC U0183?

  • Faulty Rear Lighting Control Module 'A'
  • Rear Lighting Control Module 'A' harness is open or shorted
  • Rear Lighting Control Module 'A' circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC U0183?

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 U0183 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 U0183 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 U0183 Code

What does the OBDII code U0183 mean?

Code U0183 indicates a loss of communication between the vehicle's primary control modules and the Rear Lighting Control Module 'A'.

What are common symptoms of code U0183?

Symptoms may include malfunctioning rear lights, warning lights on the dashboard, or intermittent lighting failures.

What causes code U0183 to appear?

The code can be triggered by damaged wiring, poor electrical connections, a faulty Rear Lighting Control Module 'A', or issues with the CAN bus system.

Can I drive with the U0183 code active?

Driving with this code may not be safe if rear lights are not functioning properly, as it can compromise visibility and safety.

How can I diagnose code U0183?

Start by inspecting the wiring and connectors around the Rear Lighting Control Module 'A' and checking for continuity in the CAN bus system.

What tools are needed to fix code U0183?

You may need a multimeter, an OBDII scanner, and possibly wiring diagrams to trace electrical issues and diagnose the module.

Does U0183 require module replacement?

Not always; sometimes cleaning or repairing damaged connectors or wiring can resolve the issue without replacing the module.

Is this code specific to certain vehicle makes?

No, U0183 is a generic code applicable to vehicles equipped with OBDII systems and rear lighting control modules.

What should be checked first when troubleshooting U0183?

Begin by inspecting the wiring harness and connectors for damage, corrosion, or loose connections near the rear lighting control module.

Can a software update fix code U0183?

In rare cases, a software update for the vehicle's control modules may resolve communication issues if no physical damage is present.

Discuss the causes and fixes for U0183 OBDII Code

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