U1900 – CAN Communication Bus Fault
| Code | Fault Location | Probable Cause |
|---|---|---|
| U1900 | CAN Communication Bus Fault (Buy Part On Amazon) |
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Table of Contents
- What Does Code U1900 Mean?
- Where is the U1900 sensor located?
- What are the common causes of code U1900?
- Get Help with U1900
What Does Code U1900 Mean?
OBD II fault code U1900 is a manufacturer specific code that is defined by car maker Ford as “CAN COMMUNICATION BUS FAULT – RECEIVE ERROR”, and is set when the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) detects a communication failure between itself, the instrument cluster, ABS control module, and the trailer brake controller while the ignition is in the “RUN” position. Note that while the CAN (Controller Area Network) serial communication system connects all the control modules on a Ford application to each other, code U1900 (mostly) specifically refers ONLY to communication failures in the circuits within the greater CAN system that connect the PCM, ABS control module, and the instrument cluster.
In simple terms, the CAN serial communication system is a high-speed communication system that allows all the control modules on the application to communicate and share data about operating conditions with each other via a highly complex wiring system. However, in practice, the CAN system consists of several interconnected sections in which information is first shared among the control modules in that particular section, before it is shared with other control modules in other sections.
NOTE: As a practical matter, all control modules are programmed to both send and receive specific information that serves as a means to verify that both the sending and receiving modules are working as expected, as well as to identify the transmitting module.
As stated elsewhere, the PCM, instrument cluster, ABS control module, and the trailer brake controller are connected with two specific CAN bus circuits, these being CAN circuits 1908 and 1909, which like all other CAN circuits, are not tolerant of faults. Therefore, poor connections (intermittent or permanent), short circuits, or abnormal voltages and/or resistances will be recognised as communication failures, which will set code U1900 and illuminate warning light on the first failure, although limited communication may still be possible under some circumstances.
However, no part of, or circuit in, the CAN system exists entirely in isolation, and depending on the application, communication failures between other control modules that could include the Restraint Control Module, Parking Aid Module, and Four Wheel Drive (4WD) Control Module may contribute to the setting of code U1900. In fact, on Ford applications that are fitted with 4WD systems, the presence of code U1900 could cause the 4WD system (and others) not to function, which is a common feature of U1900 on many 4WD-equipped Ford applications. Note that in some cases, code U1900 can also cause a no-start condition, and particularly on F-series trucks.
In terms of operation, the CAN bus system on Ford applications contains control modules that support three different communication protocols. For instance, some modules support the SCP (Standard Corporate Protocol), others support the ISO (International Standards Organization protocol, and still others, like the 4WD control module, supports the UBP (Uart Based Protocol).
In practice, the different protocols serve different networks within the CAN system, and while this serves to decrease the complexity of the CAN system somewhat, it can make diagnosing issues very difficult. For instance, when a driver selects say, 4WD in low range, the 4WD control module needs to know the vehicle’s road speed, the status of the brake pedal, and the position of the manual lever (gear selector lever) before the 4WD control module will execute the transfer case shift.
Since the above values are calculated or determined by the PCM, there is no need for each module to have its own dedicated vehicle speed -, or brake pedal position sensor, so the PCB distributes these values via the Standard Corporate Protocol network, which also allows for inter-protocol communication between control modules. Thus, the 4WD module (which “lives” on the Uart Based Protocol network), obtains the required data from the Standard Corporate Protocol network, and should the communication between the two different protocols be anything less than perfect, code U1900 can conceivably be set, even though CAN circuits 1908 an 1909 may be in perfect working order.
Where is the U1900 sensor located?
The image above shows the disassembled instrument cluster from a Ford Focus. Note that defective instrument clusters on many, if not most Ford applications, are among the leading causes of code U1900. Also, note that while defective Ford instrument clusters are often repairable, the process of diagnosing and actually repairing the defect is not recommended for non-professional mechanics.
What are the common causes of code U1900?
NOTE: Non-professional mechanics should take note that while code U1900 often has serious and sometimes, expensive-to-fix causes, the code can also appear as a so-called “ghost code”. In these cases, code U1900 can appear simply as the result of connecting a scanner to the data link connector while the ignition is switched on, or while the engine is running.
Nonetheless, some common causes of code U1900 could include the following-
- Damaged, burnt, shorted, disconnected, or corroded wiring and/or connectors in CAN circuits 1908 and/or 1909, or, in any other circuits between these circuits and the PCM, instrument cluster, ABS control module, or trailer brake controller
- Incorrectly installed trailer brake control system on applications with ABS brakes
- Defective trailer brake controller
- Defective ignition switch
- Poor electrical connections at the trailer light connector
- Defective instrument cluster
- One or more defective control modules
- Failed or failing PCM, or other control module. Note that these are rare events, and the fault must therefore be sought elsewhere before any control module is replaced
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This code dissapeared after I ran the scan twice. It has an IID device installed on the ignition switch too. This may be what’s throwing the code.
My vehicle showed this code, AND, the rear tailgate release switch didn’t work, although the remote tailgate release worked…I checked the door switch, first, then went forward to the passenger side fuse panel, where there are also a couple of controllers…when I moved the fuse panel around, I got some functions happening; it turned out that there are two latches for large connectors on the bottom of the fuse Panel, and one of them had been kicked loose, but just loose, so that only the tailgate release was affected. I sprayed some contact cleaner into the three large “zero insertion force” connectors, reseated them and set the latches properly… Network error went away, and tailgate manual release back!
I have a no start condition. The engine turns over but not firing. I have a u1900-30 code. I have checked all the grounds I could find. All the fuses. I also checked the connection to the pcm and the abs. However on the dash it says “no fuel data?” I disconnected the gauge cluster and the code went away but still not starting? I am leaning towards the cluster but want to be sure before spending a large sum of money
Joe,
You will need to verify communication to all modules. With the cluster connected, scan all modules to see which ones are functioning and setting codes and which modules they are losing communication to.
If this is not possible, then 2 options exist.
1) Try a cluster and see, as Ford has seen issues with their clusters regarding communication failures.
2) Take the vehicle to a dealer / diagnostic repair shop and have them diagnose the CAN bus failure.
Good luck with your repairs.
Hi, I’m having a problem with an 07 Ford explorer 4.6l. I recently had the pcm replaced due to an issue with the ignition blowing intermittently. The fuse has stopped blowing since the repair, but the tool light and traction control are on. I was told the tool light is due to a communication issue with abs module. Also the cruise control no longer works. From what I’ve read the traction control light and cruise control issue are probably related to the communication problem with abs. I’ve also begun having intermittent starting problems again. Not the fuse though. I’ve had it not start twice now when I initially turn the key. Then finally start after 3 or 4 tries. I don’t know if this is related to the abs problem or something else. The ignition switch was replaced first, before the computer, when the blown fuse problem started. I thought that might be the new starting issue since it sometimes seems to get stuck. I can turn the key freely, but it will keep beeping when I pull the key out of the ignition at times. Which wasnt the case before the switch was replaced.
The 2nd time it didn’t start right away everything came on like normal, and I was able to move the shifter even with the engine off. The 1st time it didn’t start it kept beeping with the key out or in the on position, like the switch is getting stuck in the run or accessories position even when it’s not physically in that position. Sorry I know I’m not explaining this well. I think my biggest question is can the abs issue be related or is it more likely that the no start is separate. Also the battery was replaced at the same time as the computer.
Eroor
С вероятностью 95%на фокусах появились микротрещины олова на плате где втыкается кан шина. Нужно пропаять контакты заново.
Hello and thanks for the explanation.
in the case of “Ghost Code” caused by connecting the scanner while the ignition is on, what is the possible fix? it is still required to disassemble the instrument cluster? or there is a simple fix for those cases.
Thank you.
Cesar