U0110: Lost Communication with Drive Motor Control Module

What it means

A control module has lost communication with the drive motor control module. On vehicles with electric drive, propulsion or related functions may be limited or unavailable.

How it works

The drive motor control module manages or coordinates propulsion from an electric drive motor on equipped hybrid or electric vehicles. Other modules rely on its network messages; U0110 sets when those messages are missing. It does not determine whether the fault is in the module, its high-voltage system, its low-voltage supply, or the communication network.

Common causes

Most likely first.

1. Loss of module power or ground
2. Open, shorted, or damaged communication wiring or connector
3. Module or gateway fault

Symptoms

• Hybrid or electric drive warning
• Reduced or unavailable propulsion may occur
• Communication faults in other modules

How to diagnose it

1. Save codes and freeze-frame data from every module, then note whether the drive motor control module is offline and which other modules report communication faults.
2. Check the 12-volt battery condition and the relevant low-voltage fuses, power, and ground connections for the drive motor control module.
3. Inspect accessible low-voltage connectors and harnesses for damage, corrosion, or water intrusion; do not disturb high-voltage cables or connectors.
4. Use a compatible scan tool to check whether the drive motor control module responds and whether the vehicle reports propulsion or high-voltage system warnings.
5. If its low-voltage supply is sound but it remains offline, have the communication bus and gateway path tested using the manufacturer's procedures.

Common fixes

• Restore the 12-volt battery and repair poor low-voltage battery connections.
• Replace a failed low-voltage fuse or repair the module's ground or power connection.
• Repair damaged low-voltage network wiring or a loose, corroded connector.
• Correct a confirmed gateway fault that prevents messages from reaching the drive motor control module.
• Replace or reprogram the module only after supply and network tests confirm the fault lies there.

Can I keep driving?

If a hybrid or electric drive warning, reduced propulsion, or loss of drive is present, stop somewhere safe and arrange recovery; the vehicle may not restart or respond normally. Do not open or handle high-voltage components.