AutoCodesGeneric – U0128

U0128 Code - Lost Communication With Park Brake Control Module

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 Park Brake Control Module, Park Brake Control Module harness is open or shorted, Park Brake Control 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
U0128 indicates Lost Communication With Park Brake Control Module.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Park Brake Control Module, Park Brake Control Module harness is open or shorted, Park Brake Control 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.
AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat
Code Popularity 21,023
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Mar 30, 2020
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Code U0128 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 Park Brake Control Module has not been received.
OBDII Code U0128 - Lost Communication With Park Brake Control Module - AutoCodes.com
U0128 Code - Lost Communication With Park Brake Control Module

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC U0128?

  • Faulty Park Brake Control Module
  • Park Brake Control Module harness is open or shorted
  • Park Brake Control Module circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC U0128?

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 U0128 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 U0128 code?

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Need Help with the Code?

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Information for Specific Makes

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 U0128 Code

What does the OBDII code U0128 mean?

1. U0128 indicates that the vehicle’s main control modules have lost communication with the Park Brake Control Module (PBCM). 2.

What are common symptoms of the U0128 code?

Symptoms can include the parking brake not engaging or releasing, warning lights on the dashboard, and potential loss of electronic brake functionality. 3.

What causes the U0128 code to appear?

Common causes include a faulty Park Brake Control Module, damaged wiring or connectors, software glitches, or a weak battery. 4.

Can driving with the U0128 code damage my car?

While driving may still be possible, the parking brake system may not function correctly, which could pose safety risks, especially on steep inclines. 5.

How do I diagnose the U0128 code?

Start by checking for loose or corroded wiring and connectors near the parking brake system. If no visible damage is found, use a scan tool to test the PBCM and related circuits. 6.

Can low battery voltage trigger the U0128 code?

Yes, low or unstable battery voltage can interrupt communication with the Park Brake Control Module and cause the code to set. 7.

How is the U0128 code fixed?

Repairs may include replacing or repairing damaged wiring, cleaning corroded connectors, updating the module’s software, or replacing the Park Brake Control Module if it’s defective. 8.

What tools are needed to troubleshoot the U0128 code?

A scan tool capable of reading manufacturer-specific codes, a multimeter for checking circuits, and possibly a wiring diagram for the Park Brake Control Module system. 9.

Does the U0128 code always mean the Park Brake Control Module is bad?

No, the issue could also stem from wiring problems, connector corrosion, or communication errors in other related modules. 10.

How much does it cost to repair the U0128 code?

Repair costs vary depending on the cause. Fixing wiring issues may cost $100-$200, while replacing the Park Brake Control Module could cost $500-$1,000 or more, including labor.

Discuss the causes and fixes for U0128 OBDII Code

  • Hello
    I have a Land Rover Discovery-05.
    It has error code U0128 and the parking brake light lights up orange all the time. The parking brake does not work at all, not a noise.
    The insurance is complete and there is electricity on it. There is a power on 2 pins of a red and one green white cable on the connector at the module underneath the car. It landed on 2 black cables there. Have checked all the cables that are under the car. Did not find the error?

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