Quick Answer
U0716 means: U0716 indicates a communication failure between the Transmission Control Module and other vehicle control modules.
Can I drive with U0716? Address this code immediately to prevent transmission damage.
Common Questions
What does U0716 mean and how does it affect my car?
U0716 indicates a communication problem between your vehicle's Transmission Control Module and other electronic control units. This can lead to erratic shifting, poor fuel economy, and even prevent your car from starting. If ignored, it may cause further damage to your transmission.
What are the most common causes of U0716 and how much does it cost to fix?
The common causes include wiring issues, a faulty TCM, and poor connections. Repair costs can range from $100 for simple wiring fixes to $800 for a TCM replacement, depending on the severity of the problem.
Can I drive my car with U0716 or should I stop immediately?
While you might be able to drive your vehicle short distances, it's not advisable to ignore the U0716 code. Continuing to drive can lead to serious transmission issues, so it’s best to have it diagnosed and repaired promptly.
How can I diagnose U0716 myself using GeekOBD APP?
Using the GeekOBD APP, you can perform a full OBD2 scan to retrieve the U0716 code and any related codes. The app provides freeze frame data, which shows the vehicle's conditions at the time the code was triggered, helping you pinpoint the problem.
What vehicles are most commonly affected by U0716?
Commonly affected vehicles include the 2015-2018 Ford Fusion, Escape, and Edge. These models may experience U0716 due to their similar transmission systems and control modules.
How can I prevent U0716 from happening again?
Regular vehicle maintenance, including checking and securing wiring connections, can help prevent U0716. Additionally, using quality parts during repairs and keeping software updated can also mitigate future issues.
What is U0716?
The diagnostic trouble code (DTC) U0716 indicates a communication issue between the Transmission Control Module (TCM) and other control modules in the vehicle, such as the Engine Control Module (ECM). This code is often triggered when the TCM detects that it cannot communicate effectively with other modules on the Controller Area Network (CAN) bus. The CAN bus is crucial for data exchange among various components, and when there's a communication failure, it can lead to erratic shifting, reduced engine performance, and even failure to start. Common symptoms associated with U0716 include the check engine light illuminating, unusual transmission behavior, and a decrease in fuel efficiency. If left unaddressed, the problem may worsen, potentially leading to transmission damage and costly repairs. It's essential for car owners to understand that U0716 can manifest in various models, especially in Ford vehicles manufactured between 2015 and 2018, like the Ford Fusion, Escape, and Edge, which are known to exhibit this issue. Getting a timely diagnosis and repair can save you from more severe problems down the line.
System: U - Network (Communication, CAN Bus)
Symptoms
Common symptoms when U0716 is present:
- Check engine light stays on constantly, indicating a persistent issue that needs immediate attention.
- Transmission shifts erratically or fails to shift at all, leading to difficulty in acceleration or deceleration.
- Fuel economy decreased by 10-15%, noticeable when comparing recent fuel consumption to previous records.
- Engine stalling during stop-and-go traffic, which can be frustrating and dangerous.
- Inability to start the vehicle, indicating a severe communication breakdown between modules.
Possible Causes
Most common causes of U0716 (ordered by frequency):
- Wiring issues, including damaged or corroded wires, account for about 40% of U0716 cases. Inspecting and repairing these wires can often resolve the issue.
- Faulty TCM is another common cause, with around 30% of cases linked to a malfunctioning module that needs replacement.
- Poor connections or loose terminals, which can cause intermittent communication failures. Regular maintenance can help prevent this.
- Less common but serious cause: CAN bus failure, which can disrupt communication across multiple modules and require extensive diagnostic work.
- Rarely, software glitches in the TCM can lead to U0716, necessitating a software update or reprogramming to fix.
U0716 Repair Costs
Cost Breakdown by Repair Type
Wiring Repair
Repair of damaged wiring and connectors related to the TCM.
- Total: $100 - $300
- Success rate: 85%
TCM Replacement
Replacing the faulty Transmission Control Module.
- Total: $400 - $800
- Success rate: 90%
Software Update
Updating the TCM software to resolve communication issues.
- Total: $50 - $150
- Success rate: 75%
Money-Saving Tips for U0716
- 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 U0716 Diagnosis Process
Follow these systematic steps to accurately diagnose U0716. Each step builds on the previous one to ensure accurate diagnosis.
Step 1: Step 1: Initial visual inspection - Check for obvious signs like damaged wiring, loose connections, or corrosion (5-10 minutes)
Step 1: Initial visual inspection - Check for obvious signs like damaged wiring, loose connections, or corrosion (5-10 minutes).
Step 2: Step 2: OBD2 scan with GeekOBD APP - Retrieve all codes and freeze frame data to understand the fault context (10-15 minutes)
Step 2: OBD2 scan with GeekOBD APP - Retrieve all codes and freeze frame data to understand the fault context (10-15 minutes).
Step 3: Step 3: Component testing - Use a multimeter or specific diagnostic tools to test suspected components, including the TCM and wiring (20-30 minutes)
Step 3: Component testing - Use a multimeter or specific diagnostic tools to test suspected components, including the TCM and wiring (20-30 minutes).
Step 4: Step 4: System function test - Verify proper operation after repairs and clear codes using GeekOBD APP (10-15 minutes)
Step 4: System function test - Verify proper operation after repairs and clear codes using GeekOBD APP (10-15 minutes).
Step 5: Step 5: Road test verification - Drive the vehicle under various conditions to confirm repair success and ensure communication is restored (15-20 minutes)
Step 5: Road test verification - Drive the vehicle under various conditions to confirm repair success and ensure communication is restored (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: Repair of U0716 in a 2017 Ford Fusion
Vehicle: 2017 Ford Fusion, 45,000 miles
Problem: Customer reported erratic shifting and check engine light on.
Diagnosis: Initial visual inspection revealed damaged wiring harness connected to the TCM.
Solution: Repaired damaged wiring and secured all connections. Cleared codes and performed a road test.
Cost: $250 (including labor and parts)
Result: Issue resolved; no further codes appeared after the road test.
Case Study 2: U0716 Code in a 2016 Ford Escape
Vehicle: 2016 Ford Escape, 50,000 miles
Problem: Vehicle would not start and check engine light was illuminated.
Diagnosis: OBD2 scan revealed U0716. Testing showed TCM was not responding.
Solution: Replaced the TCM and updated software. Conducted thorough system checks.
Cost: $650 (including TCM and labor)
Result: Vehicle started without issues; customer reported improved performance.