AutoCodes – Generic – U0286

U0286 Code - Lost Communication With Radiator Anti Tamper Device

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 Radiator Anti Tamper Device, Radiator Anti Tamper Device harness is open or shorted, Radiator Anti Tamper Device 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: U0286 indicates Lost Communication With Radiator Anti Tamper Device.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Radiator Anti Tamper Device, Radiator Anti Tamper Device harness is open or shorted, Radiator Anti Tamper Device 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 5,210

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 06, 2020

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
Comments
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Code U0286 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 Radiator Anti Tamper Device has not been received.

OBDII Code U0286 - Lost Communication With Radiator Anti Tamper Device - AutoCodes.com — U0286 Code - Lost Communication With Radiator Anti Tamper Device

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC U0286?

Faulty Radiator Anti Tamper Device
Radiator Anti Tamper Device harness is open or shorted
Radiator Anti Tamper Device circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC U0286?

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 U0286 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.