U0162 is a communication-related OBD-II diagnostic trouble code indicating that a vehicle control module has lost communication with the Navigation Display Module. Depending on the manufacturer, the affected unit may be identified as a navigation display, navigation control module, display/audio module, infotainment module, or another manufacturer-specific name.
The exact module name, network architecture, wiring, and diagnostic procedure vary by vehicle make, model, and model year. U0162 does not automatically mean that the navigation display itself has failed.
What Does U0162 Mean?
U0162 = Lost Communication With Navigation Display Module.
The vehicle network expects communication messages from the navigation display system, but those messages are missing or have stopped for a period defined by the manufacturer.
A blown fuse, poor ground, damaged wiring, connector corrosion, low battery voltage, CAN communication problem, software issue, or another module affecting the network can produce a communication fault.
Is U0162 Generic or Manufacturer-Specific?
OBD-II U-Code / Network Communication
Navigation / Display / Infotainment
Lost communication
Manufacturer-specific
The basic definition of U0162 identifies a lost communication condition, while the actual module, bus, connector pinout, and diagnostic strategy depend on the vehicle.
What Is the Navigation Display Module?
The navigation display module is part of the vehicle's information and entertainment system. Depending on the vehicle, it may display navigation maps, audio information, vehicle settings, camera images, telephone information, and other data received from electronic control modules.
Some vehicles separate the display from the navigation or infotainment controller, while others integrate several functions into one head unit. Therefore, the term Navigation Display Module does not necessarily refer to an identical physical component on every vehicle.
Common Navigation and Infotainment Abbreviations
Navigation Display Module
Audio Video Navigation
Human-Machine Interface
Instrument Panel Cluster
Body Control Module
Controller Area Network
Diagnostic Trouble Code
On-Board Diagnostics II
Important: These abbreviations are not universal. Always confirm the module name in the vehicle-specific scan-tool module list or service information.
What Does the Navigation Display System Do?
- Displays navigation information and maps on equipped vehicles.
- Displays audio and entertainment information.
- Provides a user interface for vehicle settings.
- May display rear-view or surround-view camera information.
- May display climate-control or driver-assistance information.
- Exchanges information with body, instrument, gateway, and other control modules.
- May provide touchscreen or physical-control interfaces.
- May communicate through CAN or another vehicle communication network.
Where Is the Navigation Display Module Located?
The navigation display or related infotainment electronics are commonly located in the center of the dashboard, inside the instrument panel, behind the infotainment screen, or integrated into a head unit.
Some vehicles use separate display and control modules, while others combine navigation, audio, display, and communication functions in one assembly. The exact location should therefore be confirmed using the vehicle-specific service information.
How Is the Navigation Display Connected to the CAN Network?
Many modern vehicles use CAN communication or another digital network to exchange information between the infotainment system and other electronic control units.
↓
CAN-H / CAN-L or Other Vehicle Network
↓
Gateway / BCM / Instrument Cluster / Other Modules
↓
Vehicle Information and Display Functions
A communication fault does not automatically indicate a failed display module. The network can be affected by power loss, poor ground, damaged wiring, connector problems, low system voltage, or another module that is disrupting communication.
Important Network Abbreviations
Controller Area Network
CAN High
CAN Low
High-Speed CAN
Body Control Module
Instrument Panel Cluster
Engine Control Module
Transmission Control Module
Diagnostic Trouble Code
Symptoms of U0162
- Navigation system becomes unavailable.
- Infotainment display may remain blank or show an error.
- Navigation maps may not load.
- Touchscreen functions may stop responding.
- Audio or multimedia functions may be unavailable on some vehicles.
- Rear-view or camera display functions may be affected on applicable systems.
- A communication or service warning may appear.
- The scan tool may be unable to communicate with the navigation display module.
- Multiple U-codes may be stored in other control modules.
- The fault may occur intermittently.
Common Causes of U0162
- Low battery or unstable system voltage.
- Blown fuse supplying the navigation or infotainment system.
- Poor module ground.
- Open CAN-H or CAN-L circuit where applicable.
- Short circuit in the communication network.
- Loose or corroded electrical terminals.
- Water intrusion or liquid damage.
- Damaged dashboard or infotainment wiring.
- Previous radio, screen, or dashboard repair.
- Incorrectly installed aftermarket equipment.
- Software or configuration problem.
- Internal failure of the navigation/display module.
- Another control module affecting the communication network.
How to Diagnose U0162
1. Perform a Complete System Scan
Use a professional scan tool capable of communicating with multiple vehicle modules. Record all active, pending, and stored DTCs before clearing them.
If several modules report communication faults, investigate the common power, ground, gateway, and network circuits before replacing the navigation display module.
2. Check Battery and Charging Voltage
Low system voltage can cause infotainment and communication modules to reset or disappear from the network. Check battery condition and charging-system operation early in the diagnosis.
3. Check the Relevant Fuses
Use the vehicle-specific fuse diagram to identify every fuse supplying the navigation, display, audio, or infotainment system. Test the fuse and verify voltage at the appropriate circuit rather than relying only on visual inspection.
4. Test Power and Ground
Verify that the navigation/display module receives the required battery and ignition supplies and has a reliable ground. A missing supply or ground can make a good module appear completely defective.
5. Inspect Connectors and Wiring
Inspect the module connector and surrounding dashboard harness for corrosion, loose terminals, damaged insulation, crushed wires, water intrusion, and previous repairs.
Pay particular attention to wiring around the center console, dashboard, infotainment unit, and areas where aftermarket equipment has been installed.
6. Check CAN-H and CAN-L
If the navigation system uses CAN communication, test the communication circuits for opens, shorts, abnormal resistance, and network termination according to manufacturer specifications.
Do not assume that every vehicle uses the same CAN bus, connector pinout, or communication architecture.
7. Check Network Communication
If the scan tool supports network topology, determine whether the navigation/display module is visible and communicating. Compare its status with other modules on the same network.
8. Check for Aftermarket Equipment
Aftermarket radios, navigation units, remote starters, tracking systems, amplifiers, or incorrectly installed accessories can interfere with vehicle communication or power circuits. If U0162 appeared after an infotainment modification, inspect the installation carefully.
9. When Is an Oscilloscope Useful?
An oscilloscope is not required for every U0162 diagnosis. A scan tool, wiring diagram, multimeter, and proper power/ground testing can identify many faults.
An oscilloscope becomes useful when diagnosing intermittent CAN communication, electrical noise, distorted network signals, or a fault that cannot be isolated using conventional electrical tests.
U0162 Diagnostic Signal Flow
↓
CAN-H / CAN-L or Vehicle Network
↓
Gateway / BCM / Instrument Cluster
↓
Vehicle Information and Display Functions
Can a Bad Display Cause U0162?
Yes, an internal failure of the navigation/display module can cause it to stop communicating. However, U0162 alone does not prove an internal module failure.
First verify power, ground, fuses, connectors, network wiring, and communication. If all external circuits pass the manufacturer's tests and the module remains offline, the module itself becomes a stronger suspect.
Can a Bad Battery Cause U0162?
Yes. Low or unstable voltage can cause infotainment and network modules to reset or shut down temporarily. Battery and charging voltage should therefore be checked before replacing expensive electronic components.
How to Confirm a Failed Navigation Display Module
The module should normally be considered defective only after the basic electrical and communication checks have passed.
- Correct battery and ignition supplies are present.
- Module ground is good.
- Required fuses are intact.
- Communication wiring passes the manufacturer's tests.
- Connectors and terminals are in good condition.
- Battery voltage is stable.
- No aftermarket equipment is interfering with the system.
- No other module is causing the network problem.
- The module remains offline or fails its manufacturer-specific diagnostic procedure.
How Serious Is U0162?
U0162 is generally a low-to-moderate severity communication fault when it only affects navigation or infotainment functions. However, severity depends on the vehicle because some display systems also handle camera images, vehicle settings, warnings, or other information.
If the failed display is responsible for safety-related camera or warning information, the practical importance of the fault is higher and the vehicle should be diagnosed promptly.
Can You Drive With U0162?
In many vehicles, the engine and transmission can continue to operate normally with U0162 because navigation and infotainment functions are not required for basic propulsion.
However, do not rely on any disabled navigation, camera, warning, or driver-information function until the problem has been repaired.
U0162 Repair Cost
Approximately $100–$250+
Approximately $50–$200+
Approximately $80–$250+
Approximately $100–$350+
Approximately $100–$350+
Approximately $300–$1,500+
These are general estimates only. Actual repair costs depend on the vehicle, labor rates, module availability, programming requirements, and whether the original unit can be repaired.
Common Repair Mistakes
- Replacing the navigation module before testing power and ground.
- Assuming a communication DTC automatically means the module is defective.
- Ignoring low battery voltage.
- Ignoring aftermarket radio or accessory installations.
- Checking only one CAN communication circuit.
- Failing to scan all control modules.
- Ignoring other U-codes that may identify the actual network problem.
- Replacing a display without checking programming or configuration requirements.
- Failing to inspect dashboard wiring and connectors.
Related Diagnostic Trouble Codes
Lost Communication With ECM/PCM
Lost Communication With ABS Control Module
Lost Communication With Body Control Module
Lost Communication With Instrument Panel Cluster
Lost Communication With Sound System Control Module
Lost Communication With Navigation Control Module
Related communication codes vary by vehicle architecture. Interpret U0162 together with all other DTCs stored in the vehicle.
Frequently Used Navigation and Display Terms
- U0162 – Lost Communication With Navigation Display Module.
- NDM – Navigation Display Module.
- AVN – Audio Video Navigation.
- HMI – Human-Machine Interface.
- CAN – Controller Area Network.
- CAN-H – CAN High.
- CAN-L – CAN Low.
- BCM – Body Control Module.
- IPC – Instrument Panel Cluster.
- DTC – Diagnostic Trouble Code.
FAQ
What does U0162 mean?
U0162 means lost communication with the Navigation Display Module. The exact module and communication architecture depend on the vehicle.
Does U0162 mean the navigation display is bad?
No. The code can be caused by a fuse, power supply, ground, wiring, connector, CAN network problem, low voltage, software issue, or another module.
Can a low battery cause U0162?
Yes. Low or unstable voltage can cause electronic modules to reset or disappear from the communication network.
Can an aftermarket radio cause U0162?
It can, depending on how the aftermarket equipment is connected. Incorrect wiring or network integration can interfere with vehicle communication or power circuits.
Do I need an oscilloscope to diagnose U0162?
No. An oscilloscope is mainly useful for difficult or intermittent network faults after basic scan-tool, power, ground, wiring, and communication checks.
Does a replacement navigation module need programming?
Some vehicles require programming, coding, configuration, software initialization, or pairing after module replacement. The procedure is manufacturer-specific.
Can I drive with U0162?
Often the vehicle can still drive normally, but navigation, display, camera, or other information functions may be unavailable. The fault should be diagnosed rather than ignored.
Final Takeaway
U0162 indicates lost communication with the Navigation Display Module. Depending on the vehicle, this module may be part of a larger infotainment system and may communicate with the gateway, BCM, instrument cluster, and other modules through CAN or another vehicle network.
When diagnosing U0162, begin with the basics: scan all modules, check battery voltage, verify fuses, test power and ground, inspect connectors and dashboard wiring, check aftermarket equipment, and test network communication according to manufacturer specifications.
Do not replace the navigation display module simply because U0162 is stored. The actual cause may be a power-supply problem, poor ground, damaged wiring, connector corrosion, low system voltage, network failure, software/configuration problem, or another control module affecting communication.