Blown fuse or poor electrical connection at the RFA module; Damaged or corroded wiring in the communication bus circuit (CAN, LIN, or dedicated serial line); Failed RFA module itself due to internal fault or water intrusion; Loose or corroded ground connection for the RFA module; Low battery voltage or charging system issue causing modules to drop offline intermittently; Aftermarket accessories improperly tapped into the bus or power circuits; Software glitch in the body control module (BCM) or gateway module that manages the bus

DTC codes / U02xx · Lost communication with a control module / U0214

U0214Lost Communication With Remote Function Actuation

Q: What does code U0214 mean?

Lost Communication With Remote Function Actuation. U0214 is a generic network communication code indicating that a control module on the vehicle's data bus has lost contact with the Remote Function Actuation (RFA) module, which handles keyless entry, remote start, and passive anti-theft functions. The computer sets this code when it expects regular status messages from the RFA module but does not receive them within a defined time window, often because the module is unpowered, offline, or the communication circuit is faulty.

U0214 is a generic network communication code indicating that a control module on the vehicle's data bus has lost contact with the Remote Function Actuation (RFA) module, which handles keyless entry, remote start, and passive anti-theft functions. The computer sets this code when it expects regular status messages from the RFA module but does not receive them within a defined time window, often because the module is unpowered, offline, or the communication circuit is faulty.

SystemNetwork

Code typeGeneric (all makes)

SeverityMedium

Fix difficultyIntermediate

AreaLost communication with a control module

Symptoms you may notice

Keyless entry remote stops working or has reduced range
Remote start feature fails to operate
Passive anti-theft system may not recognize the key fob, causing a no-start condition
Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warnings may appear if the RFA module also handles those signals
Often no symptoms besides the warning light if the fault is intermittent
Other unrelated electrical accessories may act erratically due to shared bus communication issues

Common causes, most likely first

Blown fuse or poor electrical connection at the RFA module
Damaged or corroded wiring in the communication bus circuit (CAN, LIN, or dedicated serial line)
Failed RFA module itself due to internal fault or water intrusion
Loose or corroded ground connection for the RFA module
Low battery voltage or charging system issue causing modules to drop offline intermittently
Aftermarket accessories improperly tapped into the bus or power circuits
Software glitch in the body control module (BCM) or gateway module that manages the bus

How to diagnose and fix it

Verify battery voltage and charging system health; a weak battery is a common cause of communication codes
Check all fuses related to the RFA module and body control system, and inspect for corrosion
Locate the RFA module and inspect its connectors for tightness, corrosion, or water damage
Perform a voltage drop test on the power and ground circuits at the RFA module connector
Use a scan tool to check for communication on the bus and confirm whether the RFA module is completely offline or intermittent
Inspect the communication bus wiring for chafing, opens, or shorts, especially near moving components or known moisture areas
If all electrical checks pass, substitute a known-good RFA module or reprogram the existing module per manufacturer procedures

RFA module faults that mimic other issues

A weak or failing battery often causes U0214 because the RFA module may be one of the first to drop offline when voltage dips during cranking.
Water intrusion into the RFA module or its connectors, especially in vehicles with sunroof drains or cowl leaks, is a frequently overlooked cause.
Aftermarket remote starters or alarm systems tapped into the bus can disrupt communication and set U0214 without any factory component failure.
The RFA module may share a bus with the tire pressure monitoring system, so TPMS warnings alongside U0214 point to a common power or ground issue.
Clearing the code without repairing the underlying cause often leads to a repeat within days, especially if the fault is intermittent due to a loose connection.

Can I keep driving with U0214?

The vehicle may remain drivable if the only symptom is a warning light, but keyless entry and remote start will likely be inoperative, and a no-start condition is possible if the anti-theft system cannot verify the key. Avoid relying on remote functions and have the fault diagnosed promptly to prevent being stranded.

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.