AutoCodes – GMC – U1821 GMC

U1821 GMC Code - Lost Communication With 14V Power Module On Powertrain Expansion Communication Bus

Quick Answer

Devices connected to the powertrain high-speed General Motor Local Area Network (GMLAN) serial data circuits monitor for serial data communications during normal vehicle operation. Common causes include Faulty 14V Power Module, 14V Power Module harness is open or shorted, 14V Power Module 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
U1821 GMC indicates Lost Communication With 14V Power Module On Powertrain Expansion Communication Bus.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty 14V Power Module, 14V Power Module harness is open or shorted, 14V Power Module 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 472
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jun 07, 2020
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Code U1821 GMC Description

Devices connected to the powertrain high-speed General Motor Local Area Network (GMLAN) serial data circuits monitor for serial data communications during normal vehicle operation. Operating information and commands are exchanged among the devices. The devices have prerecorded information about what messages are needed to be exchanged on the serial data circuits, for each virtual network. The messages are supervised and also, some periodic messages are used by the receiver device as an availability indication of the transmitter device. Each message contains the identification number of the transmitter device.
The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will set when a supervised periodic message that includes the transmitter device availability has not been received.
OBDII Code U1821 GMC - Lost Communication With 14V Power Module On Powertrain Expansion Communication Bus - AutoCodes.com
U1821 GMC Code - Lost Communication With 14V Power Module On Powertrain Expansion Communication Bus

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC U1821 GMC?

  • Faulty 14V Power Module
  • 14V Power Module harness is open or shorted
  • 14V Power Module circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC U1821 GMC?

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 U1821 GMC 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 U1821 GMC code?

Need more information on how to fix the U1821 GMC code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the U1821 GMC 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 U1821 GMC Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code U1821 in a GMC vehicle?

- Common symptoms include loss of communication with the 14V power module, powertrain issues, and possible warning lights on the dashboard.

2. What can cause the OBDII code U1821 to trigger in a GMC vehicle?

- The code U1821 is typically triggered by a communication breakdown between the vehicle's powertrain expansion communication bus and the 14V power module.

3. How can I diagnose the cause of OBDII code U1821 in my GMC vehicle?

- Diagnosing this code usually involves checking the wiring connections, inspecting for damaged wires or connectors, and using a diagnostic scanner to communicate with the affected modules.

4. Is it safe to continue driving with OBDII code U1821 present in a GMC vehicle?

- It is not recommended to drive with this code active, as it can lead to potential powertrain issues and other related problems.

5. How can I repair OBDII code U1821 in my GMC vehicle?

- Repairing this code typically involves fixing any damaged wiring, ensuring proper connections, and resetting the fault codes using a diagnostic scanner.

6. Can a DIY enthusiast fix OBDII code U1821, or is professional help necessary?

- Depending on the level of expertise and access to tools, some DIY enthusiasts may be able to address this code by checking and repairing the communication bus and power module connections.

7. Are there any common mistakes to avoid when dealing with OBDII code U1821 in a GMC vehicle?

- Common mistakes to avoid include overlooking simple wiring issues, neglecting to clear the fault codes after repairs, and ignoring potential underlying powertrain problems.

8. Will resetting the OBDII code U1821 in my GMC vehicle solve the issue permanently?

- Resetting the code may temporarily clear the warning, but if the underlying communication problem persists, the code is likely to reappear until the root cause is addressed.

9. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code U1821 in a GMC vehicle?

- The repair cost can vary depending on the extent of the issue and whether it can be fixed through simple wiring repairs or requires more complex diagnostic work by a professional technician.

10. Can extreme weather conditions or environmental factors contribute to triggering OBDII code U1821 in a GMC vehicle?

- While extreme weather conditions may not directly trigger this code, exposure to moisture, corrosion, or physical damage from environmental factors can affect the communication systems and lead to the code being triggered.

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