AutoCodes – Lincoln – U0137 Lincoln

U0137 Lincoln Code - Lost Communication With Trailer 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 railer Brake Control (TBC) Module, Trailer Brake Control Module harness is open or shorted, Trailer 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: U0137 Lincoln indicates Lost Communication With Trailer Brake Control Module.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty railer Brake Control (TBC) Module, Trailer Brake Control Module harness is open or shorted, Trailer 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.

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Code Popularity 494

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 Mar 31, 2020

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code U0137 Lincoln 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 railer Brake Control (TBC) Module has not been received.

OBDII Code U0137 Lincoln - Lost Communication With Trailer Brake Control Module - AutoCodes.com — U0137 Lincoln Code - Lost Communication With Trailer Brake Control Module

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC U0137 Lincoln?

Faulty railer Brake Control (TBC) Module
Trailer Brake Control Module harness is open or shorted
Trailer Brake Control Module circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC U0137 Lincoln?

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 U0137 Lincoln 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.

Frequently Asked Questions about U0137 Lincoln Code

1. What does the OBDII code U0137 mean on a Lincoln?

The code U0137 indicates that the vehicle has lost communication with the Trailer Brake Control Module (TBCM), which manages the trailer braking system.

2. What are the common symptoms of a U0137 code?

Symptoms may include the trailer brakes not functioning, a warning light on the dashboard, or the inability to control trailer braking through the vehicle's system.

3. What causes the U0137 code to appear?

Common causes include faulty wiring or connections to the Trailer Brake Control Module, a malfunctioning TBCM, or issues with the vehicle's CAN (Controller Area Network) communication system.

4. Can a blown fuse cause the U0137 code?

Yes, a blown fuse in the circuit powering the Trailer Brake Control Module can disrupt communication and trigger this code.

5. How do I diagnose the U0137 code?

Start by checking the wiring and connectors to the Trailer Brake Control Module for damage or corrosion, inspect the fuses, and use a scan tool to verify communication between the module and the vehicle's network.

6. Where is the Trailer Brake Control Module located in a Lincoln?

The Trailer Brake Control Module is typically located near the rear of the vehicle, often near the trailer hitch or integrated into the rear chassis.

7. Can the U0137 code be cleared without fixing the issue?

The code can be cleared temporarily, but it will likely return if the underlying communication problem is not resolved.

8. How much does it cost to repair a U0137 code?

Repair costs vary depending on the issue but may range from $100 for fixing wiring issues to $500 or more if the TBCM needs replacement.

9. Is it safe to drive my Lincoln with a U0137 code?

While the vehicle itself may be drivable, the trailerâ€™s braking system could be compromised, making it unsafe to tow a trailer until the issue is resolved.

10. Can a software update fix the U0137 code?

In some cases, a software update for the vehicle's control modules may resolve communication issues, but this depends on the specific cause of the code.