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DTC codes / U00xx · Network wiring and bus faults / U0060

U0060Vehicle Communication Bus D (-) Open

U0060 indicates that the vehicle's communication network has an open circuit on the CAN (Controller Area Network) bus negative line, often called CAN Low or Bus D (-). The powertrain control module (PCM) or another module detected a loss of signal on this differential pair wire, which prevents normal data exchange between electronic modules.

SystemNetwork
Code typeGeneric (all makes)
SeverityHigh
Fix difficultyProfessional
AreaNetwork wiring and bus faults

Symptoms you may notice

  • Multiple warning lights illuminated on the dashboard, often including the check engine light, ABS, and airbag lights
  • Intermittent or complete failure of various electronic systems such as radio, windows, or climate control
  • The engine may start and run, but other modules may not communicate, causing a no-start condition in some cases
  • Erratic gauge readings or flickering instrument cluster lights
  • Often no symptoms besides the warning light if the open is intermittent or affects a non-critical module
  • The vehicle may enter limp mode or stall unexpectedly if the open affects critical modules

Common causes, most likely first

  1. Broken or chafed wire in the CAN Low circuit, often due to flexing, corrosion, or rodent damage
  2. Corroded or loose connector pins at any module on the bus, especially in areas exposed to moisture
  3. Failed module internally shorting or opening the CAN Low line, disrupting the entire network
  4. Damaged twisted pair wiring from improper previous repairs or aftermarket installations
  5. Water intrusion into a connector or module causing corrosion and an open circuit
  6. Poor ground connection at a module, leading to communication loss that mimics an open circuit

How to diagnose and fix it

  1. Use an OBD-II scan tool to read all modules and identify which modules are not communicating, then consult the factory wiring diagram for the CAN bus topology
  2. Perform a visual inspection of the CAN Low wiring and connectors at each module, looking for corrosion, damage, or loose pins
  3. Measure resistance of the CAN Low circuit from the data link connector (DLC) to each module, checking for an open (high resistance) with a digital multimeter
  4. Check for continuity between the CAN Low pin at the DLC and the same pin at each module, wiggle-testing the harness to find intermittent opens
  5. Inspect and clean module connectors, applying dielectric grease to prevent future corrosion, and repair any damaged wires with proper soldering and heat shrink
  6. If the open is internal to a module, replace that module and perform any required programming or initialization
  7. Clear the code and verify repair by checking that all modules communicate and the code does not return after a test drive

CAN Low open circuits hide in plain sight

  • A common oversight is assuming the code points to the PCM when the open is actually at a door module or seat module on the same bus, so checking all modules is essential.
  • The CAN bus is a differential pair, so an open on CAN Low can sometimes be masked by the CAN High line, leading to intermittent symptoms that are hard to reproduce.
  • Aftermarket accessories such as alarms or remote starters spliced into the CAN wiring are frequent culprits for introducing opens or corrosion.
  • Resistance measurements alone can be misleading; a high-resistance open may only appear under load or vibration, so a lab scope or break-out box is more reliable.
  • This code does not always mean the bus is completely dead; a single module with an open can cause the entire network to degrade, but other modules may still communicate.

Can I keep driving with U0060?

Driving with U0060 is not recommended because the loss of communication can disable safety systems like ABS and airbags, and may cause the engine to stall or fail to start. If you must move the vehicle, do so at low speed directly to a repair shop, avoiding highways and heavy traffic.

Tools that help

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

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