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DTC codes / U01xx · Lost communication with a control module / U0157

U0157Lost Communication With Information Center 'B'

U0157 is a network communication code indicating that the module responsible for the information center display (often called the driver information center or instrument cluster display) has stopped sending data over the vehicle's controller area network (CAN) bus. The computer that set the code, typically the body control module (BCM) or gateway module, detected a loss of the periodic messages it expects from that display module for a set period of time.

SystemNetwork
Code typeGeneric (all makes)
SeverityLow
Fix difficultyIntermediate
AreaLost communication with a control module

Symptoms you may notice

  • The information center display may be blank, show dashes, or default to a limited mode
  • Multiple warning lights may illuminate simultaneously because the display cannot show messages
  • The odometer, trip meter, or other driver information may be missing or frozen
  • Other modules may log communication codes if the display module acts as a network gateway
  • Often no symptoms besides the warning light if the display still powers up but communication is intermittent
  • In some vehicles, the radio or climate control settings shown on the display may not update

Common causes, most likely first

  1. A faulty information center display module (internal failure or corrupted software)
  2. Damaged or corroded wiring or connectors at the display module or along the CAN bus
  3. A blown fuse or poor power/ground connection to the display module
  4. CAN bus wiring faults such as an open circuit, short to ground, or short to voltage
  5. A failed gateway module or BCM that is not relaying messages correctly
  6. Low battery voltage or a weak battery causing modules to drop offline intermittently
  7. Aftermarket accessories wired into the CAN bus or display circuit causing interference

How to diagnose and fix it

  1. Verify battery voltage and charge or replace the battery if it is below 12.4 volts at rest
  2. Check all fuses that supply power to the information center display and the gateway module
  3. Inspect the wiring harness and connectors at the display module for corrosion, loose pins, or damage
  4. Use a scan tool to check for other communication codes and to perform a network integrity test if supported
  5. Measure CAN bus resistance (should be about 60 ohms across the bus) and check for shorts or opens
  6. If wiring and power are good, substitute a known-good display module or reflash the existing module with the latest software
  7. Clear codes and perform a road test to confirm the repair and ensure no codes return

What the information center code hides

  • A blank or flickering display often leads owners to replace the screen itself, but a corroded connector or chafed wire in the door jamb or under the dash is a more common cause of U0157.
  • The information center module sometimes shares a power circuit with the radio or climate control panel, so a blown fuse for one accessory can take down the display and set this code.
  • U0157 can be set by a low battery or a weak alternator even when the display works perfectly, because modules drop offline during cranking and the gateway logs the missed messages.
  • On some vehicles, the information center is part of the instrument cluster, so a cluster that powers up but shows no data may still have a communication fault rather than a failed cluster.
  • Aftermarket remote starters, alarms, or dash cams tapped into the CAN bus can disrupt communication and set U0157 without any factory component being faulty.

Can I keep driving with U0157?

The vehicle is generally safe to drive because the fault affects only the information display and not engine, steering, or braking systems. Avoid relying on the display for critical warnings, and have the fault diagnosed soon if other warning lights appear or the display is completely dead.

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

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