AutoCodes – Generic – U0046

U0046 Code - Vehicle Communication Bus 'C'

Quick Answer

A Controller Area Network (CAN) is a vehicle bus standard designed to interconnect automotive devices without a host computer. Common causes include Diagnosis of this Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) is accomplished via the vehicle symptom(s), Check for more codes, Faulty Control Module. 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
U0046 indicates Vehicle Communication Bus 'C'.
Common causes
Common causes include Diagnosis of this Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) is accomplished via the vehicle symptom(s), Check for more codes, Faulty Control Module.
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.
AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat
Code Popularity 27,213
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Mar 29, 2020
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Code U0046 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 supervised periodic message that includes the transmitter device availability has not been received.
OBDII Code U0046 - Vehicle Communication Bus 'C' - AutoCodes.com
U0046 Code - Vehicle Communication Bus 'C'

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC U0046?

  • Diagnosis of this Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) is accomplished via the vehicle symptom(s)
  • Check for more codes
  • Faulty Control Module
  • Control Module harness is open or shorted
  • Control Module circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC U0046?

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 U0046 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 U0046 code?

Need more information on how to fix the U0046 code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

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Get the U0046 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 U0046 Code

1. What are common symptoms of OBDII code U0046?

- Common symptoms include issues with the vehicle's communication systems, such as difficulty starting the vehicle, loss of communication with modules, and warning lights on the dashboard.

2. What does OBDII code U0046 indicate?

- OBDII code U0046 indicates a problem with the Vehicle Communication Bus 'C', which is a communication network used by various modules in the vehicle to exchange information.

3. What are possible causes of OBDII code U0046?

- Possible causes of U0046 include damaged wiring or connectors in the communication network, faulty modules connected to the bus, or issues with the power supply to the communication bus.

4. How can I diagnose the cause of OBDII code U0046?

- Diagnosing U0046 typically involves using a diagnostic scan tool to retrieve the code and checking the communication network for any physical damage, loose connections, or faulty modules.

5. Can I still drive my vehicle with OBDII code U0046?

- It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with OBDII code U0046 present, as it may lead to further communication issues and potential safety hazards.

6. How can I repair OBDII code U0046?

- Repairing U0046 involves identifying and fixing the underlying cause, which may include repairing damaged wiring, replacing faulty modules, or addressing power supply issues to the communication bus.

7. Is it necessary to reset the OBDII code U0046 after repairing the issue?

- Yes, it is important to clear the code after repairing the underlying issue to reset the vehicle's computer system and ensure that the problem has been resolved.

8. Can a DIY enthusiast fix OBDII code U0046 at home?

- While diagnosing U0046 can be done with a diagnostic scan tool, repairing the issue may require specialized knowledge and tools, so it is recommended to consult a professional mechanic.

9. How much does it cost to repair OBDII code U0046 at a repair shop?

- The cost of repairing U0046 can vary depending on the underlying cause and the labor rates of the repair shop, but it may range from $100 to $500 or more, including parts and labor.

10. Will OBDII code U0046 cause my vehicle to fail an emissions test?

- OBDII code U0046 may not directly cause your vehicle to fail an emissions test, but it is an indication of a problem that should be addressed to ensure the proper functioning of the vehicle's communication systems.

Discuss the causes and fixes for U0046 OBDII Code

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