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DTC codes / Chrysler codes / P1381

P1381 · ChryslerMisfire Detected No Communication with Brake Control Module

P1381 on Chrysler vehicles means the engine controller detected a misfire and, at the same time, lost communication with the brake control module over the vehicle's controller area network (CAN) bus. The powertrain control module (PCM) is not reporting a brake fault directly; it is flagging that the misfire monitor and the brake module handshake failed together, which points to a shared electrical or network problem rather than a simple ignition fault.

SystemPowertrain
Code typeChrysler specific
SeverityMedium
Fix difficultyProfessional
AreaIgnition system and misfire

Symptoms you may notice

  • The check engine light is on, often with no other obvious symptom besides the warning light
  • The anti-lock brake (ABS) warning light or traction control light may also be illuminated
  • The engine may run rough or stumble, especially under load or at idle, if a true misfire is present
  • The transmission may shift harshly or enter limp mode because the PCM is missing brake torque data
  • The speedometer or other dashboard functions may flicker or drop out intermittently
  • A no-crank or intermittent no-start condition can appear if the network fault affects the ignition node

Common causes, most likely first

  1. Damaged, chafed, or corroded wiring in the CAN bus between the PCM and the brake control module
  2. A failing brake control module or ABS module that is dropping off the network
  3. Low or unstable battery voltage, or a weak charging system, causing modules to reset
  4. A poor ground connection at the brake control module or at the PCM chassis ground
  5. A faulty ignition coil, spark plug, or fuel injector causing a genuine misfire that coincides with the network fault
  6. A shorted or open CAN bus terminating resistor inside one of the modules
  7. Aftermarket electronics or a recent repair that disturbed the CAN wiring harness

How to diagnose and fix it

  1. Connect a scan tool and read all modules for communication codes, then record freeze-frame data for P1381 and any misfire counters
  2. Perform a battery and charging system test, including a load test and voltage drop checks on the main grounds
  3. Inspect the CAN bus wiring between the PCM and brake control module for chafing, corrosion, or loose pins, and wiggle-test the harness while watching live data
  4. Check the brake control module power and ground circuits with a multimeter and verify the module wakes up with the key on
  5. Measure CAN bus resistance at the diagnostic link connector (DLC) with the battery disconnected to confirm the terminating resistors are intact
  6. If communication is restored, address any true misfire with a compression test, spark plug inspection, and coil swap before clearing the code
  7. Clear the code and road-test the vehicle through several drive cycles to confirm the misfire monitor and brake module communication both pass

Why a misfire code hides a network fault

  • P1381 is often set by a voltage spike or ground fault that disturbs both the ignition system and the CAN bus at the same moment, so replacing ignition parts alone will not clear it
  • A weak battery that still starts the engine can cause modules to drop offline during cranking, setting this code without any hard wiring fault
  • Technicians commonly misdiagnose this as a bad brake control module when the real problem is a corroded ground stud behind the left kick panel or under the hood
  • The misfire portion of the code may be a false trigger caused by the PCM losing brake torque data and misinterpreting the crank signal, so verify actual misfire counts before tuning up the engine
  • Aftermarket remote starters or alarm systems spliced into the CAN bus are a frequent cause of intermittent communication loss on older Chrysler platforms

Can I keep driving with P1381?

You can usually drive the vehicle short distances to a repair shop, but avoid heavy acceleration and towing because a genuine misfire can overheat the catalytic converter. If the ABS or traction control light is on, drive conservatively in wet or slippery conditions since stability assist may be disabled.

Tools that help

Tools we recommend are in the Auto Veteran shop on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Guidance is general and written for Chrysler vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.

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