A blown fuse or poor connection at the folding top control module's power or ground circuit.; Damaged, corroded, or chafed wiring in the harness that runs to the folding top control module, especially near hinges or moving panels.; A faulty folding top control module itself, often due to water intrusion or internal failure.; A poor connection at the CAN bus connector or a shorted CAN bus line affecting communication.; A weak or failing battery that causes voltage drops and intermittent module dropouts.; A gateway or body control module issue that prevents messages from reaching the folding top module.

DTC codes / U02xx · Lost communication with a control module / U0206

U0206Lost Communication With Folding Top Control Module

Q: What does code U0206 mean?

Lost Communication With Folding Top Control Module. U0206 is a network communication code indicating that the module responsible for operating the folding top (convertible or retractable hardtop) has stopped reporting on the vehicle's controller area network (CAN) bus. The body control module or gateway has detected that expected periodic messages from the folding top control module are missing, which sets the code and typically disables top operation.

U0206 is a network communication code indicating that the module responsible for operating the folding top (convertible or retractable hardtop) has stopped reporting on the vehicle's controller area network (CAN) bus. The body control module or gateway has detected that expected periodic messages from the folding top control module are missing, which sets the code and typically disables top operation.

SystemNetwork

Code typeGeneric (all makes)

SeverityMedium

Fix difficultyIntermediate

AreaLost communication with a control module

Symptoms you may notice

The convertible or retractable hardtop stops responding to the switch and remains in its current position.
A warning light or message on the dashboard indicating a top or roof system fault.
The top may move partway and then stop, or refuse to latch or unlatch.
Other unrelated electrical accessories may act erratically if the module shares a bus segment.
Often no symptoms besides the warning light, with the top still operating normally in some cases.

Common causes, most likely first

A blown fuse or poor connection at the folding top control module's power or ground circuit.
Damaged, corroded, or chafed wiring in the harness that runs to the folding top control module, especially near hinges or moving panels.
A faulty folding top control module itself, often due to water intrusion or internal failure.
A poor connection at the CAN bus connector or a shorted CAN bus line affecting communication.
A weak or failing battery that causes voltage drops and intermittent module dropouts.
A gateway or body control module issue that prevents messages from reaching the folding top module.

How to diagnose and fix it

Verify battery voltage and charge the battery if it is low, as weak voltage can cause communication codes.
Check all fuses and relays that supply power to the folding top control module, and inspect the module's ground connections.
Inspect the wiring harness and connectors at the folding top control module for corrosion, damage, or loose pins.
Use a scan tool to check for communication with the folding top control module and perform a network integrity test.
Measure resistance and voltage on the CAN bus lines to rule out shorts or opens in the network wiring.
If communication is restored, clear the code and operate the top through several full cycles to confirm the repair.
If the module is unresponsive and all wiring and power checks pass, replace the folding top control module and relearn or configure it as needed.

Before you replace the folding top module

A common oversight is a weak battery or poor ground that causes the folding top module to drop off the network intermittently, setting U0206 without any permanent fault.
Water intrusion into the folding top module or its connectors is a frequent cause on convertibles, often after heavy rain or car washes, and can mimic a failed module.
The code can be set by a fault in another module on the same bus segment, so always check for other communication codes before condemning the folding top module.
Some vehicles require the folding top module to be initialized or calibrated after replacement, and skipping this step will leave the top inoperative even with a good module.
Intermittent U0206 can be caused by a chafed wire near the top's hinge points, which only shorts when the top is moving, making it hard to reproduce in a static test.

Can I keep driving with U0206?

The vehicle is generally safe to drive with U0206 because the folding top is a convenience system, but avoid operating the top until the fault is repaired to prevent it from jamming in an unsafe position. If the top is stuck open, do not drive at highway speeds or in bad weather until it is secured.

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.