U0140
medium Severity
U0140: Lost Communication With Body Control Module
May cause loss of body‑related electrical functions; can impact starting and safety systems if multiple networks fail
Overview
U0140 Lost Communication With Body Control Module (BCM) diagnostic; possible causes BCM failure, wiring harness or CAN bus communication loss; symptoms and diagnostic guidance
Common Symptoms
- Check engine or warning light illuminate
- Body electrical functions (lights, door locks, windows) malfunction
- Erratic interior/exterior lighting
- Remote keyless entry failure
- Blown fuses or inability to start in severe cases
Most Common Causes
Faulty Body Control Module (BCM)
high
BCM fails to transmit/receive CAN messages correctly
Damaged or loose wiring and connectors in BCM circuit
high
CAN bus lines, power or ground faults can interrupt communication
CAN bus communication failure
medium
Shorts, opens, or network termination issues on CAN high/low
Low battery voltage or power supply issues
medium
Voltage drop can cause module communication dropout
Diagnostic Steps
-
Scan vehicle modules with OBD‑II diagnostic scannerExpected: Identify active U0140 and any accompanying U‑codesInterpretation: Multiple network codes suggest CAN bus problem
-
Check battery voltage and BCM related fusesExpected: Battery should read ~12.2‑12.8 V; fuses intactInterpretation: Low voltage or blown fuse could cause communication loss
-
Inspect BCM connectors and wiring harness for corrosion, looseness or damageExpected: Clean, secure connections and intact wiresInterpretation: Poor physical connection often underlies communication error
-
Use multimeter to test CAN high and CAN low continuity and check for shortsExpected: Continuity without short to groundInterpretation: CAN network fault indicates wiring issue
-
Attempt direct communication with BCM using advanced scan toolExpected: Module responds to commandsInterpretation: Non‑responsive BCM suggests module failure
Repair Solutions
Repair or replace damaged wiring/connectors in BCM circuit
medium
Estimated Cost: $50 - $300
Fixing harness issues often resolves communication loss
Replace Body Control Module (BCM)
hard
Estimated Cost: $300 - $800
Requires programming to vehicle; professional service recommended
Replace blown fuses and ensure correct power/ground
easy
Estimated Cost: $10 - $50
Basic step that can resolve simple communication loss causes
Common Misdiagnoses
Avoid these common diagnostic mistakes:
- Interpreting symptoms as purely mechanical engine issues rather than electrical communication failure
Frequently Asked Questions
Technical definition of U0140 OBD-II Code
When your OBD-II scanner reads U0140, it means: Lost Communication With Body Control Module. This code is related to the vehicle's Sensors.
How serious is the U0140 code?
You should treat U0140 as a medium issue. May cause loss of body‑related electrical functions; can impact starting and safety systems if multiple networks fail
Common signs of the U0140 error code
You may experience the following: Check engine or warning light illuminate, Body electrical functions (lights, door locks, windows) malfunction, Erratic interior/exterior lighting.
What causes the U0140 code?
The most common causes are: Faulty Body Control Module (BCM), Damaged or loose wiring and connectors in BCM circuit, CAN bus communication failure.
Estimated repair costs for different causes of U0140
Repair costs depend on the specific failure. A simple Replace blown fuses and ensure correct power/ground replacement is relatively affordable ($10-$50), whereas a Replace Body Control Module (BCM) repair is more expensive, potentially reaching $800.
Is U0140 a generic or manufacturer-specific code?
The U0140 code is a generic powertrain code, meaning it applies to almost all makes and models, such as Honda, Toyota, VW, Ford, and Chevy.
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