DTC U184A

Diagnostic Instructions

DTC Descriptor

DTC U184A

Lost Communication with Body Control Module on Low Speed CAN Bus

For symptom byte information, refer to Symptom Byte List.

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

B+

U184A, U0140

U184A, U0140

Ignition

U184A, U0140

U184A, U0140

Low Speed GMLAN Serial Data

U0078*

U0078, U184A

U0078*

Ground

U184A, U0140

* Scan Tool Does Not Communicate With Low Speed GMLAN Device

Circuit/System Description

Devices connected to the serial data circuits monitor for serial data communications during normal vehicle operation. Operating information and commands are exchanged among the devices. The devices have prerecorded information about what messages are needed to be exchanged on the serial data circuits, for each virtual network. The messages are supervised and also, some periodic messages are used by the receiver device as an availability indication of the transmitter device. Each message contains the identification number of the transmitter device.

Conditions for Running the DTC

The system voltage is between 9–16 V.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

A supervised periodic message that includes the transmitter device availability has not been received.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

The device is never signaled. Therefore, the specific subsystems will not function.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

  • A current DTC clears when the malfunction is no longer present.
  • A history DTC clears when the device ignition cycle counter reaches the reset threshold of 50, without a repeat of the malfunction.

Diagnostic Aids

  • Sometimes, while diagnosing a specific customer concern or after a repair, you may notice a history U-code present. However, there is no associated "current" or "active" status. Loss-of- communication U-codes such as these can set for a variety of reasons. Many times, they are transparent to the vehicle operator and technician, and/or have no associated symptoms. Eventually, they will erase themselves automatically after a number of fault-free ignition cycles. This condition would most likely be attributed to one of these scenarios:
    • A device on the data communication circuit was disconnected while the communication circuit is awake.
    • Power to one or more devices was interrupted during diagnosis.
    • A low battery condition was present, so some devices stop communicating when battery voltage drops below a certain threshold.
    • Battery power was restored to the vehicle and devices on the communication circuit did not all re-initialize at the same time.
    • If a loss-of-communication U-code appears in history for no apparent reason, it is most likely associated with one of the scenarios above. These are all temporary conditions and should never be interpreted as an intermittent fault, causing you to replace a part.
  • A device may have a U-code stored in history that does not require any repairs. Issues with late or corrupted messages between devices can be temporary with no apparent symptom or complaint; this does not mean the device is faulty. Do not replace a device based only on a history U-code.
  • Do not replace a device reporting a U-code. The U-code identifies which device needs to be diagnosed for a communication issue.
  • Communication may be available between the device and the scan tool with one or more GMLAN serial data systems inoperative. This condition is due to the device using multiple GMLAN busses.
  • Use Data Link References to determine what GMLAN serial data communications the non communicating device uses.
  • The device may not have internal protection for specific control circuits and may open a B+ or ignition fuse. If a fuse is open and the B+ or ignition circuit is not shorted to ground, ensure none of the control circuits are shorted to ground before replacing the non communicating device.

Reference Information

Schematic ReferenceConnector End View Reference

Master Electrical Component List

Description and Operation

Data Link Communications Description and Operation

Electrical Information ReferenceScan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Verification

Circuit/System Testing

Note: Use the schematics and connector end views to identify the device's ground, B+, ignition, and serial data circuit terminals.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the repair.

Control Module References for device replacement, programming and setup