AutoCodes – Generic – U0187

U0187 Code - Lost Communication With Digital Disc Player/Changer Module 'A'

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 Digital Disc Player/Changer Module 'A', Digital Disc Player/Changer Module 'A' harness is open or shorted, Digital Disc Player/Changer Module 'A' 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: U0187 indicates Lost Communication With Digital Disc Player/Changer Module 'A'.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Digital Disc Player/Changer Module 'A', Digital Disc Player/Changer Module 'A' harness is open or shorted, Digital Disc Player/Changer Module 'A' 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 4,054

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
FAQs
Comments
Add Comment

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

Code U0187 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 Digital Disc Player/Changer Module 'A' has not been received.

OBDII Code U0187 - Lost Communication With Digital Disc Player/Changer Module 'A' - AutoCodes.com — U0187 Code - Lost Communication With Digital Disc Player/Changer Module 'A'

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC U0187?

Faulty Digital Disc Player/Changer Module 'A'
Digital Disc Player/Changer Module 'A' harness is open or shorted
Digital Disc Player/Changer Module 'A' circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC U0187?

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 U0187 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 U0187 code?

Need more information on how to fix the U0187 code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the U0187 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 U0187 Code

1. What does OBDII code U0187 mean?

U0187 indicates a loss of communication between the vehicle's main control module and the Digital Disc Player/Changer Module 'A'.

2. What are common symptoms of code U0187?

Symptoms may include the audio system not functioning, inability to change or play discs, or intermittent audio operation.

3. What causes code U0187?

Common causes include a faulty Digital Disc Player/Changer Module, damaged wiring or connectors, or issues with the CAN (Controller Area Network) communication bus.

4. Can I still drive with code U0187?

Yes, U0187 typically doesn’t affect vehicle drivability, but it may cause inconvenience with the audio or entertainment system.

5. How do I diagnose code U0187?

Start by inspecting the wiring and connectors for the disc player. Use a scan tool to check for additional communication-related trouble codes.

6. How do I fix code U0187?

Repairs may include replacing the Digital Disc Player/Changer Module, repairing damaged wiring, or addressing CAN bus communication issues.

7. Does U0187 always mean the disc player is broken?

No, the issue could also stem from a wiring problem, connector corrosion, or a fault in the communication network.

8. What tools are needed to troubleshoot U0187?

You’ll need a diagnostic scan tool, a multimeter, and possibly a wiring diagram for your vehicle.

9. Can a software update resolve code U0187?

In some cases, a software update for the vehicle’s control module may restore proper communication with the disc player.

10. How much does it cost to fix U0187?

Costs vary depending on the root cause but could range from $50 for minor wiring repairs to $500 or more for module replacement.

Discuss the causes and fixes for U0187 OBDII Code

Submit a New Comment

Code U0187 comments

No comments found for this page.

Fix Your Car Smarter

Try the New AutoCodes App!

Get complete OBDII diagnostics, repair solutions, and cost estimates, plus AI chat support on demand.