U0153 is a generic OBD-II network communication diagnostic trouble code indicating that communication with the Parking Brake Control Module has been lost.
The exact module name, electronic parking brake design, CAN network configuration, wiring arrangement, and diagnostic procedure can vary by manufacturer, model, and model year. Vehicle-specific service information should always be used for final diagnosis.
Fault Code Description
U0153 = Lost Communication With Parking Brake Control Module.
Code type: Generic OBD-II Network Communication Code.
Likely fault area: Parking Brake Control Module, electronic parking brake system, CAN communication wiring, module power supply, ground circuit, electrical connectors, network termination, or another control module affecting communication.
U0153 is generally stored when another control module does not receive the expected communication messages from the Parking Brake Control Module within the required time. The exact detection criteria depend on the vehicle manufacturer.
What Does U0153 Mean?
Modern vehicles use communication networks such as CAN to allow control modules to exchange information. On vehicles equipped with an electronic parking brake, the Parking Brake Control Module communicates with systems such as the ABS, BCM, instrument cluster, transmission control system, and other applicable modules.
When expected messages from the Parking Brake Control Module are missing, one or more modules may store U0153.
U0153 does not automatically mean that the parking brake module has failed. Low battery voltage, a blown fuse, poor ground, damaged CAN wiring, loose connectors, water intrusion, or another module disrupting the network can also cause the code.
Symptoms of U0153
- Electronic parking brake warning light.
- Parking brake warning message on the instrument cluster.
- Parking brake may not apply or release normally.
- Multiple communication-related trouble codes.
- Scan tool may be unable to communicate with the parking brake module.
- ABS, stability-control, or brake-system warning indicators may appear on applicable vehicles.
- Automatic parking-brake functions may be unavailable.
- Intermittent network communication problems.
- Vehicle may enter a fail-safe or restricted parking-brake mode.
Common Causes of U0153
- Low battery voltage.
- Weak battery or charging-system problem.
- Blown fuse supplying the parking brake module.
- Missing module power supply.
- Poor or corroded module ground.
- Open CAN High circuit.
- Open CAN Low circuit.
- Short between CAN communication circuits.
- Short to ground or power on the CAN network.
- Loose or damaged electrical connector.
- Corroded module terminals.
- Water intrusion.
- Damaged wiring harness.
- Another control module interfering with CAN communication.
- Faulty Parking Brake Control Module.
How Serious Is U0153?
U0153 can be a serious fault because the electronic parking brake may become unavailable or may not respond correctly when communication with its control module is lost.
The severity depends on the vehicle design and the exact cause of the communication failure. A simple low-voltage or wiring problem can trigger U0153, while a genuine parking-brake module failure may require more extensive repair.
Can You Drive With U0153?
Driving with U0153 is not recommended if the electronic parking brake is not operating normally or if brake-system warning indicators are illuminated.
If the vehicle still operates normally, the fault should nevertheless be diagnosed promptly. Do not rely on an electronic parking brake that cannot be confirmed to apply and release correctly.
How to Diagnose U0153
1. Scan All Control Modules
Use a professional scan tool capable of accessing the vehicle network. Record U0153 and all additional ABS, brake, parking-brake, voltage, and communication codes.
If several modules report communication faults, investigate a common power, ground, or CAN network problem before replacing the Parking Brake Control Module.
2. Check Battery Voltage
Check battery condition and charging-system voltage. Low system voltage can cause electronic modules to reset or disappear from the CAN network.
3. Attempt Communication With the Parking Brake Module
Use the scan tool to determine whether the Parking Brake Control Module responds to diagnostic requests.
If the module communicates normally, the fault may be intermittent or stored in another module. If it does not communicate, continue with power, ground, connector, and CAN network testing.
4. Check Module Power and Ground
Use the vehicle-specific wiring diagram to identify the Parking Brake Control Module power feeds, ignition supply, and grounds.
Check the applicable fuses and verify the electrical supply under the conditions specified by the manufacturer.
5. Inspect CAN Wiring
Inspect CAN High and CAN Low wiring for open circuits, shorts, damaged insulation, corrosion, poor previous repairs, or wiring damage caused by vibration or water intrusion.
6. Inspect Electrical Connectors
Check the parking-brake module connector for loose terminals, corrosion, water contamination, damaged locking mechanisms, bent pins, or poor terminal tension.
7. Check CAN Network Resistance
When required by the manufacturer, power down the network and measure resistance between the applicable CAN communication circuits.
Do not apply one generic resistance value to every vehicle because CAN network architecture and termination arrangements can differ.
8. Test CAN Signals With an Oscilloscope
An oscilloscope can help identify normal CAN communication, distorted signals, electrical noise, intermittent communication, or an inactive network.
The correct test points, voltage levels, timing, and waveform characteristics must be determined from the wiring diagram and specifications for the exact vehicle.
U0153 Oscilloscope Signal Patterns
The following simplified waveform cards illustrate three basic CAN communication conditions. They are diagnostic illustrations and are not vehicle-specific voltage specifications.
Normal / Active
Normal: Stable repeating communication activity with consistent transitions.
Abnormal / Distorted
Abnormal: Irregular transitions, noise, distortion, or intermittent communication.
Inactive / No Communication
Inactive: Expected CAN communication activity is absent.
Important: These waveforms are simplified diagnostic illustrations. Actual CAN High and CAN Low voltage levels, timing, amplitude, and signal behavior must be compared with the manufacturer's specifications for the exact vehicle.
U0153 Diagnostic Signal Flow
↓
Vehicle CAN Network
↓
Parking Brake Control Module
↓
Electronic Parking Brake Actuator/System
↓
ABS / BCM / Instrument Cluster and Other Modules
U0153 OBD Live Data
Available parameters depend on the vehicle and scan tool. Useful information may include parking-brake status, commanded brake state, module communication status, system voltage, actuator status, brake warning status, and available network information.
Live data should be combined with direct electrical testing because intermittent CAN wiring and connector faults may not remain visible during a stationary scan.
Common Repairs for U0153
- Repair a missing Parking Brake Control Module power supply.
- Replace a blown fuse after identifying the reason it failed.
- Repair poor module ground connections.
- Repair damaged CAN High or CAN Low wiring.
- Repair corroded or loose connectors.
- Correct water intrusion.
- Repair another control module that is disrupting the CAN network.
- Repair or replace a defective parking-brake actuator where applicable.
- Replace and configure the Parking Brake Control Module after failure is confirmed.
U0153 Repair Cost
- Electrical/network diagnosis: approximately $100–$200+.
- Wiring repair: approximately $75–$300+.
- Connector or terminal repair: approximately $80–$250+.
- Parking brake actuator/module repair: approximately $200–$1,000+.
- Module replacement and programming: approximately $400–$1,500+ depending on the vehicle.
These are general estimates only. Actual repair costs depend on the vehicle, electronic parking-brake design, parts availability, labor rates, and programming requirements.
Common Repair Mistakes
- Replacing the Parking Brake Control Module without testing power and ground.
- Ignoring low battery voltage.
- Replacing a fuse without identifying why it failed.
- Failing to inspect CAN High and CAN Low wiring.
- Ignoring corroded or loose connectors.
- Replacing the parking-brake actuator when the real problem is communication.
- Replacing multiple modules because several U-codes are present.
- Ignoring water intrusion.
- Using incorrect CAN network specifications.
- Failing to perform required programming or calibration after module replacement.
Related OBD-II Codes
- U0100 – Lost Communication With ECM/PCM.
- U0101 – Lost Communication With TCM.
- U0121 – Lost Communication With ABS Control Module.
- U0140 – Lost Communication With Body Control Module.
- U0150 – Lost Communication With Gateway Module "A".
- U0151 – Lost Communication With Restraints Control Module.
- U0152 – Lost Communication With Restraints Control Module Sensor.
FAQ About U0153
What causes U0153?
Common causes include low battery voltage, blown fuses, missing power or ground, CAN wiring faults, damaged connectors, water intrusion, another module interfering with the network, or a failed Parking Brake Control Module.
Does U0153 mean the parking brake module is bad?
No. The module should not be replaced until its power supply, ground, connectors, CAN wiring, and network communication have been tested.
Can a weak battery cause U0153?
Yes. Low system voltage can cause control modules to reset or fail to communicate correctly with the CAN network.
Can wiring cause U0153?
Yes. Open circuits, shorts, corrosion, damaged wiring, or poor connector contact can interrupt communication with the Parking Brake Control Module.
Can an oscilloscope help diagnose U0153?
Yes. An oscilloscope can help identify active CAN communication, distorted signals, excessive electrical noise, intermittent communication, or an inactive network.
Can U0153 affect the electronic parking brake?
Yes. Depending on the vehicle, loss of communication can prevent normal electronic parking-brake operation or cause the system to enter a restricted or fail-safe condition.
Does a replacement Parking Brake Control Module need programming?
Some vehicles require programming, coding, configuration, initialization, or calibration after module replacement. The exact procedure depends on the manufacturer and vehicle.
Final Takeaway
U0153 is a generic OBD-II network communication code indicating that communication with the Parking Brake Control Module has been lost.
The fault may be caused by a power or ground problem, CAN wiring fault, damaged connector, low battery voltage, network problem, or a failed component. Proper diagnosis should verify the electrical supply and communication network before replacing the parking-brake module or actuator.