U0155 Lost Communication with Instrument Panel Control (IPC) Module (2024)

OBD-II Trouble Code Technical Description

Article by

Randy Worner
ASE Certified Master Technician

Lost Communication with Instrument Panel Control (IPC) Module

What does that mean?

This is a generic communication system diagnostic trouble code that applies to most vehicle makes and models, including but not limited to Honda, Ford, Mazda, GM and Subaru. This code means that the Instrument Panel Control (IPC) module and other control modules on the vehicle are not talking to each other.

The circuit most often used to communicate with is known as Controller Area Network bus communications, or simply put, CAN bus. Without this CAN bus, control modules cannot exchange information, and your scan tool may not be able to get information from the vehicle, depending on which circuit is affected.

Troubleshooting steps may vary depending upon manufacturer, type of communications system, number of wires and wire colors in the communication system.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a U0155 engine code may include:

Causes

Typically the causes for this code to set are:

Open in the CAN bus + circuit
Open in the CAN bus - circuit
Short to power in either CAN bus circuit
Short to ground in either CAN bus circuit
Rarely - faulty control module

Diagnostic and Repair Procedures

A good starting point is always to check for technical service bulletins (TSB) for your particular vehicle. Your issue may be a known issue with a known fix put out by the manufacturer and can save you time and money during diagnosis.

First, note if there are any other diagnostic fault codes. If any of them are bus communication related, vehicle identification number (VIN) related or battery / ignition related, diagnose them first. Misdiagnosis has been known to occur if you diagnose the U0155 code before any of the basic codes have been thoroughly diagnosed and dismissed.

If your scan tool can access fault codes and the only one you get from other modules is the U0155, try to talk to the IPC module. If you can access codes from the IPC module, then the U0155 code is either intermittent or a memory code. If unable to talk to the IPC module, then the U0155 code that the other modules are setting is active, and the problem is there now.

The most common failure is loss of power or ground.

Check all fuses that power up the IPC module on this vehicle. Check all grounds for the IPC module. Locate where the ground attaching points are on the vehicle and make sure that these connections are clean and tight. If you have to, take them off, get a small wire bristle brush and baking soda/water solution and clean each one, both the connector and where it connects.

If any repairs were made, clear the diagnostic trouble codes from all the modules that set the code in memory, and see if the U0155 code returns or if you are able to talk to the IPC module. If the code does not return or communication is re-established with the IPC module, then the fuses/connections were most likely your problem.

If the code returns, locate the CAN bus communication connections on your particular vehicle, most importantly the IPC module connector, which is behind the instrument panel. Disconnect the negative battery cable before unplugging the connector at the IPC module. Once located, visually inspect the connectors and wiring. Look for scraping, rubbing, bare wires, burn spots or melted plastic. Pull the connectors apart and carefully inspect the terminals (the metal parts) inside the connectors. See if they look burned or have a green tint indicating corrosion. Use electrical contact cleaner and a plastic bristle brush if cleaning of the terminals is needed. Let dry and apply dielectric silicone grease where the terminals contact.

Before connecting the connectors back to the IPC module, make these few voltage checks. You will need to have access to a digital volt-ohmmeter (DVOM). Verify that you have power and ground at the IPC module. Gain access to a wiring diagram and determine where the main powers and grounds come into the IPC module. Reconnect the battery before continuing, with the IPC module still disconnected. Connect the red lead of your voltmeter to each B+ (battery voltage) supply coming into the IPC module connector and the black lead of your voltmeter to a good ground (if not sure, battery negative always works). You should see a reading of battery voltage. Verify that you have good grounds as well. Hook the red lead of your voltmeter to battery positive (B+) and the black lead to each ground circuit. Once again you should see battery voltage at each connection. If not, repair the power or ground circuit problem.

Before proceeding, check your wiring diagram and see if you have one or both of these different communication circuits at the IPC module; Perform the checks that apply to the circuits your vehicle has.

Next, check the two communication circuits. Locate the CAN C+ (or HSCAN + circuit) and CAN C- (or HSCAN – circuit). With the black lead of your voltmeter connected to a good ground, connect the red lead to CAN C+. With the Key On, Engine Off, you should see about 2.6 volts and fluctuating slightly. Next, connect the red voltmeter lead to the CAN C- circuit. You should see approximately 2.4 volts and fluctuating slightly.

Next, check the other two communication circuits. Locate the CAN B+ (or MSCAN + circuit) and CAN B- (or MSCAN – circuit). With the black lead of your voltmeter connected to a good ground, connect the red lead to CAN B+. With the Key On, Engine Off, you should see about 0.5 volts and fluctuating slightly. Next, connect the red voltmeter lead to the CAN B- circuit. You should see approximately 4.4 volts and fluctuating slightly.

If all tests have passed and communication is still not possible, or you were unable to clear the U0155 fault code, the only thing left that can be done is to seek assistance from a trained automotive diagnostician, as this would indicate a failed IPC module. Most of these IPC modules must be programmed, or calibrated to the vehicle in order to be installed correctly.

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