U0191 is a generic OBD-II network communication fault code that means Lost Communication With Television. The vehicle has detected that communication with the Television module has been lost.
The affected module is associated with the vehicle's television, video, rear entertainment, or multimedia system on applicable vehicles. The exact module name, location, power supply, communication network, and relationship between the television module and the display system vary by manufacturer and model.
U0191 does not automatically mean that the Television module has failed. A blown fuse, loss of power, poor ground, damaged wiring, connector corrosion, communication-network problems, low system voltage, or a software/configuration problem can also cause this code.
Fault Code Description
U0191 = Lost Communication With Television.
Code type: Generic OBD-II Network Communication Code.
Likely fault location: Television module, module power supply, ground circuit, fuse, communication wiring, connectors, or the vehicle communication network.
The word Television in the standardized definition refers to the electronic television/video module recognized by the vehicle network. Depending on the vehicle, this may be part of a rear-seat entertainment system, multimedia system, digital TV system, or an integrated infotainment assembly.
What Does U0191 Mean?
Modern vehicles use communication networks to allow electronic control modules to exchange information. The Television module can communicate with the infotainment system, display system, audio system, gateway, and other applicable modules through the vehicle communication network.
When the expected communication messages from the Television module are no longer received, another control module may store U0191.
The communication failure can result from loss of module power, a poor ground, an open or shorted communication circuit, damaged connectors, network faults, low system voltage, or an internal Television module problem.
Symptoms of U0191
- Television function may not operate.
- Digital TV channels may be unavailable.
- Rear entertainment video may not operate.
- Display may show a blank screen or communication error.
- Video source may disappear from the infotainment menu.
- Audio or video functions associated with the TV module may be unavailable.
- Remote or rear-seat entertainment controls may not respond.
- Infotainment system may display a module or communication error.
- Intermittent operation of the entertainment system.
- Diagnostic scan tool may be unable to communicate with the Television module.
- Additional U-codes may be stored in other modules.
Common Causes of U0191
- Blown fuse supplying the Television module.
- Loss of battery power.
- Loss of ignition or accessory power.
- Poor module ground.
- Open communication circuit.
- Short circuit in communication wiring.
- Damaged wiring harness.
- Corroded electrical connector.
- Loose or damaged connector terminals.
- Water or moisture intrusion.
- Low or unstable vehicle voltage.
- Previous incorrect wiring repair.
- Internal failure of the Television module.
- Software or configuration problem.
- Incorrectly configured replacement module.
Television Module vs. Display Screen
The Television module and the physical display screen are not necessarily the same component.
Television Module
This designation refers to the electronic module responsible for television or digital video communication and control functions on applicable vehicles.
The module can communicate with the infotainment system and exchange information with the vehicle communication network.
Display Screen
The display is the physical screen used to present video, menus, television content, navigation, or other information.
It may be controlled by a separate display, infotainment, or multimedia module.
Some vehicles combine the television electronics with the display or infotainment assembly, while others use separate modules. Therefore, U0191 should not automatically be interpreted as a failed display screen.
U0191 Television Module Fuse
The Television module requires electrical power protected by one or more fuses. Depending on the vehicle, the applicable fuse may be located in the interior fuse box, instrument-panel fuse box, or engine-compartment fuse box.
The fuse may be labeled TV, VIDEO, AUDIO, MEDIA, INFOTAINMENT, RADIO, or another manufacturer-specific designation.
There is no universal fuse number for U0191. Always use the fuse diagram for the exact vehicle.
How to Check the Fuse
- Locate the vehicle-specific fuse diagram.
- Identify the fuse supplying the television or multimedia system.
- Verify the correct fuse rating.
- Inspect the fuse for an open element.
- Test for voltage at the fuse when the circuit is energized.
- Inspect fuse terminals for corrosion or overheating.
- Never install a higher-rated fuse.
If the replacement fuse blows immediately, do not repeatedly replace it. Diagnose the circuit for a short circuit, damaged wiring, water intrusion, or excessive current draw.
U0191 Module Power and Ground
A Television module can appear completely defective when it has simply lost its power or ground supply.
Use the vehicle-specific wiring diagram to identify all battery, ignition, accessory, wake-up, and ground circuits connected to the Television module.
Verify the required voltage and ground quality according to the manufacturer's specifications.
U0191 Wiring and Communication Circuit
Inspect the wiring between the Television module and the vehicle communication network.
- Check for open circuits.
- Check for short circuits to power.
- Check for short circuits to ground.
- Inspect damaged insulation.
- Check for high resistance.
- Inspect connector terminals.
- Look for corrosion or water contamination.
- Check wiring affected by vibration or previous repairs.
The exact communication network and electrical test values vary between vehicles. Some applications may use CAN Bus or another manufacturer-specific network. Use the manufacturer's wiring diagram and diagnostic procedure rather than applying one universal specification.
How to Diagnose U0191
1. Perform a Complete Vehicle Scan
Scan all available control modules with a professional scan tool. Record U0191 and any additional communication, voltage, audio, video, infotainment, or network-related codes.
If multiple modules report communication faults, investigate common power supplies, grounds, gateways, or network problems before replacing the Television module.
2. Attempt Communication With the Television Module
Use the scan tool to determine whether the Television module can be accessed.
If the scan tool cannot communicate with the module, check its power, ground, connectors, and communication circuits.
3. Check the Fuse Box
Inspect all fuses associated with the television, multimedia, infotainment, radio, and entertainment systems. Confirm the correct fuse rating and verify that power is actually reaching the circuit.
4. Test Module Power and Ground
Verify all module power feeds and ground circuits using the vehicle-specific wiring diagram. Repair any missing power supply or poor ground before continuing.
5. Inspect the Module Connector
Inspect the connector for corrosion, bent pins, loose terminals, damaged locking tabs, contamination, or water intrusion.
6. Test the Communication Network
If power and ground are correct, test the applicable communication circuits according to the manufacturer's diagnostic procedure.
7. Check Related Modules
Check the radio, infotainment module, display module, audio amplifier, gateway, and other related modules for additional communication codes. Multiple U-codes may indicate a common network or power problem.
8. Consider Module Failure Last
Only after the fuse, power supply, ground, connectors, wiring, and communication network have been verified should the Television module itself be considered defective.
U0191 Diagnostic Signal Flow
↓
Fuse Box
↓
Power & Ground
↓
Television Module
↓
Vehicle Communication Network
↓
Gateway / Infotainment Module
↓
Display / Audio / Video System
U0191 OBD Live Data
Use a professional scan tool to check module communication status, system voltage, network-related codes, and other available multimedia or entertainment-system parameters.
Live data should be combined with direct electrical testing because an intermittent power, ground, connector, or communication problem may not remain visible throughout a scan.
U0191 CAN Bus Signal Flow
↓
Gateway / Vehicle Network
↓
CAN-H / CAN-L
↓
Television Module
↓
Video / Television Functions
On CAN-equipped vehicles, the Television module depends on valid network communication to exchange information with other control modules. A wiring fault, bus problem, or loss of module power can therefore produce U0191.
U0191 Oscilloscope Testing
An oscilloscope can be useful when a CAN communication problem is suspected. The exact voltage levels, bit timing, termination resistance, and waveform characteristics must be compared with the manufacturer's specifications.
Normal CAN Communication
CAN-L ‾‾\__/‾‾\__/‾‾\__/‾‾\__/‾‾
A healthy CAN network normally shows differential activity between CAN-H and CAN-L. The exact waveform depends on the network architecture and manufacturer.
Possible Network Fault
CAN-L ─────────────────────────
Possible causes:
- Open circuit
- Bus-off condition
- Loss of module power
- Network fault
- Failed communication module
Is U0191 Serious?
U0191 is generally a low-to-moderate severity fault when it is isolated to the television or entertainment system. It may cause the television or video functions to stop working without directly affecting engine operation.
However, if U0191 appears together with multiple communication codes, the underlying electrical or vehicle-network problem should be diagnosed because the fault may extend beyond the entertainment system.
Can I Drive With U0191?
If U0191 is isolated to the Television module and the vehicle operates normally, driving is generally possible. The main symptoms may be loss of television, video, or related entertainment functions.
If several control modules are reporting communication failures, the vehicle should be diagnosed promptly to identify the common power, ground, gateway, or network problem.
U0191 Repair Cost
- Electrical diagnosis: approximately $50–$150+.
- Fuse or power repair: approximately $20–$150+.
- Wiring or connector repair: approximately $50–$300+.
- Used Television module: approximately $50–$300+.
- New or remanufactured module: approximately $150–$800+.
- Programming or configuration: additional cost may apply.
These are general estimates only. Actual repair costs depend on the vehicle, module design, parts availability, labor rate, and programming requirements.
Television Module Replacement
If the Television module is confirmed to be defective, replacement access depends on the vehicle. The module may be located behind the radio, dashboard, center console, glovebox, rear entertainment assembly, or another multimedia component.
Some vehicles require programming, configuration, initialization, calibration, or security procedures after module replacement.
The replacement module should be matched to the exact vehicle, model year, infotainment system, and equipment configuration.
Common Repair Mistakes
- Replacing the Television module before checking the fuse.
- Failing to verify module power and ground.
- Assuming U0191 automatically means the display screen is defective.
- Ignoring connector corrosion.
- Ignoring communication wiring.
- Failing to scan other control modules.
- Replacing the module before checking related U-codes.
- Ignoring low battery voltage.
- Installing a replacement module without checking programming requirements.
- Using generic wiring information instead of the correct vehicle wiring diagram.
Recommended Diagnostic Tools
- Professional OBD-II scan tool with full-system access.
- Digital multimeter.
- Automotive test light where appropriate.
- Oscilloscope for advanced CAN diagnosis.
- Manufacturer-specific wiring diagrams.
- Fuse and power-distribution diagrams.
- Terminal-probe and back-probing tools.
- Manufacturer diagnostic software when programming is required.
U0191 vs. U0190
U0190
Lost Communication With Digital Disc Player/Changer Module D
Targets Digital Disc Player/Changer Module D and its associated communication system.
U0191
Lost Communication With Television
Targets the Television or Digital Television module and its associated communication system.
Although U0190 and U0191 are adjacent communication codes in the same general infotainment range, they identify different modules. A U0191 fault should therefore not be diagnosed as a Digital Disc Player/Changer problem.
Related Codes
- U0184 – Lost Communication With Radio.
- U0186 – Lost Communication With Audio Amplifier A.
- U0187 – Lost Communication With Digital Disc Player/Changer Module A.
- U0188 – Lost Communication With Digital Disc Player/Changer Module B.
- U0189 – Lost Communication With Digital Disc Player/Changer Module C.
- U0190 – Lost Communication With Digital Disc Player/Changer Module D.
- U0191 – Lost Communication With Television.
- U0192 – Lost Communication With Personal Computer.
- U0193 – Lost Communication With Digital Audio Control Module A.
- U0194 – Lost Communication With Digital Audio Control Module B.
FAQ About U0191
Is U0191 a generic OBD-II code?
Yes. U0191 is a generic network communication code in the U-code family. The standardized definition is Lost Communication With Television.
Does U0191 mean the TV module is bad?
No. U0191 does not automatically prove that the Television module has failed. The fuse, power supply, ground, connectors, wiring, and communication network should be tested first.
Can a blown fuse cause U0191?
Yes. If the fuse supplying the Television module is open, the module may lose power and become unavailable to the vehicle communication network.
Can wiring cause U0191?
Yes. An open wire, short circuit, high resistance, damaged communication wiring, or poor connector contact can interrupt communication with the Television module.
Where is the Television module located?
The location varies by vehicle. It may be integrated into the infotainment system, located behind the dashboard, near a rear entertainment system, inside a multimedia assembly, or installed as a separate module.
Does U0191 affect engine performance?
When U0191 is isolated to the entertainment system, it generally does not affect engine performance. However, additional communication codes should be diagnosed to rule out a broader vehicle-network problem.
Does a replacement Television module need programming?
Some vehicles require programming, configuration, initialization, or calibration after replacement. The exact procedure depends on the manufacturer and vehicle configuration.
Final Takeaway
U0191 means Lost Communication With Television. The code identifies a communication problem with the Television module and does not automatically prove that the module itself has failed.
The correct diagnostic approach is to check the fuse box, power supply, ground, connectors, communication wiring, related control modules, gateway, and vehicle network before replacing the Television module.
The physical display screen and the electronic Television module may be separate components depending on the vehicle. Always identify the exact system architecture before replacing parts.
U0191 should be diagnosed as a communication fault first and a module failure second. This approach prevents unnecessary replacement of expensive infotainment components and helps identify simple fuse, power, ground, connector, or network problems.