AutoCodes – Generic – U0168

U0168 Code - Lost Communication With Vehicle Security 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 Vehicle Security Control Module, Vehicle Security Control Module harness is open or shorted, Vehicle Security 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: U0168 indicates Lost Communication With Vehicle Security Control Module.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Vehicle Security Control Module, Vehicle Security Control Module harness is open or shorted, Vehicle Security 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.

Save to My Repairs My Repairs

AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat

Code Popularity 24,710

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 02, 2020

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
Comments
Add Comment

💬 Need more help? Ask Coddy for instant answers — it's free!

Code U0168 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 Vehicle Security Control Module has not been received.

OBDII Code U0168 - Lost Communication With Vehicle Security Control Module - AutoCodes.com — U0168 Code - Lost Communication With Vehicle Security Control Module

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC U0168?

Faulty Vehicle Security Control Module
Vehicle Security Control Module harness is open or shorted
Vehicle Security Control Module circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC U0168?

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 U0168 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 U0168 code?

Need more information on how to fix the U0168 code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the U0168 code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

Information for Specific Makes

U0168 Buick — Lost Communication With Keyless Entry Control Module
U0168 Cadillac — Lost Communication With Keyless Entry Control Module
U0168 Chevrolet — Lost Communication With Keyless Entry Control Module
U0168 Chrysler — Lost Communication With Vehicle Security Control Module
U0168 Dodge — Lost Communication With Vehicle Security Control Module
U0168 GMC — Lost Communication With Keyless Entry Control Module
U0168 Jeep — Lost Communication With Vehicle Security Control Module
U0168 RAM — Lost Communication With Vehicle Security Control Module

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.