Loose, corroded, or damaged wiring and connectors on the controller area network (CAN) bus or other data bus between modules; Failed body control module 'D' itself, often due to internal water damage or component failure; Blown fuse or poor power/ground connection feeding the body control module; Open or shorted data bus wire caused by chafing, rodent damage, or previous repair work; Software or configuration mismatch after battery replacement or module replacement without proper programming; Another module on the same bus holding the network down and preventing communication

DTC codes / U01xx · Lost communication with a control module / U0144

U0144Lost Communication With Body Control Module 'D'

Q: What does code U0144 mean?

Lost Communication With Body Control Module 'D'. U0144 means the vehicle's main computer, usually the engine control module, has lost the regular data messages it expects from a body control module designated 'D' on the network. The computer detected that the module stopped responding or its messages went missing for a set period, which can affect accessories like lights, locks, and wipers.

U0144 means the vehicle's main computer, usually the engine control module, has lost the regular data messages it expects from a body control module designated 'D' on the network. The computer detected that the module stopped responding or its messages went missing for a set period, which can affect accessories like lights, locks, and wipers.

SystemNetwork

Code typeGeneric (all makes)

SeverityMedium

Fix difficultyIntermediate

AreaLost communication with a control module

Symptoms you may notice

Illuminated check engine light or service vehicle soon message on the dashboard
Often no symptoms besides the warning light, especially if the affected module only controls non-critical accessories
Inoperative or erratic operation of body functions such as interior lights, power windows, door locks, or wipers
Other unrelated warning lights or messages because multiple modules share the same communication bus
Intermittent electrical glitches that come and go with vibration or weather changes
The vehicle may fail to start or run poorly if the body control module shares critical data with the engine computer

Common causes, most likely first

Loose, corroded, or damaged wiring and connectors on the controller area network (CAN) bus or other data bus between modules
Failed body control module 'D' itself, often due to internal water damage or component failure
Blown fuse or poor power/ground connection feeding the body control module
Open or shorted data bus wire caused by chafing, rodent damage, or previous repair work
Software or configuration mismatch after battery replacement or module replacement without proper programming
Another module on the same bus holding the network down and preventing communication

How to diagnose and fix it

Connect a scan tool and record all stored codes in every module, then clear codes and verify whether U0144 returns immediately
Inspect the body control module 'D' for power and ground at its connectors using a wiring diagram and a multimeter
Check all fuses and relays that supply the affected module and the data bus gateway
Perform a visual inspection of the data bus wiring and connectors for corrosion, looseness, or damage, especially in areas prone to moisture
Measure data bus voltage and resistance with a multimeter or oscilloscope to confirm the bus is not shorted or open
If wiring and power are good, substitute a known-good module of the same part number or perform a module reprogramming procedure as required by the manufacturer
After repair, clear codes and complete a road test to confirm communication is restored and no related codes return

Why body module codes mislead

A dead battery or low voltage during cranking can set U0144 as a ghost code even when the module is perfectly healthy, so always check battery health first.
Water intrusion into the body control module, often from a clogged sunroof drain or leaking windshield, is a frequent hidden cause that visual inspection of the module connector can reveal.
The letter 'D' in the definition refers to a specific module address on the network, not a fourth module in a row, and on some vehicles it may be the only body control module present.
A faulty ignition switch or relay that cuts power to the body module intermittently can mimic a failed module and set U0144 without any permanent wiring fault.
After replacing a body control module, many vehicles require programming and configuration before communication is restored, so a new module out of the box may still set U0144 until programmed.

Can I keep driving with U0144?

If the only symptom is a warning light and the vehicle runs normally, you can drive cautiously to a repair shop, but avoid long trips and check for other warning lights. If body functions like lights, wipers, or locks stop working, or the engine runs poorly, stop driving and have the vehicle towed to prevent safety risks.

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.