U0184 Lost communication with radio
Content
OBD-II Trouble Code - U0184 - Data Sheet
U0184 - Lost communication with radio
What does DTC U0184 mean?
This is a generic communications system diagnostic trouble code that applies to most makes and models of OBD-II vehicles.
This code means that the radio (radio) and other control modules on the vehicle are not communicating with each other. The circuitry most commonly used for communication is known as Controller Area Bus communication, or simply the CAN bus.
Without this CAN bus, control modules cannot communicate and your scan tool may not receive information from the vehicle, depending on which circuit is involved.
The radio is usually located in the dashboard, usually in the center of the car. It accepts input data from various sensors, some of which are directly connected to it, and most are transmitted over a bus communication system. These inputs allow the module to control the information displayed and played on the radio.
Troubleshooting steps may vary depending on the manufacturer, the type of communication system, the number of wires, and the colors of the wires in the communication system.
Code severity and symptoms
The severity in this case is never serious, as this is a device for the convenience of customers. The lack of operation of the radio does not in any way affect the operation of the car.
Symptoms of a U0184 code may include:
- Radio does not transmit information / no sound / possibly blank screen
- The radio does not turn on / does not work
Causes of error U0184
Usually the reason for installing this code is:
- Open on CAN bus + or - circuit
- Short to ground or ground in any CAN bus circuit
- There is no power or ground to the radio module
- Rarely - the control module is faulty
Diagnostic and repair procedures
A good starting point is always to check the Technical Service Bulletins (TSB) for your particular vehicle. Your problem may be a known issue with a known manufacturer-released fix and could save you time and money while troubleshooting.
First, look for other DTCs. If any of these are bus communication or battery / ignition related, diagnose them first. Misdiagnosis is known to occur if you diagnose the U0184 code before any of the major codes are thoroughly diagnosed and rejected.
If your scan tool can access trouble codes and the only code you are getting from other modules is U0184, try accessing the radio (Radio). If you can access the codes from the radio then code U0184 is either intermittent or a memory code. If the radio cannot be accessed, then code U0184 set by other modules is active and the problem already exists.
The most common failure is a circuit failure that causes the radio to lose power or ground.
Check all fuses supplying the radio module of this vehicle. Check all grounds for Radio. Locate ground anchorage points on the vehicle and make sure these connections are clean and secure. If necessary, remove them, take a small wire bristle brush and baking soda / water solution and clean each one, both the connector and the place where it connects.
If any repairs have been made, clear the DTCs from memory and see if U0184 returns or you can contact the radio module. If no code is returned or communication is restored, the problem is most likely a fuse / connection issue.
If the code returns, locate the CAN bus communication connections on your vehicle, most importantly the radio connector, which is usually located on the dashboard in the center of the vehicle. Disconnect the negative battery cable before disconnecting the connector from the radio. Once found, visually inspect the connectors and wiring. Look for scratches, abrasions, exposed wires, burn marks, or melted plastic.
Disconnect the connectors and carefully inspect the terminals (metal parts) inside the connectors. See if they look burnt or have a green tint indicating corrosion. If you need to clean the terminals, use an electrical contact cleaner and a plastic bristle brush. Allow to dry and apply electrical grease where the terminals touch.
Do a few voltage checks before reconnecting the connectors to the radio. You will need access to a digital volt/ohmmeter (DVOM). Make sure you have power and ground on the radio. Access the electrical diagram and determine where the main power and ground sources enter the radio. Connect the battery before continuing with the radio still off. Connect the red lead of your voltmeter to each B+ (battery voltage) power supply going into the Radio connector, and the black lead of your voltmeter to a good ground (if you're unsure, the negative battery always works). You should see the battery voltage reading. Make sure you have a good reason. Connect the red lead of the voltmeter to the battery positive (B+) and the black lead to each ground circuit. Once again, you should see the battery voltage every time you connect. If not, repair the power or ground circuit.
Then check the two communication circuits. Locate CAN B+ (or MSCAN + circuit) and CAN B- (or MSCAN - circuit). With the black wire of the voltmeter connected to a good ground, connect the red wire to CAN B+. With the key on and the engine off, you should see a voltage of about 0.5 volts with little fluctuation. Then connect the red lead of a voltmeter to the CAN B circuit. You should see about 4.4 volts with slight fluctuations.
If all tests pass and communication is still not possible, or you were unable to reset DTC U0184, the only thing to do is to seek help from a trained automotive diagnostician, as this will indicate a radio failure. Most of these radios must be programmed or calibrated to fit properly in the vehicle.
Code U0184 Brand specific information
- U0184 Buick lost contact with the radio
- U0184 Cadillac lost contact with the radio
- U0184 Chevrolet lost contact with the radio
- U0184 Chrysler lost contact with the radio
- U0184 Dodge lost contact with the radio
- U0184 Ford lost contact with radio
- U0184 GMC lost contact with the radio
- U0184 Jeep lost contact with the radio
- U0184 Lincoln lost contact with radio
- U0184 Mercury lost contact with radio
- U0184 RAMlost contact with the radio
What is the cost of diagnosing code U0184?
The cost of diagnosing code U0184 is 1 hour of work. Auto repair diagnostic times and costs vary by location, vehicle make and model, and even your engine type. Most body shops charge $75 to $150 an hour.
Need more help with the U0184 code?
If you still need help with DTC U0184, post a question in the comments below this article.
NOTE. This information is provided for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be used as a repair recommendation and we are not responsible for any action you take on any vehicle. All information on this site is protected by copyright.
