U0193 is a generic OBD-II network communication fault code that means Lost Communication With Digital Audio Control Module A. The vehicle has detected that expected communication messages from the Digital Audio Control Module A, commonly referred to as DACM-A, are missing from the vehicle communication network.
The Digital Audio Control Module A is associated with the vehicle's digital audio, radio, satellite audio, or infotainment system on applicable vehicles. The exact module name, location, network architecture, and functions vary by manufacturer and model.
U0193 does not automatically mean that the Digital Audio Control Module A has failed. A blown fuse, loss of power, poor ground, damaged CAN wiring, connector corrosion, low battery voltage, or another network problem can also cause this code.
Fault Code Description
U0193 = Lost Communication With Digital Audio Control Module A.
Module abbreviation: DACM-A – Digital Audio Control Module A.
Code type: Generic OBD-II Network Communication Code.
Likely fault location: Digital Audio Control Module A, module power supply, ground circuit, fuse, communication wiring, connectors, gateway, or vehicle communication network.
Depending on the manufacturer, the actual component may be identified as an Audio Control Module, Digital Audio Control Module, satellite digital audio module, or another manufacturer-specific name. The standardized U0193 definition identifies the affected network node as Digital Audio Control Module A. 1
What Does U0193 Mean?
Modern vehicles use communication networks to allow electronic modules to exchange information. The Digital Audio Control Module A communicates with other modules through the applicable vehicle network, commonly CAN on many vehicles.
When another control module expects messages from DACM-A but those messages are no longer received, U0193 may be stored.
For example, some Ford applications set U0193 when expected audio control module messages are missing for approximately five seconds while the ignition is in the RUN position. The exact detection strategy varies by manufacturer. 2
Symptoms of U0193
- No audio output.
- Radio or digital audio functions may be unavailable.
- Infotainment display may be blank or unresponsive on applicable vehicles.
- Audio controls may not operate.
- Satellite or digital audio functions may be unavailable.
- Steering-wheel audio controls may stop working on applicable vehicles.
- Audio system may restart or operate intermittently.
- The Digital Audio Control Module A may not appear on a scan-tool network list.
- Other control modules may store additional U-codes.
- Communication or infotainment warnings may appear.
The exact symptoms depend on which functions are controlled by DACM-A in the specific vehicle. 3
Common Causes of U0193
- Blown fuse supplying the Digital Audio Control Module A.
- Loss of battery power.
- Loss of ignition or accessory power.
- Poor module ground.
- Open CAN communication circuit.
- Short circuit to power.
- Short circuit to ground.
- High resistance in the communication wiring.
- Damaged wiring harness.
- Corroded electrical connector.
- Loose or damaged connector terminals.
- Water or moisture intrusion.
- Low or unstable battery voltage.
- Gateway or network communication fault.
- Software or configuration problem.
- Internal failure of the Digital Audio Control Module A.
Power, ground, CAN wiring, connectors, and the module itself should all be considered during diagnosis rather than assuming the module is defective. 4
Digital Audio Control Module A vs. Radio
The Digital Audio Control Module A and the physical radio or infotainment assembly are not necessarily identical components.
Digital Audio Control Module A
DACM-A is the electronic module or network node identified by the diagnostic system as the Digital Audio Control Module A.
It may manage or process digital audio information and exchange audio-related data with other vehicle modules.
Radio / Infotainment System
The radio or infotainment system is the user-facing audio and information system. Depending on the vehicle, DACM-A may be integrated into it or may be a separate module.
Some vehicles integrate several audio functions into one assembly, while others use multiple networked modules. Therefore, U0193 should not automatically be interpreted as a failed radio.
U0193 Digital Audio Module Fuse
Digital Audio Control Module A requires electrical power protected by one or more fuses. Depending on the vehicle, the fuse may be located in the interior fuse box, instrument-panel fuse box, or engine-compartment fuse box.
The fuse may be labeled AUDIO, RADIO, MEDIA, INFOTAINMENT, SAT, or another manufacturer-specific designation.
There is no universal fuse number for U0193. 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 digital audio 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 a replacement fuse blows immediately, do not repeatedly replace it. Diagnose the circuit for a short circuit, damaged wiring, water intrusion, or excessive current draw.
U0193 Module Power and Ground
A Digital Audio Control 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 DACM-A.
Verify the required voltage and ground quality according to the manufacturer's specifications.
U0193 Wiring and Communication Circuit
Inspect the wiring between Digital Audio Control Module A 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 may vary by vehicle. CAN is commonly used, but the manufacturer's wiring diagram must be used to identify the correct network and test points. 5
How to Diagnose U0193
1. Perform a Complete Vehicle Scan
Scan all available control modules with a professional scan tool. Record U0193 and any additional communication, voltage, audio, or network-related codes.
If several modules report communication faults, diagnose the common network, power, or ground problem before replacing DACM-A.
2. Attempt Communication With DACM-A
Use the scan tool to determine whether the Digital Audio Control Module A can be accessed.
If the scan tool can communicate with DACM-A and U0193 is stored elsewhere, the code may be intermittent or stored in memory. If DACM-A cannot be accessed, the communication failure may currently be active. 6
3. Check the Fuse Box
Inspect all fuses associated with the audio, radio, digital audio, satellite audio, and infotainment systems.
4. Test Module Power and Ground
Verify all DACM-A power feeds and ground circuits using the vehicle-specific wiring diagram.
Repair any missing power supply or poor ground before continuing with network diagnosis.
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 CAN or other communication network according to the manufacturer's diagnostic procedure.
7. Check Related Modules
Check the radio, display, gateway, amplifier, infotainment, and other related modules for additional communication codes.
Multiple U-codes can indicate a wider network problem rather than a failure of DACM-A alone.
8. Consider Module Failure Last
Only after the fuse, power supply, ground, connectors, wiring, and communication network have been verified should the Digital Audio Control Module A itself be considered defective.
U0193 Diagnostic Signal Flow
↓
Fuse Box
↓
Power & Ground
↓
Digital Audio Control Module A
↓
CAN / Vehicle Communication Network
↓
Gateway / Display / Related Modules
↓
Audio / Infotainment Functions
U0193 Signal Flow
A simplified communication sequence is:
↓
DACM-A Wakes Up
↓
Internal Audio Processing
↓
Network Messages Transmitted
↓
Gateway / Other Modules Receive Messages
↓
Audio Data Is Exchanged
↓
Audio / Display Functions Become Available
U0193 Multimeter Testing
A digital multimeter (DMM) can be used to check the basic electrical conditions that may cause U0193. Exact test points and specifications must come from the vehicle-specific wiring diagram.
Power Supply Test
- Set the multimeter to DC voltage.
- Connect the black probe to a known-good ground.
- Measure the DACM-A battery power supply.
- Measure ignition or accessory power when applicable.
- Compare the readings with the manufacturer's specifications.
If the expected power supply is missing, trace the circuit toward the fuse, relay, wiring, ignition circuit, or power-distribution system.
Ground Voltage-Drop Test
A voltage-drop test can identify excessive resistance in the DACM-A ground circuit.
- Set the multimeter to DC voltage.
- Place the positive probe on the module ground circuit.
- Place the negative probe on battery negative or a known-good chassis ground.
- Operate the audio system under load.
- Observe the voltage difference.
The acceptable voltage-drop limit is vehicle-specific. A higher-than-specified reading indicates excessive resistance in the ground path.
CAN Voltage Test
On CAN-equipped vehicles, a multimeter can provide a preliminary check of CAN-H and CAN-L voltage.
Typical high-speed CAN values are approximately 2.5 V at recessive state, with CAN-H rising toward approximately 3.5 V and CAN-L falling toward approximately 1.5 V during dominant signaling. These are typical values, not universal specifications. Always use the manufacturer's specifications for the vehicle being diagnosed. 7
CAN Resistance Test
With the network powered down according to the manufacturer's procedure, a properly terminated CAN network may measure approximately 60 Ω between CAN-H and CAN-L because two 120 Ω termination resistors are connected in parallel.
This is a typical diagnostic reference and is not a universal value for every vehicle network. Do not measure resistance on an energized communication circuit unless specifically instructed by the manufacturer. 8
U0193 OBD Live Data
A professional scan tool may display module communication status, system voltage, network status, module availability, audio-system parameters, and other vehicle-specific information.
Check whether DACM-A appears as an active network node. If the module is completely unavailable while other modules communicate normally, focus on its power, ground, connector, and communication circuits.
U0193 Oscilloscope Testing
An oscilloscope can provide a more detailed view of CAN communication than a multimeter. Check CAN-H and CAN-L at the appropriate test points and compare the waveform with the manufacturer's specifications.
Normal CAN Communication
CAN-L ‾‾\__/‾‾\__/‾‾\__/‾‾\__/‾‾
Possible Communication Fault
CAN-L ─────────────────────────
Possible causes:
- Open circuit
- Short circuit
- Bus-off condition
- Loss of module power
- Network fault
Is U0193 Serious?
U0193 is generally low severity when it is isolated to the digital audio or entertainment system. The loss of DACM-A communication normally affects customer-convenience functions rather than basic vehicle operation. 9
However, if U0193 appears together with multiple communication codes, the underlying network or power problem should be diagnosed promptly because other systems may also be affected.
Can I Drive With U0193?
If U0193 is isolated to the audio system and the vehicle operates normally, driving is generally possible. The primary problem may be loss of radio, digital audio, display, or related infotainment functions.
If multiple modules are offline or other warning lights and communication codes are present, the vehicle should be diagnosed promptly.
U0193 Repair Cost
- Electrical diagnosis: approximately $50–$150+.
- Fuse or power repair: approximately $20–$150+.
- Wiring or connector repair: approximately $50–$300+.
- Used audio 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.
Digital Audio Control Module A Replacement
If DACM-A is confirmed to be defective, the replacement procedure depends on the vehicle. The module may be located behind the dashboard, near the center of the vehicle, behind the audio system, or integrated into another infotainment assembly.
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, audio system, and equipment configuration.
Common Repair Mistakes
- Replacing DACM-A before checking its fuse.
- Failing to verify module power and ground.
- Assuming U0193 automatically means the radio is defective.
- Ignoring connector corrosion.
- Ignoring CAN wiring.
- Failing to scan all control modules.
- Ignoring low battery voltage.
- Replacing the module before checking related U-codes.
- Measuring CAN resistance while the network is energized.
- Installing a replacement module without checking programming requirements.
Related Codes
- U0184 – Lost Communication With Radio.
- U0185 – Lost Communication With Antenna Control Module.
- 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.
- U0195 – Lost Communication With Subscription Entertainment Receiver.
- U0196 – Lost Communication With Entertainment Control Module.
FAQ About U0193
What does U0193 mean?
U0193 means Lost Communication With Digital Audio Control Module A. The vehicle has detected that expected network communication from DACM-A has been lost.
What is DACM-A?
DACM-A is an abbreviation for Digital Audio Control Module A. It identifies the audio-related network module associated with U0193.
Does U0193 mean the radio is bad?
No. U0193 can be caused by a fuse, missing power, poor ground, CAN wiring fault, connector problem, low voltage, gateway problem, or module failure.
Can a blown fuse cause U0193?
Yes. If DACM-A loses its required power supply because of a blown fuse or an open power circuit, other modules may detect that communication with it has been lost.
Can a weak battery cause U0193?
Yes. Low system voltage can cause electronic modules to shut down or temporarily lose communication. The battery and charging system should therefore be checked when U0193 appears with voltage-related codes or symptoms. 10
Can a multimeter diagnose U0193?
A multimeter can verify module power, ground voltage drop, fuse voltage, and basic CAN electrical conditions. Detailed network waveform diagnosis may require an oscilloscope.
Where is Digital Audio Control Module A located?
The location varies by vehicle. It may be behind the dashboard, near the center of the vehicle, integrated into an audio assembly, or installed as a separate module. Always use the vehicle-specific service information.
Does U0193 affect engine performance?
When U0193 is isolated to the digital audio system, it generally does not affect engine operation. The main effects are usually related to audio, radio, display, or infotainment functions. 11
Does a replacement Digital Audio Control Module need programming?
Some vehicles require programming, configuration, initialization, or other setup procedures after replacement. The exact requirements depend on the manufacturer and vehicle configuration.
Final Takeaway
U0193 means Lost Communication With Digital Audio Control Module A. The affected module is commonly abbreviated as DACM-A.
U0193 does not automatically mean that the audio module has failed. The correct diagnostic sequence is to check the fuse, power supply, ground, connectors, CAN wiring, network communication, related modules, and battery voltage before replacing DACM-A.
A multimeter is useful for checking power, ground, voltage drop, fuse voltage, and preliminary CAN conditions, while an oscilloscope can provide a more detailed view of network communication.
Diagnose the communication path first, then condemn the Digital Audio Control Module A only after the external electrical and network circuits have been proven good.