P0600

Serial Communication Link

Q: Is it safe to drive with P0600?

Not reliably — lost communication between modules can cause limp mode, stalling, or a no-start without warning. Get it diagnosed before depending on the car.

Q: Can I just clear P0600?

You can, but it usually returns immediately or on the next start because the underlying wiring, ground, or module fault is still present.

Computer / communication Generic OBD-II High

What it means

P0600 means the ECM has lost internal serial communication with another controller on the vehicle's data bus. Because modules constantly share sensor and control data, this can set off several unrelated warning lights and, in some cases, cause limp mode, stalling, or a no-start. Damaged bus wiring, bad grounds, and low battery voltage are the usual causes.

High

Can I keep driving? Risky — a broken data link can trigger limp mode, multiple warning lights, or even a no-start; have it diagnosed before relying on the vehicle.

Real-world scan data

Seen in

242

scans in the past year

Found in

<0.1%

of scans

0.1%

of scans that found faults

Figures reflect only diagnostic scans recorded through our own apps and tools. Cars are typically scanned because a symptom or warning light prompted it, so these counts describe our scan records — not the incidence of faults in any model, and not the quality, reliability, or safety of any vehicle. No comparison between manufacturers or models is implied. All trademarks belong to their respective owners; no affiliation or endorsement is implied.

Common symptoms

What you'll notice

Check-engine light plus several other warning lights
Erratic behaviour of systems that depend on module-to-module data
Possible no-start, stall, or reduced-power limp mode
A scan tool can't reach one or more modules

Common causes

Most likely first

Damaged or corroded data-bus (CAN) wiring or connectorsLikely
Poor grounds or low battery voltage upsetting the busCommon
A failing control module pulling the bus downCommon
Internal ECM faultLess often

How to diagnose & fix

Work through it in order

Check battery voltage and the main ground connections first.
Scan all modules and note which ones are unreachable to narrow the fault down.
Inspect the bus wiring and connectors between the ECM and the missing module.
Back-probe the bus circuits for opens or shorts.
Repair the wiring, then reprogram or replace the faulty module or ECM as a last resort.

FAQ

Quick answers

Is it safe to drive with P0600?+

Not reliably — lost communication between modules can cause limp mode, stalling, or a no-start without warning. Get it diagnosed before depending on the car.

Can I just clear P0600?+

You can, but it usually returns immediately or on the next start because the underlying wiring, ground, or module fault is still present.

Read & clear P0600 yourself

Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.

▶ Get it on Google Play

✓ Verified name — SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6Guidance reviewed by OBD DashX