U1101 – SCP (J1850) Invalid or Missing Data for Primary Id

By Reinier (Contact Me)
Last Updated 2019-06-21
Automobile Repair Shop Owner

Table of Contents

1. What Does Code U1101 Mean?
2. Where is the U1101 sensor located?
3. What are the common causes of code U1101?
4. What are the symptoms of code U1101?
5. Get Help with U1101

What Does Code U1101 Mean?

OBD II fault code U1101 is a manufacturer specific code that is defined as “SCP (J1850) Invalid or Missing Data for Primary Id”, and is set when the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) detects a break or interruption in communication between itself and the primary control module in a given system, which in the case of code U1101, is the transmission control module on most applications.

NOTE: Note that General Motors defines code U1101 as “Loss of Serial Communications for Class 2 Devices”, which amounts to much the same thing as the definition given above.

SPECIAL NOTES:  It should be noted that there are several dozen manufacturer specific trouble codes that have the “SCP (J1850) Invalid or Missing Data for Primary Id” definition. In all cases, these codes can be decoded in the following manner-

• “SCP” refers to the Standard Corporate Protocol, which is one of several communications protocols in use by different vehicle manufacturers
• “J1850” refers to the SAE standard that describes the SCP communications protocol
• “Primary Id” refers to the identification code each control module in a CAN (Controller Area Network) serial bus communications system has. When a vehicle is in operation, all the control modules in a vehicle communicate with each other via the CAN bus system. During data transmissions, each control module sends its unique identification code along with its data transmission, and other control modules use this identification code to identify the source of the data transmission.

Therefore, and in the context of code U1101, the Primary Id refers to the transmission control module as the originator of a data transmission, hence the reference to “Primary Id”. It should be noted though that while many codes referring to Primary Id’s identify the relevant control module, most do not, which makes it imperative that all codes in this class be researched thoroughly before a diagnosis is attempted. END OF SPECIAL NOTES.

As a practical matter, CAN bus systems are composed of hundreds of circuits that interconnect all the control modules on a vehicle. Moreover, CAN bus systems are set up in such a manner that data from a particular control module is shared with many other modules, with the PCM acting as a sort of clearing house for all data transmissions.

In the case of code U1101, which refers to the transmission control module on most vehicles, data concerning shift points, torque converter lock-up clutch control, and others is shared with several other control modules. These typically include the throttle control module (on drive-by-wire systems), the fuel control module, ignition control, and others that may include the traction-, stability-, and cruise control modules.

We need not delve into the technical complexities of the relationships between these control modules here, but suffice to say that the result of these relationships is that the transmission control module exercises a great deal of control over several engine control functions to make gear shifts more comfortable, to reduce emissions, and to protect transmission components against the effects of aggressive accelerations.

Thus, when a defect, malfunction, or failure exists between the transmission control module and the PCM that prevents data being transmitted from the transmission control module to the PCM, either or both the PCM and transmission control module will recognize that several critical engine control functions cannot be executed, and one or both control modules will set code U1101, and illuminate one or more warning lights. Note that in some cases, the transmission may also be forced into a fail-safe or limp mode as a safety precaution.

Where is the U1101 sensor located?

The image above shows the typical location of the transmission control module on the casing of a transmission. Note though that in some cases, the transmission control module is integrated into the PCM, while in still other cases, the transmission control module may be located in the engine compartment, away from the transmission.

What are the common causes of code U1101?

The common causes of code U1101 are largely similar across all applications, and could include the following-

• Damaged, burnt, shorted, disconnected, or corroded wiring and/or connectors between the transmission control module and the PCM
• Damaged or defective transmission control module
• Blown fuses and/or fusible links that protect transmission control circuits
• Damaged and/or corrupted programming in either, or both the transmission control module and PCM

What are the symptoms of code U1101?

Symptoms of code U1101 could include the following-

• Stored trouble code and illuminated warning light
• Note that in some cases, multiple trouble codes and several warning lights may be present; typically warning lights related to the ABS, traction-, and stability control systems
• Transmission may be locked in one gear (typically 2^nd or 3^rd gear), or the transmission may be unable to select any gear

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