Quick Answer
U0071 means: U0071 indicates a communication error in the vehicle's control modules, often linked to the CAN bus.
Can I drive with U0071? Immediate attention is recommended to avoid further complications.
Common Questions
What does U0071 mean and how does it affect my car?
U0071 signifies a communication failure within the vehicle's control modules, potentially leading to poor performance and safety issues. If ignored, it can cause further complications like engine stalling or loss of control features.
What are the most common causes of U0071 and how much does it cost to fix?
The most common causes include damaged wiring (40% likelihood) and faulty control modules (30% likelihood). Repair costs range from $50 for battery connection fixes to $1,200 for module replacements.
Can I drive my car with U0071 or should I stop immediately?
It's advisable to stop driving and address U0071 as it poses potential safety risks. Continued driving may lead to further damage and costly repairs.
How can I diagnose U0071 myself using GeekOBD APP?
Using the GeekOBD APP, scan for trouble codes and check freeze frame data. Look for additional codes that may relate to U0071, helping you pinpoint the root issue.
What vehicles are most commonly affected by U0071?
Commonly affected vehicles include 2015-2020 Ford F-150, 2016-2020 Chevrolet Silverado, and various models from manufacturers like GMC and Ram. Be sure to check for any recalls related to communication failures.
How can I prevent U0071 from happening again?
Regular maintenance, such as inspecting wiring and connections during oil changes, ensuring battery terminals are clean, and addressing any electrical issues promptly, can help prevent U0071.
What is U0071?
DTC U0071 indicates a communication problem between the control modules in your vehicle, specifically indicating a fault in the CAN (Controller Area Network) bus. This error code arises when there's an issue with the communication network that connects various control units in modern vehicles. For instance, if your 2018 Ford F-150 throws this code, it means that the engine control module (ECM) is unable to communicate effectively with other modules like the transmission control module (TCM) or the body control module (BCM). This can result from electrical issues such as faulty wiring, corroded connectors, or a defective control module. When U0071 is detected, you may experience symptoms like the check engine light illuminating, erratic vehicle behavior, or even a complete loss of functionality for certain systems. Understanding this code is crucial as it can lead to more severe issues if not addressed, impacting your vehicle's performance and safety. Addressing the U0071 code early can prevent more extensive repairs down the line, ensuring that your vehicle operates smoothly and reliably.
System: U - Network (Communication, CAN Bus)
Symptoms
Common symptoms when U0071 is present:
- Check engine light illuminates and stays on, indicating a fault in the vehicle's electrical system.
- Engine performance issues such as stalling or erratic idling, making the vehicle difficult to drive.
- Increased fuel consumption, potentially decreasing by 10-15% due to improper control module communication.
- Malfunctioning dashboard indicators, with warning lights appearing that are not related to other known issues.
- Loss of functionality in features like cruise control or stability management systems, impacting overall vehicle safety.
Possible Causes
Most common causes of U0071 (ordered by frequency):
- Faulty wiring or connectors - 40% likelihood. Corrosion or wear can disrupt communication signals, leading to U0071.
- Defective control module - 30% likelihood. A malfunctioning ECM or other module may fail to communicate correctly.
- Poor battery connections - 15% likelihood. Weak power supply can affect module performance and communication.
- Short circuits in the CAN bus - 10% likelihood. Damaged wires can lead to short circuits, causing communication breakdown.
- Environmental factors - 5% likelihood. Moisture or extreme temperatures can impact module operations and connections.
U0071 Repair Costs
Cost Breakdown by Repair Type
Wiring Harness Repair
Repairing or replacing damaged wiring or connectors in the CAN bus.
- Total: $150 - $400
- Success rate: 85%
Control Module Replacement
Replacing a faulty control module causing the communication failure.
- Total: $300 - $1,200
- Success rate: 90%
Battery Connection Repair
Fixing poor battery connections or terminals that can impact module performance.
- Total: $50 - $150
- Success rate: 75%
Money-Saving Tips for U0071
- Start with the most common and least expensive repairs first
- Use GeekOBD APP to confirm diagnosis before replacing expensive parts
- Consider preventive maintenance to avoid future occurrences
- Compare prices for OEM vs aftermarket parts based on your needs
- Address the issue promptly to prevent more expensive secondary damage
Diagnostic Steps
Professional U0071 Diagnosis Process
Follow these systematic steps to accurately diagnose U0071. Each step builds on the previous one to ensure accurate diagnosis.
Step 1: Step 1: Initial visual inspection - Check for damaged wiring, loose connections, or corrosion in the wiring harness (5-10 minutes)
Step 1: Initial visual inspection - Check for damaged wiring, loose connections, or corrosion in the wiring harness (5-10 minutes).
Step 2: Step 2: OBD2 scan with GeekOBD APP - Use the app to retrieve the U0071 code along with any pending codes and freeze frame data for context (10-15 minutes)
Step 2: OBD2 scan with GeekOBD APP - Use the app to retrieve the U0071 code along with any pending codes and freeze frame data for context (10-15 minutes).
Step 3: Step 3: Component testing - Employ a multimeter to check the voltage and continuity of relevant wiring and connectors (20-30 minutes)
Step 3: Component testing - Employ a multimeter to check the voltage and continuity of relevant wiring and connectors (20-30 minutes).
Step 4: Step 4: System function test - After repairs, verify the operation of all systems affected by the modules (10-15 minutes)
Step 4: System function test - After repairs, verify the operation of all systems affected by the modules (10-15 minutes).
Step 5: Step 5: Road test verification - Drive the vehicle under various conditions to ensure the code does not reappear (15-20 minutes)
Step 5: Road test verification - Drive the vehicle under various conditions to ensure the code does not reappear (15-20 minutes).
Important Notes
- Always verify the repair with GeekOBD APP after completing diagnostic steps
- Clear codes and test drive to ensure the problem is resolved
- Address underlying causes to prevent code recurrence
Real Repair Case Studies
Case Study 1: 2018 Ford F-150 U0071 Repair
Vehicle: 2018 Ford F-150, 50,000 miles
Problem: Customer reported check engine light and poor engine performance.
Diagnosis: Diagnostic scan revealed U0071 along with multiple pending codes related to the ECM.
Solution: Repaired damaged wiring in the CAN bus and replaced corroded connectors.
Cost: $250 (including parts and labor)
Result: Vehicle performance restored, and check engine light cleared.
Case Study 2: 2019 Chevrolet Silverado U0071 Diagnosis
Vehicle: 2019 Chevrolet Silverado, 30,000 miles
Problem: Customer experienced erratic dashboard lights and loss of traction control.
Diagnosis: Found U0071 through OBD2 scan; further inspection showed a faulty control module.
Solution: Replaced the ECM and reprogrammed it to restore communication.
Cost: $1,000 (including parts and labor)
Result: All systems functioned correctly post-repair, and customer satisfaction was high.