OBD-II fault code

U0074: Control Module Communication Bus B Off

What it means

A control module has detected that communication bus B is off. The code does not specify which module or the underlying cause.

At a glance

  • Usually lights the warning light of the system that lost communication
  • The engine or gearbox may go into limp mode

How it works

Communication bus B carries data among the modules connected to that network. U0074 means a module has detected that Bus B is off, and further diagnosis must determine whether a Bus B wire, connected module, termination, or gateway path caused the outage.

Common causes

Most likely first.

  1. Bus B line shorted to supply or ground
  2. One failing module pulling the bus down
  3. Gateway module routing CAN messages incorrectly

Symptoms

  • Multiple warning lights may illuminate
  • Affected modules may go into limp mode or shut down
  • Specific functions inoperative depending on module
  • Diagnostic tools may show communication faults

How to diagnose it

  1. Scan all reachable modules and save freeze-frame and network codes to identify which devices on Bus B are not responding.
  2. Inspect Bus B wiring and connectors for damage and check for shorts to power or ground, paying particular attention to the Bus B route shown in the wiring diagram.
  3. With power isolated as specified by the manufacturer, test Bus B conductors for continuity and shorts.
  4. Measure Bus B termination resistance at the specified points and compare it with the manufacturer's specification.
  5. If the conductors and termination are sound, isolate Bus B modules one at a time and check gateway routing using the manufacturer's procedure.

Common fixes

  • Repair Bus B wiring shorted to power or ground.
  • Clean, secure, or replace a damaged Bus B connector or splice.
  • Repair or replace a failed Bus B terminating component identified by measurement.
  • Repair or replace the Bus B module or gateway found to be taking the network offline.

Can I keep driving?

Avoid driving if the outage affects essential controls, warning lights indicate a safety function is unavailable, or the vehicle enters limp mode. Bus B loss can disable the specific functions that rely on its connected modules.

A code shows where the control module detected a fault, not always which part failed. Check the causes in order and confirm with a test before replacing parts. Have several codes? Check them together

This is a generic code: it means the same on every make. The car’s maker may add more detail in its own service information.

Codes for the same component

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