Failed or internally shorted Audible Alert Control Module.; Blown fuse or corroded power/ground connection supplying the audible alert module.; Damaged or disconnected CAN bus wiring at the module connector or along the harness.; Water intrusion or corrosion in the module connector or mounting area.; Low battery voltage or a weak charging system causing modules to drop offline intermittently.; A faulty gateway module or CAN bus termination resistor that disrupts communication for multiple modules.; Aftermarket accessories improperly tapped into the CAN bus wiring near the audible alert module.

DTC codes / U01xx · Lost communication with a control module / U0160

U0160Lost Communication With Audible Alert Control Module

Q: What does code U0160 mean?

Lost Communication With Audible Alert Control Module. U0160 is a network communication code indicating that one or more control modules on the vehicle's Controller Area Network (CAN) bus have stopped receiving messages from the Audible Alert Control Module, which is the module responsible for generating chimes, buzzers, and warning tones. The computer detects this fault when the expected periodic CAN messages from that module are missing for a calibrated time period, often because the module has lost power, ground, or its network connection.

U0160 is a network communication code indicating that one or more control modules on the vehicle's Controller Area Network (CAN) bus have stopped receiving messages from the Audible Alert Control Module, which is the module responsible for generating chimes, buzzers, and warning tones. The computer detects this fault when the expected periodic CAN messages from that module are missing for a calibrated time period, often because the module has lost power, ground, or its network connection.

SystemNetwork

Code typeGeneric (all makes)

SeverityLow

Fix difficultyIntermediate

AreaLost communication with a control module

Symptoms you may notice

Audible warnings such as seatbelt chimes, door-ajar buzzers, or parking sensor beeps stop working entirely.
A chime may sound continuously or at random intervals instead of the normal pattern.
The warning light for the audible alert system or a general network communication fault illuminates on the dashboard.
Other unrelated modules may show communication codes because the missing module can disrupt bus traffic.
Often no symptoms besides the warning light, especially if the vehicle does not rely heavily on audible alerts.
In some vehicles, the infotainment or driver information center may display a message about a system fault.

Common causes, most likely first

Failed or internally shorted Audible Alert Control Module.
Blown fuse or corroded power/ground connection supplying the audible alert module.
Damaged or disconnected CAN bus wiring at the module connector or along the harness.
Water intrusion or corrosion in the module connector or mounting area.
Low battery voltage or a weak charging system causing modules to drop offline intermittently.
A faulty gateway module or CAN bus termination resistor that disrupts communication for multiple modules.
Aftermarket accessories improperly tapped into the CAN bus wiring near the audible alert module.

How to diagnose and fix it

Verify battery voltage and charging system output; a weak battery can cause intermittent communication codes.
Check all fuses that supply the audible alert control module and inspect the module connector for corrosion or loose pins.
Use a scan tool to confirm U0160 is current and check for other communication codes that might point to a shared bus fault.
Perform a voltage drop test on the module's power and ground circuits while the module is connected and active.
Inspect the CAN bus wiring between the audible alert module and the nearest splice or gateway for opens, chafing, or water damage.
If power, ground, and wiring are good, substitute a known-good module or perform a module swap to confirm the fault.
After repair, clear codes and verify that the audible alert module communicates and that chimes function correctly.

Why the chime module goes silent

A dead audible alert module often causes no drivability problem, so many drivers ignore the code until a safety chime fails during an inspection.
The module is frequently located behind the instrument cluster or under the dash, where a leaking windshield or clogged sunroof drain can corrode its connector.
U0160 can be set by a completely different module that is dragging the CAN bus low, so always check for other U-codes before condemning the audible alert module.
Some vehicles use the body control module to generate chimes, and the audible alert module may only be a speaker driver; a fault in the body control module can set U0160 indirectly.
After replacing the module, some vehicles require a configuration or initialization procedure with a factory-level scan tool to restore chime operation.

Can I keep driving with U0160?

The vehicle remains safe to drive because the audible alert module does not affect steering, braking, or engine operation, but you should not ignore the code indefinitely. Avoid relying on chimes for safety warnings and have the fault diagnosed soon, especially if other communication codes appear.

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.