U0156 is a generic OBD-II network communication diagnostic trouble code indicating that communication with the Information Center Module has been lost. The information center may be responsible for displaying or processing vehicle information, warning messages, trip data, or other driver-information functions depending on the vehicle.
The exact module name, location, communication network, wiring configuration, and functions vary by manufacturer, model, and model year. Vehicle-specific service information should be used for final diagnosis.
U0156 Code Details
Code: U0156
Meaning: Lost Communication With Information Center Module
Type: Generic OBD-II Network Communication Code
Main System: Information Center / Vehicle Communication Network
Symptoms of U0156
- Information center display may stop working.
- Trip or vehicle-information data may be unavailable.
- Warning messages may not display correctly.
- Intermittent or blank information display.
- Multiple communication-related trouble codes.
- Instrument cluster or driver-information warnings.
- Scan tool may report that the information center module is not communicating.
- Intermittent electrical or network-related symptoms.
Common Causes of U0156
- Low battery voltage.
- Blown fuse supplying the information center module.
- Missing module power supply.
- Poor or damaged module ground.
- Open CAN High or CAN Low circuit.
- Shorted or damaged communication wiring.
- Loose or corroded electrical connector.
- Damaged terminals or poor terminal tension.
- Water intrusion.
- Network interference caused by another control module.
- Faulty information center module.
- Incorrect previous wiring or module repair.
How Serious Is U0156?
U0156 is generally a moderate communication fault, but its importance depends on the functions handled by the information center on the specific vehicle. Loss of driver-information functions can prevent important warnings or vehicle information from being displayed correctly.
If important warning messages or vehicle information are unavailable, the fault should be diagnosed before relying on the affected system during normal driving.
Can You Drive With U0156?
The vehicle may still start and drive normally if U0156 affects only information-display functions. However, driving should be approached cautiously if warning messages, system-status information, or other important driver information is unavailable.
How to Diagnose U0156
1. Scan All Control Modules
Perform a complete vehicle scan and record U0156 together with any other communication, body, network, voltage, or powertrain codes. Determine whether the information center module is the only module that has stopped communicating.
2. Check Battery and Charging Voltage
Verify battery condition and charging-system voltage. Low voltage during starting can cause electronic modules to reset or temporarily disappear from the communication network.
3. Check Module Fuses
Use the vehicle-specific fuse diagram to identify all power supplies for the information center module. If a fuse is blown, determine the reason before installing another fuse.
4. Test Power and Ground
Verify the required battery and ignition feeds and check the module ground circuit according to manufacturer specifications. A missing power or ground supply can make a functioning module appear to be offline.
5. Inspect Connectors and Wiring
Inspect the information center module connectors for corrosion, loose terminals, bent pins, damaged locking mechanisms, water contamination, or poor terminal tension.
6. Check CAN Communication Circuits
Inspect CAN High and CAN Low circuits for opens, shorts, damaged insulation, chafing, corrosion, or previous wiring repairs that may affect network communication.
7. Check for Another Module Affecting the Network
If several modules report communication failures, investigate common power, ground, and CAN network circuits before replacing the information center module.
8. Test the Information Center Module
If power, ground, connectors, and network circuits are verified, follow the manufacturer's diagnostic procedure to determine whether the information center module has an internal failure.
U0156 Oscilloscope Signal Patterns
An oscilloscope can be useful when U0156 is suspected to involve an intermittent or distorted CAN communication signal. The following simplified waveform cards illustrate basic network conditions.
Normal / Active
Normal: Stable communication activity with consistent signal transitions.
Abnormal / Distorted
Abnormal: Noise, distortion, irregular transitions, or intermittent network activity.
Inactive / No Communication
Inactive: Expected network communication is absent at the tested network point.
Important: These are simplified diagnostic illustrations, not manufacturer-specific waveform specifications. Actual CAN High and CAN Low signals, voltage levels, timing, and network behavior must be compared with the specifications for the exact vehicle.
U0156 Diagnostic Signal Flow
↓
Vehicle CAN Communication Network
↓
Information Center Module
↓
Driver Information / Display Functions
↓
Instrument Cluster & Other Control Modules
U0156 OBD Live Data
Available parameters depend on the vehicle and scan tool. Where supported, useful information may include information-center communication status, system voltage, warning-message status, network status, vehicle information, and related module data.
Live data should be combined with direct electrical testing because an intermittent connector or CAN wiring problem may disappear during a stationary scan.
Common Repairs for U0156
- Repair missing module power supply.
- Repair poor or damaged module ground.
- Replace a failed fuse after identifying the cause.
- Repair damaged CAN High or CAN Low wiring.
- Repair loose or corroded connectors.
- Repair damaged terminals or wiring.
- Correct water intrusion.
- Repair another module that is disrupting the CAN network.
- Repair or replace the information center module when internal failure is confirmed.
- Perform required programming or configuration after module replacement.
U0156 Repair Cost
- Electrical/network diagnosis: approximately $100–$200+.
- Fuse or wiring repair: approximately $75–$300+.
- Connector/terminal repair: approximately $80–$250+.
- Information center module repair: approximately $150–$600+.
- Module replacement and programming: approximately $400–$1,500+ depending on the vehicle.
These are general estimates only. Actual costs vary according to vehicle, module design, parts availability, labor rates, and programming requirements.
Common Repair Mistakes
- Replacing the information center module before checking power and ground.
- Ignoring low battery voltage.
- Failing to inspect module connectors.
- Replacing the module without testing CAN High and CAN Low circuits.
- Assuming every stored U-code means a failed control module.
- Ignoring another module that may be affecting the network.
- Failing to program or configure a replacement module when required.
Related OBD-II Codes
- U0100 – Lost Communication With ECM/PCM.
- U0121 – Lost Communication With Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Module.
- U0140 – Lost Communication With Body Control Module.
- U0150 – Lost Communication With Gateway Module "A".
- U0151 – Lost Communication With Restraints Control Module.
- U0154 – Lost Communication With Restraints Occupant Sensing Control Module.
- U0155 – Lost Communication With Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC).
FAQ About U0156
Can a weak battery cause U0156?
Yes. Low system voltage can cause electronic modules to reset or temporarily stop communicating with the vehicle network.
Can a CAN wiring problem cause U0156?
Yes. An open, shorted, damaged, or poorly connected CAN circuit can prevent the information center module from communicating with other modules.
Does U0156 mean the information center module is bad?
No. Power, ground, fuses, connectors, and CAN communication circuits should be tested before replacing the module.
Can an oscilloscope help diagnose U0156?
Yes. Because U0156 involves network communication, an oscilloscope can help identify abnormal CAN activity, electrical noise, distortion, or loss of communication when conventional testing does not reveal the fault.
Can another module cause U0156?
Yes. A defective control module or a shorted network circuit can interfere with CAN communication and cause multiple modules to report communication faults.
Does a replacement information center module need programming?
Some vehicles require programming, configuration, coding, or initialization after module replacement. Always follow the manufacturer's procedure for the exact vehicle.
Final Takeaway
U0156 is a generic OBD-II network communication code indicating lost communication with the Information Center Module.
The most reliable diagnosis starts with battery voltage, fuses, module power and ground, connectors, and CAN communication circuits. The information center module should only be replaced after its electrical supply and network communication have been properly verified.