AutoCodes – Mercury – U0238 Mercury

U0238 Mercury Code - Lost Communication With Digital Audio Control Module 'D'

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 Digital Audio Control Module 'D', Digital Audio Control Module 'D' harness is open or shorted, Digital Audio Control Module 'D' 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: U0238 Mercury indicates Lost Communication With Digital Audio Control Module 'D'.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Digital Audio Control Module 'D', Digital Audio Control Module 'D' harness is open or shorted, Digital Audio Control Module 'D' 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 551

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 Apr 05, 2020

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code U0238 Mercury 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 Digital Audio Control Module 'D' has not been received.

OBDII Code U0238 Mercury - Lost Communication With Digital Audio Control Module 'D' - AutoCodes.com — U0238 Mercury Code - Lost Communication With Digital Audio Control Module 'D'

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC U0238 Mercury?

Faulty Digital Audio Control Module 'D'
Digital Audio Control Module 'D' harness is open or shorted
Digital Audio Control Module 'D' circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC U0238 Mercury?

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 U0238 Mercury 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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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 U0238 Mercury Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code U0238 in a Mercury vehicle?

- Common symptoms include loss of audio system functionality, such as no sound or controls not working, and potential issues with other vehicle modules.

2. What causes the OBDII code U0238 in a Mercury, indicating a "Lost Communication With Digital Audio Control Module 'D'"?

- The code U0238 is typically caused by a communication breakdown between the onboard diagnostic system and the Digital Audio Control Module 'D', possibly due to wiring issues or a faulty module.

3. How can I diagnose the OBDII code U0238 in my Mercury?

- Diagnosis involves using an OBDII scanner to retrieve the code, checking for any related symptoms, inspecting the wiring and connections to the Digital Audio Control Module 'D', and testing the module itself.

4. Is it safe to continue driving with the OBDII code U0238 in my Mercury?

- While the vehicle may still be operational, it is recommended to address the issue promptly to prevent any potential malfunctions or further damage to the audio system or other vehicle modules.

5. Can I repair the OBDII code U0238 issue in my Mercury myself?

- Depending on your technical skills and access to tools, you may be able to address the issue by checking and repairing wiring connections, replacing the Digital Audio Control Module 'D', or seeking professional assistance for a thorough diagnosis and repair.

6. Will resetting the OBDII code U0238 in my Mercury make it go away permanently?

- Simply resetting the code may temporarily clear the error, but if the underlying issue causing the communication problem persists, the code is likely to reappear. It's essential to diagnose and fix the root cause.

7. How much does it typically cost to repair the OBDII code U0238 in a Mercury at a dealership or repair shop?

- Repair costs can vary depending on the exact cause of the issue, labor rates, and the price of any necessary parts. It is advisable to obtain estimates from different service providers before proceeding with the repair.

8. Are there any recalls or technical service bulletins related to the OBDII code U0238 in Mercury vehicles?

- It is recommended to check with authorized Mercury dealerships or visit the manufacturer's website to inquire about any recalls or technical service bulletins related to the U0238 code and associated issues.

9. Can extreme weather conditions or environmental factors trigger the OBDII code U0238 in a Mercury?

- While rare, extreme weather conditions or environmental factors such as water exposure or excessive heat can potentially cause electrical malfunctions leading to communication errors with the Digital Audio Control Module 'D'.

10. How can I prevent the OBDII code U0238 from recurring in my Mercury after repair?

- To prevent the code from reappearing, ensure proper installation and secure connection of the Digital Audio Control Module 'D', regularly check for wiring issues, and address any related maintenance or repairs promptly.