A blown fuse that supplies power to the GPS module, often located in the interior fuse box or the luggage compartment.; Corroded, loose, or damaged wiring or connectors at the GPS module or along the CAN bus path.; A failed GPS module due to internal electronic fault or water intrusion, particularly if the module is mounted under the dashboard or in the rear quarter panel.; A shorted or open CAN bus wire that prevents communication between the GPS module and the rest of the network.; A faulty body control module (BCM) or gateway module that acts as a router for CAN messages and fails to pass GPS data.; Low battery voltage or a weak battery that causes modules to drop offline intermittently, setting communication codes.; Aftermarket accessories improperly tapped into the CAN bus or GPS wiring, causing signal interference.

DTC codes / U01xx · Lost communication with a control module / U016A

U016ALost Communication With Global Positioning System Module

Q: What does code U016A mean?

Lost Communication With Global Positioning System Module. U016A is a generic network communication code indicating that one or more control modules have stopped receiving messages from the Global Positioning System (GPS) module over the vehicle's Controller Area Network (CAN) bus. The computer detected a loss of the periodic serial data messages that the GPS module is supposed to broadcast, not necessarily a failure of the GPS module itself.

U016A is a generic network communication code indicating that one or more control modules have stopped receiving messages from the Global Positioning System (GPS) module over the vehicle's Controller Area Network (CAN) bus. The computer detected a loss of the periodic serial data messages that the GPS module is supposed to broadcast, not necessarily a failure of the GPS module itself.

SystemNetwork

Code typeGeneric (all makes)

SeverityLow

Fix difficultyIntermediate

AreaLost communication with a control module

Symptoms you may notice

The check engine light or service vehicle soon message illuminates on the dashboard.
The navigation screen may show a 'GPS signal lost' message or display the vehicle position incorrectly.
Features that rely on GPS data, such as compass direction, automatic clock setting, or emergency call location, may stop working.
Often no symptoms besides the warning light, especially if the vehicle does not use the GPS module for critical driving functions.
In some vehicles, other unrelated warning lights may appear because the lost communication can disrupt the entire CAN bus.
Remote start or telematics features may become inoperative if they depend on the GPS module for location data.

Common causes, most likely first

A blown fuse that supplies power to the GPS module, often located in the interior fuse box or the luggage compartment.
Corroded, loose, or damaged wiring or connectors at the GPS module or along the CAN bus path.
A failed GPS module due to internal electronic fault or water intrusion, particularly if the module is mounted under the dashboard or in the rear quarter panel.
A shorted or open CAN bus wire that prevents communication between the GPS module and the rest of the network.
A faulty body control module (BCM) or gateway module that acts as a router for CAN messages and fails to pass GPS data.
Low battery voltage or a weak battery that causes modules to drop offline intermittently, setting communication codes.
Aftermarket accessories improperly tapped into the CAN bus or GPS wiring, causing signal interference.

How to diagnose and fix it

Verify the code with a scan tool that can read all modules, then check for related communication codes in other modules to determine if the GPS module is completely offline.
Inspect the fuse that powers the GPS module and replace it if blown, then clear the code and retest to see if it returns.
Visually inspect the GPS module connector and the CAN bus wiring for corrosion, loose pins, or chafed insulation, repairing as needed.
Measure voltage and ground at the GPS module connector with the key on to confirm the module is receiving power and ground.
Perform a resistance check on the CAN bus wires (typically 60 ohms across the two data lines) to rule out a short or open circuit.
If power, ground, and wiring are good, substitute a known-good GPS module or perform a module swap to see if communication is restored.
After repairs, clear all codes and drive the vehicle through a complete ignition cycle to confirm the U016A does not return.

What the GPS module code really means

A U016A code often sets because the GPS module lost power or ground, not because the module itself failed, so always check fuses and connections before replacing parts.
On many vehicles, the GPS module shares a power circuit with other accessories, so a blown fuse may also disable the radio or clock and point you to the real problem.
The code can be stored intermittently by a weak battery or poor battery connections, so load-test the battery and clean the terminals before condemning the module.
Some vehicles use the GPS module as part of the telematics system, and a failure there can set U016A along with U-codes for the telematics module, leading to misdiagnosis.
Aftermarket remote starters or dash cams tapped into the CAN bus can corrupt GPS messages and set U016A without any factory component being faulty.

Can I keep driving with U016A?

The vehicle remains safe to drive because the GPS module is not part of the engine, steering, or braking systems, but you should avoid relying on navigation or emergency location features until the fault is repaired. If the warning light is accompanied by other communication codes or drivability issues, have the vehicle inspected promptly.

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.