P0600 – CAN data bus -malfunction

Georgi
By Georgi (Contact Me)
Last Updated 2016-07-04
Automotive engineer
CodeFault LocationProbable Cause
P0600 CAN data bus -malfunction
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Table of Contents

  1. What Does Code P0600 Mean?
  2. What are the common causes of code P0600 ?
  3. What are the symptoms of code P0600 ?
  4. How do you troubleshoot code P0600 ?
  5. Codes Related to P0600
  6. Get Help with P0600

What Does Code P0600 Mean?

P0600 or by definition PCM serial communication link malfunctioning is a generic powertrain diagnostic trouble code. It can be found in all vehicles which are 1996 and newer. The code simply indicates that there is malfunction between the connection of electronic control module (ECM) and one or more of the submodules. The P0600 will show if the ECM which controls the majority of operations of the vehicle detect lost connectivity or control over one or more modules for eight consecutive starts.

What are the common causes of code P0600 ?

What causes the P0600 code?

  • The electronic control module has failed or starts to fail.
  • Your battery voltage is low.
  • Poor electrical connection. The wiring harness of ECM is open or short.
  • Loose or corroded connectors.
  • Frayed or broken wires between devices.
  • Poor ground is one of the most common.
  • The wiring harness can have short to ground or open wire.

Changing your ECM with one that is sure to work is the best way to eliminate the ECM. You can make the same with the wiring harness to exclude it from the list. Repair all loose or broken wires and wires connections. Check all grounds and if needed fix them too.

What are the symptoms of code P0600 ?

This is a commonly misdiagnosed code because it may cause deceptive symptoms. Just remember that P0600 means connectivity loss and start your search from the affected system first. Depending on the failure location the following symptoms may be presented:

  • The check engine light will come on.
  • The light of ABS and traction control may come on.
  • Engine may not start.
  • Increased fuel consumption.
  • Misfire while driving.
  • The engine dies when you came to a stop sign.
  • Vehicle runs poorly.
  • Poor acceleration, rough running and idling, stalling also may accrue as a drivability problems.

How do you troubleshoot code P0600 ?

Before you start searching the cause of the problem, check the voltage of your battery. This can cause various DTC to appear including P0600. Be sure to check your battery and if needed to recharge it.

  1. You need some sort of diagnostic tool. Scan the vehicle and see if there are any other codes including history and pending.
  2. It is important to check the freeze frame date. This will show you when and at what conditions the diagnostic trouble code was recorded.
  3. Now to be sure that this is not one time event, you have to erase all the codes and take the car for a spin. From the freeze frame data you know the conditions and you can replicate them. If the codes shows up again the move on.
  4. Now you know that you have a problem and you need to start looking for the cause. Start with visual inspections on the affected modules. Look for loose or corroded connections. Damaged wires or stripped insulation.
  5. Next you need to check the continuity of the connections between the module and the ECM. For that purpose you will need a multimeter. It is also a good idea to have the wiring diagram of the vehicle near you. Unplug the connector of the module and the ECM and trace all the wires involved. If you find broken wire this means that the problem is in the wiring loom.
  6. If everything with the module and the wiring harness seems alright, then the problem may be in the ECM itself. You can check that by replacing it with one that you are sure to work or perform manufacturer’s testing procedure.

Important:

P0600 can cause the ABS and traction control to be disabled, meaning that driving can became dangerous.

  • P0600 Serial Communication Link Malfunction
  • P0601 Internal Control Module Memory Check Sum Error
  • P0602 Control Module Programming Error
  • P0603 Internal Control Module Keep Alive Memory (KAM) Error
  • P0604 Internal Control Module Random Access Memory (RAM) Error
  • P0605 Internal Control Module Read Only Memory (ROM) Error
  • P0606 PCM Processor Fault
  • P0607 Control Module Performance
  • P0608 Control Module VSS Output “A” Malfunction
  • P0609 Control Module VSS Output “B” Malfunction
  • P0620 Generator Control Circuit Malfunction
  • P0621 Generator Lamp “L” Control Circuit Malfunction
  • P0622 Generator Field “F” Control Circuit Malfunction
  • P0650 Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Control Circuit Malfunction
  • P0654 Engine RPM Output Circuit Malfunction
  • P0655 Engine Hot Lamp Output Control Circuit Malfunction
  • P0656 Fuel Level Output Circuit Malfunction

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