What Is the U0155 Code?
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Error code U0155 indicates that there’s a loss of communication with your Instrument Panel Cluster Control Module (IPC). This occurs when the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) notices that it can no longer communicate with the IPC properly. Error code U0155 could also indicate that the PCM is failing to communicate with other control modules in the system.
PCM Communication with the IPC
The lack of communication between the PCM and IPC can cause severe issues with your car. If this bridge of data transfer no longer exists, it means that other control modules aren’t able to communicate with the PCM as well. This loss of communication means that the PCM cannot monitor the operation of vital control modules that your vehicle depends on to operate efficiently.
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What Are the Symptoms of a U0155 Code?
There are a few symptoms associated with error code U0155. If your car’s check engine light or Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is illuminated, you should have your vehicle scanned. You might notice that either all of your indicator lights are illuminated or there are no indicator lights on at all, which also indicates the presence of a U0155 code.
Where Can I Find the U0155 Sensor?
The U0155 sensor is located on your vehicle’s instrument cluster panel. Although a qualified technician can sometimes repair instrument clusters, the repaired IPC and the PCM will also need to be reprogrammed with all the factory-installed anti-theft protocols. For example, reprogramming is essential for all Ford models. Why? Because if they’re not reprogrammed, the engine won’t start.
What Are Some Causes of a U0155 Code?
There are several causes for error code U0155 to appear. There could be an open circuit or short circuit in the CAN bus. The CAN bus is a set of two electrical (Low and High) wires in the vehicle’s network that allows communication to and from ECUs. Any module connected to the CAN bus can impact the entire vehicle network and give false positives. The battery plays a key role in keeping the communication signals at the right voltage.
How Serious Is the U0155 Code?
A U0155 can be serious if it causes your car to drive differently. Lack of communication to your car’s PCM can cause various modules in your vehicle to stop communication, making it difficult to operate your car in a safe manner. You should take it in for repairs as soon as possible.
What Is the U0155 Code?
No, you shouldn’t drive when experiencing a U0155 code. Your vehicle may appear to function as it should, when in reality, various modules are no longer communicating with one another. This can cause your vehicle to be unsafe to operate. For the safety of yourself and others, refrain from driving with a U0155 code.
How Easy Is It to Diagnose a U0155 Code?
Diagnosing a U0155 is easy to the trained eye. However, one of the most common reasons for this code to appear is a dead battery, and this can easily be overlooked. Another easy way for this code to be overlooked or misdiagnosed is because many people repair error code U0155 first. If your scanner detects multiple error codes, any code starting with U, including U0155, should be the last one you check to prevent misdiagnosis. To properly diagnose a U0155, you or a mechanic should:
- Check your Technical Service Bulletin (TSB): The TSB displays a list of known fixes for error codes that car manufacturers update. It can save a lot of time and money when you have access to this accurate information.
- Check the Battery: Your car’s instrument cluster cannot function properly if your battery is low on voltage.
- Check for Any Additional Error Codes: If any of the codes are related to CAN bus communication, your battery, or your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), you should address these codes first before diagnosing error code U0155.
- Check for Diagnostic Fault Codes: If the only code you get from the other modules is U0155, you should try sending data to the IPC. If you can successfully communicate with the IPC module, error code U0155 could be what’s known as a memory code. If you had U0155 show up in the past, that could be the reason it appeared again, simply because it remained in your scanner’s system. However, if you can’t communicate with your vehicle’s IPC, the U0155 code set by the other modules in your network is active, and that’s where the problem is located,
- Check for Loss of Ground or Power: You should check the fuses for the IPC module, and be sure to check all grounds for the IPC as well. Find where the attaching points are for the ground and make sure the connections are not loose or damaged.
How Difficult Is It to Inspect a U0155 Code?
You or a mechanic can repair a U0155 code. This can be DIY if you have knowledge of your car and the code. However, if you’re unsure of any repairs, contact a professional mechanic to make sure they’re done safely. To repair a U0155 code, run a diagnostic test on your vehicle and do any of the following:
- Replace or recharge your vehicle’s battery.
- Fix any additional error codes which may appear on your scanner.
- If any connectors are loose or damaged, you can disconnect them and clean the connector and the area where it connects using a bristle brush and a solution of water and baking soda.
If you or your mechanic made any repairs to your vehicle, you should clear your scanner of all codes, including those set in your memory, and rescan to see if error code U0155 returns or if you can communicate with the IPC module. If the error code does not appear again, or you can reestablish communication with the IPC, your issue was likely with the connections or fuses.
You should locate the CAN bus communication connectors and the IPC module connector if the error code returns. You can find the IPC connector behind your vehicle’s instrument panel. Disconnect the negative battery cable and then unplug your IPC module connection. You should visually inspect the connections and wiring, just like with the ground and power connections. Look for any other issues such as bare wires, scraping or melted plastic.
Pull apart the connectors and inspect the metal parts or terminals inside. If they appear burnt or have a green tint, they’re corroded and need to be replaced. You can also clean the terminals using electrical contact cleaner and a bristle brush made of plastic. Allow the terminals to dry and apply silicone grease at the connection point.
Need Additional Help with Your U0155 Code?
If you need to take your car in for diagnosis or repairs due to error code U0155 but aren’t sure where to go, KBB.com can help. We have an extensive list of reliable service centers throughout the country to help you find the closest one in your area.
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