AutoCodes – Mercury – U0253 Mercury

U0253 Mercury Code - Lost Communication With Accessory Protocol Interface Module

Quick Answer

The Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) communicates with the scan tool through the High Speed Controller Area Network (HS-CAN). Common causes include Faulty Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM), Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) harness is open or shorted, Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) 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: U0253 Mercury indicates Lost Communication With Accessory Protocol Interface Module.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM), Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) harness is open or shorted, Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) 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.

Save to My Repairs My Repairs

AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat

Code Popularity 1,524

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
Add Comment

💬 Need more help? Ask Coddy for instant answers — it's free!

Code U0253 Mercury Description

The Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) communicates with the scan tool through the High Speed Controller Area Network (HS-CAN). The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) monitors the APIM. The PCM sets the OBDII code when the APIM is not to factory specifications.

OBDII Code U0253 Mercury - Lost Communication With Accessory Protocol Interface Module - AutoCodes.com — U0253 Mercury Code - Lost Communication With Accessory Protocol Interface Module

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC U0253 Mercury?

Faulty Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM)
Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) harness is open or shorted
Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC U0253 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 U0253 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.

Need more information about the U0253 Mercury code?

Need more information on how to fix the U0253 Mercury code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the U0253 Mercury code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

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 U0253 Mercury Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code U0253 in a Mercury vehicle?

- Common symptoms include loss of communication with various vehicle systems, malfunctioning accessories, and warning lights on the dashboard.

2. What does the U0253 code "Lost Communication With Accessory Protocol Interface Module" mean in a Mercury?

- This code indicates a communication error between the vehicle's onboard computer and the Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM).

3. What are the possible causes of the U0253 code in a Mercury?

- The code U0253 can be triggered by issues such as a faulty APIM, damaged wiring or connectors, a blown fuse, or a software glitch.

4. How can I diagnose the U0253 code in my Mercury?

- To diagnose the U0253 code, you may need to perform a thorough inspection of the APIM, check the wiring and connectors for any damage, and use an OBDII scanner to retrieve further diagnostic trouble codes.

5. Can I still drive my Mercury with the U0253 code present?

- It is not recommended to drive your Mercury with the U0253 code present, as it can lead to potential safety hazards and further damage to the vehicle's systems.

6. How can I repair the U0253 code in my Mercury?

- Repairing the U0253 code may involve replacing a faulty APIM, repairing damaged wiring or connectors, resetting the system, or updating the software.

7. Will resetting the U0253 code make it go away permanently?

- Resetting the U0253 code may temporarily clear the error, but if the underlying issue is not addressed, the code is likely to reappear.

8. Can a DIY enthusiast fix the U0253 code in a Mercury?

- While some simple checks like inspecting wiring and connectors can be done by a DIY enthusiast, diagnosing and repairing the U0253 code may require professional help due to the complexity of modern vehicle systems.

9. How much does it typically cost to repair the U0253 code in a Mercury?

- The cost of repairing the U0253 code can vary depending on the root cause of the issue, but it may range from a few hundred to a couple of thousand dollars, including parts and labor.

10. Is the U0253 code specific to Mercury vehicles only?

- The U0253 code "Lost Communication With Accessory Protocol Interface Module" is not specific to Mercury vehicles and can occur in various other car makes and models equipped with similar systems.