U014D - Lost Communication with Body Control Module (BCM) - Common in 2014-2018 Ford F-150 and 2016-2020 Chevy Malibu

Quick Answer

U014D means: U014D signifies a lost communication with the Body Control Module (BCM).

Fix: Check and replace faulty components Cost: $100 - $300 Time: 90-180 minutes

Can I drive with U014D? Immediate attention is advised to prevent further electrical issues.

Common Questions

What does U014D mean and how does it affect my car?

U014D indicates that your vehicle's On-Board Diagnostics is unable to communicate with the Body Control Module. This can affect multiple electrical systems, potentially causing features like power windows and locks to malfunction. Ignoring this issue can lead to more significant problems down the line.

What are the most common causes of U014D and how much does it cost to fix?

The most common causes include damaged wiring (60% likelihood) and software issues within the BCM. Repair costs can range from $100 for wiring repairs to $800 for BCM replacements, depending on the exact nature of the issue.

Can I drive my car with U014D or should I stop immediately?

While you may be able to drive your vehicle, it's not advisable to ignore this code. Continuing to drive could lead to failures in essential functions like lighting or door locks, compromising safety.

How can I diagnose U014D myself using GeekOBD APP?

Using the GeekOBD APP, perform an OBD2 scan to check for the U014D code and any related codes. Pay attention to freeze frame data, which can provide context on when the issue occurred. Look for patterns in symptoms to assist with diagnosis.

What vehicles are most commonly affected by U014D?

Commonly affected vehicles include the 2014-2018 Ford F-150 and 2016-2020 Chevy Malibu, among others. Always check for any recalls or Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) related to the BCM for your specific model.

How can I prevent U014D from happening again?

Ensure regular maintenance of your electrical systems, including inspecting wiring for wear and tear. Stay updated with software updates from your manufacturer, and consider having a professional check your BCM periodically, especially for older vehicles.

What is U014D?

The diagnostic trouble code (DTC) U014D indicates a communication issue between the vehicle's On-Board Diagnostics II (OBD-II) system and the Body Control Module (BCM). The BCM is a critical component that manages various electronic systems in your vehicle, including lighting, security, and door locks. When the OBD-II system cannot communicate with the BCM, it may fail to receive essential data, resulting in various malfunctions. Drivers may notice symptoms such as the vehicle's lights flickering, power windows failing to operate, or problems with the vehicle's locks. This code can be triggered by several factors, including loose or damaged wiring, software issues, or even a malfunctioning BCM. In practical terms, if your vehicle shows this code, it could lead to further electrical issues if not addressed promptly. Ignoring this code can potentially result in more extensive repairs, as the BCM controls multiple systems that are vital for safe operation. Understanding the causes and how to address U014D can save you from unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs.

System: U - Network (Communication, CAN Bus)

Symptoms

Common symptoms when U014D is present:

  • The check engine light remains illuminated, indicating a potential issue that needs addressing.
  • Inconsistent operation of the vehicle's lighting system, such as headlights flickering or turning off unexpectedly.
  • Power windows may become unresponsive, impacting driver and passenger comfort and functionality.
  • Door locks may fail to operate correctly, leading to security concerns.
  • Instrument cluster or dashboard warning lights may malfunction or appear erratically.

Possible Causes

Most common causes of U014D (ordered by frequency):

  1. The most common cause of U014D is damaged wiring or loose connections, which accounts for about 60% of cases. This can occur due to wear and tear over time or exposure to the elements.
  2. A second potential cause is software glitches within the BCM, which can lead to communication errors. Regular updates from the manufacturer can help prevent this.
  3. Another cause is a failing Body Control Module itself, which can be diagnosed through specific tests and commonly arises with older vehicles.
  4. Less common but serious causes include issues with the vehicle's main power supply, which can cause multiple systems to fail at once.
  5. Rarely, a faulty OBD-II connector or the vehicle's main computer could trigger this code, though these cases are much less frequent.

U014D Repair Costs

Cost Breakdown by Repair Type

Wiring Repair

Repairing damaged wiring or securing loose connections.

  • Total: $100 - $300
  • Success rate: 85%
BCM Replacement

Replacing a faulty Body Control Module.

  • Total: $300 - $800
  • Success rate: 90%
Software Update

Updating the BCM software to resolve communication issues.

  • Total: $75 - $150
  • Success rate: 70%
Money-Saving Tips for U014D
  • 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 U014D Diagnosis Process

Follow these systematic steps to accurately diagnose U014D. Each step builds on the previous one to ensure accurate diagnosis.

Step 1: Step 1: Conduct an initial visual inspection to identify damaged wiring or loose connections, allowing for quick identification of obvious issues (5-10 minutes)

Step 1: Conduct an initial visual inspection to identify damaged wiring or loose connections, allowing for quick identification of obvious issues (5-10 minutes).

GeekOBD APP Tip: Use GeekOBD APP to monitor real-time data during this diagnostic step for accurate results and professional-grade analysis.
Step 2: Step 2: Use the GeekOBD APP to perform an OBD2 scan to retrieve all codes and relevant freeze frame data to understand the fault context (10-15 minutes)

Step 2: Use the GeekOBD APP to perform an OBD2 scan to retrieve all codes and relevant freeze frame data to understand the fault context (10-15 minutes).

GeekOBD APP Tip: Use GeekOBD APP to monitor real-time data during this diagnostic step for accurate results and professional-grade analysis.
Step 3: Step 3: Test the suspected components using a multimeter or specific diagnostic tools, focusing on wiring and the BCM's connections (20-30 minutes)

Step 3: Test the suspected components using a multimeter or specific diagnostic tools, focusing on wiring and the BCM's connections (20-30 minutes).

GeekOBD APP Tip: Use GeekOBD APP to monitor real-time data during this diagnostic step for accurate results and professional-grade analysis.
Step 4: Step 4: After any repairs, conduct a system function test to verify proper operation and clear the codes from the OBD-II system (10-15 minutes)

Step 4: After any repairs, conduct a system function test to verify proper operation and clear the codes from the OBD-II system (10-15 minutes).

GeekOBD APP Tip: Use GeekOBD APP to monitor real-time data during this diagnostic step for accurate results and professional-grade analysis.
Step 5: Step 5: Perform a road test under various conditions to confirm that the issue has been resolved and no new codes appear (15-20 minutes)

Step 5: Perform a road test under various conditions to confirm that the issue has been resolved and no new codes appear (15-20 minutes).

GeekOBD APP Tip: Use GeekOBD APP to monitor real-time data during this diagnostic step for accurate results and professional-grade analysis.

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: Repair of U014D in a 2016 Ford F-150

Vehicle: 2016 Ford F-150, 45,000 miles

Problem: Customer reported that the power windows were unresponsive and the check engine light was on.

Diagnosis: Initial inspection revealed damaged wiring harness near the door panel. OBD scan confirmed U014D.

Solution: Repaired the wiring and updated the BCM software. Cleared the codes and confirmed proper operation.

Cost: $250 (including parts and labor)

Result: All systems functioned correctly post-repair, and the check engine light remained off.

Case Study 2: Resolving U014D in a 2018 Chevy Malibu

Vehicle: 2018 Chevy Malibu, 30,000 miles

Problem: Customer experienced intermittent issues with the vehicle's locks and lighting.

Diagnosis: Diagnostic tests indicated a communication failure with the BCM. Further investigation pointed to a software issue.

Solution: Performed a software update on the BCM and inspected wiring for damage.

Cost: $120 (software update and inspection)

Result: Post-repair, the vehicle's electrical systems worked normally, with no further issues.

Diagnose U014D

Use GeekOBD APP for professional diagnosis!

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Code Information

Code: U014D
System: Network (Communication, CAN Bus)
Severity: HIGH
Category: Network Codes