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DTC codes / U01xx · Lost communication with a control module / U0159

U0159Lost Communication With Parking Assist Control Module

U0159 means the vehicle's main communication network has lost contact with the parking assist control module, which is the computer that runs the ultrasonic sensors and parking warnings. The module that monitors the network, usually the body control module or gateway, has stopped receiving the periodic status messages it expects from the parking assist module.

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

Symptoms you may notice

  • Parking assist or reverse warning chimes stop working entirely
  • A parking assist fault message or icon appears on the dashboard
  • The parking assist button or menu setting does nothing when pressed
  • Other unrelated warning lights may illuminate because several modules share the same network
  • Often no symptoms besides the warning light, especially if the vehicle has no parking assist features
  • Intermittent operation of the parking sensors in wet or bumpy conditions

Common causes, most likely first

  1. Failed or internally shorted parking assist control module
  2. Blown fuse or poor power/ground connection at the parking assist module
  3. Damaged, corroded or disconnected wiring at the module connector or along the harness
  4. CAN bus communication fault such as a shorted or open data line between the module and the network
  5. Water intrusion into the module or connector, common when the module is mounted low in the rear or bumper
  6. A network gateway or body control module issue that affects multiple modules, not just parking assist
  7. Aftermarket accessories or poor previous repairs disturbing the communication wiring

How to diagnose and fix it

  1. Scan all modules for communication codes to confirm U0159 is current and see whether other modules are also offline
  2. Check the fuse and relay that supply power to the parking assist control module, then inspect the ground connection
  3. Visually inspect the module connector and harness for corrosion, water damage, pushed pins or chafed wires
  4. Measure voltage and resistance on the CAN data lines at the module connector to rule out an open or shorted bus
  5. If wiring and power are good, substitute a known-good module or perform a module swap test to confirm the module is faulty
  6. Clear the code and verify communication returns, then test the parking assist operation with a scan tool live data or by physically triggering the sensors
  7. If the module is replaced, complete any required programming or calibration so the network recognizes the new module

What most technicians miss on U0159

  • A completely dead parking assist module often causes no driver-visible symptoms beyond the warning light, so many owners ignore it until a parking sensor fails to warn them.
  • Water intrusion at the rear bumper harness is a frequent hidden cause, and the connector can look fine until you pull the boot back and find green corrosion inside.
  • U0159 can be set by a low battery or a voltage spike during jump-starting, so always check battery health and clear the code before condemning the module.
  • If several U-codes are stored together, the fault is usually a shared network or power issue rather than the parking assist module itself.
  • Aftermarket trailer wiring or backup camera installs frequently disturb the same rear harness and can take the parking assist module offline.

Can I keep driving with U0159?

The vehicle remains safe to drive because parking assist is a convenience system, but you should not rely on the sensors for reversing until the fault is repaired. Avoid tight parking manoeuvres where the warning chimes would normally help, and have the fault checked if other warning lights appear.

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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