AutoCodes – Generic – U0196

U0196 Code - Lost Communication With Rear Entertainment Control 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 Rear Entertainment Control Module 'A', Rear Entertainment Control Module 'A' harness is open or shorted, Rear Entertainment Control 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: U0196 indicates Lost Communication With Rear Entertainment Control Module 'A'.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Rear Entertainment Control Module 'A', Rear Entertainment Control Module 'A' harness is open or shorted, Rear Entertainment Control 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.

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Code Popularity 7,638

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
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Code U0196 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 Rear Entertainment Control Module 'A' has not been received.

OBDII Code U0196 - Lost Communication With Rear Entertainment Control Module 'A' - AutoCodes.com — U0196 Code - Lost Communication With Rear Entertainment Control Module 'A'

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC U0196?

Faulty Rear Entertainment Control Module 'A'
Rear Entertainment Control Module 'A' harness is open or shorted
Rear Entertainment Control Module 'A' circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC U0196?

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 U0196 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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Information for Specific Makes

U0196 Buick — Lost Communication With Rear Audio Control Module
U0196 Cadillac — Lost Communication With Rear Audio Control Module
U0196 Chevrolet — Lost Communication With Rear Audio Control Module
U0196 Chrysler — Lost Communication With Rear Entertainment Control Module 1
U0196 Dodge — Lost Communication With Rear Entertainment Control Module 1
U0196 Fiat — Lost Communication With Rear Entertainment Control Module 1
U0196 GMC — Lost Communication With Rear Audio Control Module
U0196 Jeep — Lost Communication With Rear Entertainment Control Module 1
U0196 RAM — Lost Communication With Rear Entertainment Control Module 1

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.