U0163 is a generic OBD-II network communication diagnostic trouble code indicating that communication with the Navigation Control Module has been lost. The navigation module may manage navigation data, GPS-related functions, map information, route guidance, or communication with the vehicle infotainment system 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.
U0163 Code Details
Code: U0163
Meaning: Lost Communication With Navigation Control Module
Type: Generic OBD-II Network Communication Code
Main System: Navigation / Infotainment / Vehicle Communication Network
Symptoms of U0163
- Navigation system may stop operating.
- GPS position may be unavailable or incorrect.
- Navigation display may be blank or unavailable.
- Map or route-guidance functions may stop working.
- Infotainment system may display communication warnings.
- Multiple communication-related trouble codes may be stored.
- Scan tool may report that the navigation module is not communicating.
- Intermittent navigation or infotainment operation.
- Vehicle-position information may not update correctly.
- Other connected navigation functions may become unavailable.
Common Causes of U0163
- Low battery voltage.
- Blown fuse supplying the navigation 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.
- Damaged GPS antenna or antenna wiring.
- Network interference caused by another control module.
- Software or configuration problem.
- Faulty navigation control module.
How Serious Is U0163?
U0163 is generally a moderate communication fault, but its importance depends on the functions controlled by the navigation system. The fault may disable navigation, GPS positioning, map information, route guidance, or other infotainment functions.
The code normally does not directly prevent the engine from operating, but important vehicle information or connected functions may be unavailable depending on the vehicle architecture.
Can You Drive With U0163?
The vehicle will usually still start and drive normally when U0163 affects only the navigation system. However, navigation, GPS, route-guidance, and some infotainment functions may not be available.
If the navigation display is integrated with other vehicle information or camera functions, the effect can be greater. The exact consequences should therefore be confirmed for the specific vehicle.
How to Diagnose U0163
1. Scan All Control Modules
Perform a complete vehicle scan and record U0163 together with any other communication, infotainment, body, network, voltage, or powertrain codes. Determine whether the navigation 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 or operation can cause electronic modules to reset or temporarily disappear from the communication network.
3. Check Navigation Module Fuses
Use the vehicle-specific fuse diagram to identify all power supplies for the navigation or infotainment system. If a fuse is blown, determine the cause before installing another fuse.
4. Test Power and Ground
Verify the required battery and ignition feeds and check the navigation 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 navigation module connectors for corrosion, loose terminals, bent pins, damaged locking mechanisms, water contamination, or poor terminal tension.
Also inspect wiring behind the dashboard and around the infotainment system for damage caused by previous repairs, aftermarket equipment, or pinched harnesses.
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 the GPS Antenna
If the navigation module communicates normally but GPS positioning is unavailable, inspect the GPS antenna, coaxial cable, connector, and antenna mounting location according to manufacturer specifications.
A GPS antenna problem can cause loss of positioning even when the navigation control module itself is operating normally.
8. Check for Another Module Affecting the Network
If several modules report communication failures, investigate common power, ground, gateway, and CAN network circuits before replacing the navigation module.
9. Test the Navigation Module
If power, ground, connectors, antenna circuits, and network communication are verified, follow the manufacturer's diagnostic procedure to determine whether the navigation control module has an internal failure.
U0163 Oscilloscope Signal Patterns
An oscilloscope can be useful when U0163 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.
U0163 Diagnostic Signal Flow
↓
Navigation Control Module
↓
Vehicle CAN Communication Network
↓
Gateway / BCM / Infotainment
↓
Navigation Display / Route Guidance
U0163 OBD Live Data
Available parameters depend on the vehicle and scan tool. Where supported, useful information may include navigation module communication status, GPS status, satellite information, vehicle position, system voltage, network status, map or route information, and related infotainment data.
Live data should be combined with direct electrical testing because an intermittent connector, antenna, or CAN wiring problem may disappear during a stationary scan.
Common Repairs for U0163
- Repair missing navigation 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.
- Repair or replace a damaged GPS antenna or coaxial cable.
- Correct water intrusion.
- Repair another module that is disrupting the CAN network.
- Repair or replace the navigation control module when internal failure is confirmed.
- Perform required programming, coding, or configuration after module replacement.
U0163 Repair Cost
- Electrical/network diagnosis: approximately $100–$200+.
- Fuse or wiring repair: approximately $75–$300+.
- Connector/terminal repair: approximately $80–$250+.
- GPS antenna or coaxial repair: approximately $100–$350+.
- Navigation 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, antenna configuration, and programming requirements.
Common Repair Mistakes
- Replacing the navigation 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 U-code means a failed control module.
- Ignoring a damaged GPS antenna when navigation communication is actually normal.
- Failing to scan all control modules.
- Ignoring another module that may be affecting the network.
- Replacing a module without checking programming or configuration requirements.
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.
- U0155 – Lost Communication With Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC).
- U0160 – Lost Communication With Sound System Control Module.
- U0161 – Lost Communication With Compass Module.
- U0162 – Lost Communication With Navigation Display Module.
- U0164 – Lost Communication With HVAC Control Module.
FAQ About U0163
Can a weak battery cause U0163?
Yes. Low system voltage can cause electronic modules to reset or temporarily stop communicating with the vehicle network.
Can a CAN wiring problem cause U0163?
Yes. An open, shorted, damaged, or poorly connected CAN circuit can prevent the navigation module from communicating with other modules.
Does U0163 mean the navigation module is bad?
No. Power, ground, fuses, connectors, CAN communication circuits, and applicable antenna circuits should be tested before replacing the module.
Can a GPS antenna cause U0163?
A GPS antenna fault normally affects positioning rather than CAN communication itself. If the navigation module remains accessible to the scan tool, diagnose the antenna and GPS circuit separately from a true module communication failure.
Can an oscilloscope help diagnose U0163?
Yes. An oscilloscope can help identify abnormal CAN activity, electrical noise, distortion, intermittent communication, or loss of network activity when conventional testing does not reveal the cause.
Can another module cause U0163?
Yes. A defective control module or shorted network circuit can interfere with CAN communication and cause multiple modules to report communication faults.
Does a replacement navigation module need programming?
Some vehicles require programming, coding, configuration, pairing, or initialization after navigation module replacement. Always follow the manufacturer's procedure for the exact vehicle.
Final Takeaway
U0163 is a generic OBD-II network communication code indicating lost communication with the Navigation Control Module.
The most reliable diagnosis starts with battery voltage, fuses, module power and ground, connectors, CAN communication circuits, and applicable GPS or antenna circuits. The navigation module should only be replaced after its electrical supply and network communication have been properly verified.
Do not replace the navigation module simply because U0163 is stored. The actual cause may be low voltage, a blown fuse, poor ground, damaged wiring, connector corrosion, a CAN network problem, another module disrupting communication, or an actual internal module failure.