U0167

Lost Communication With Vehicle Immobilizer Control Module

Communication network (CAN bus) Generic OBD-II High

What it means

U0167 means the network has lost communication with the vehicle immobilizer control module — the anti-theft unit that authorizes the engine to start. If the ECM can't confirm the key with the immobilizer, the vehicle may crank but not start, or not crank at all, so this is a genuine no-start risk. It usually traces to a power/ground loss, wiring fault, key-reader problem, or a failed immobilizer module.

High

Can I keep driving? Often no — the immobilizer authorizes the engine to start, so if the ECM can't communicate with it the vehicle may crank but not start, or not crank at all. Treat as a no-start risk.

Real-world scan data

Seen in

676

scans in the past year

Found in

0.1%

of scans

0.2%

of scans that found faults

Appears alongside · share of U0167 scans

P0513in 22.2% of scans

U0257in 16.3% of scans

P0113in 16.0% of scans

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

Engine cranks but won't start, or won't crank, due to anti-theft lockout
Security/immobilizer or key warning light on, or a 'key not recognized' message
Push-button start unresponsive or intermittent
Other modules logging lost-communication codes for the immobilizer module

Common causes

Most likely first

Loss of power or ground to the immobilizer control moduleLikely
Wiring or connector fault at the module (opens, corrosion, damage)Common
CAN bus wiring fault on the branch feeding the moduleCommon
Antenna/transponder ring or key-reader fault preventing key authenticationLess often
Failed immobilizer control module (or a module needing reprogramming after service)Less often

How to diagnose & fix

Work through it in order

Scan all modules to confirm the immobilizer module is offline and note any security codes.
Check power and ground at the module connector.
Inspect the module wiring, connector, and the key-reader/antenna circuit for damage or corrosion.
Test CAN bus continuity between the module and the network.
If supply and wiring are good, the module may be failed or need reprogramming — service per the manufacturer procedure, then re-test starting.

FAQ

Quick answers

Is it safe to drive with U0167?+

It's less about safety and more that the car may not start at all — the immobilizer has to authorize the engine. If it starts now, it may fail to restart, so get it diagnosed promptly.

Can I just clear U0167?+

It clears, but returns if the immobilizer has a wiring, power, or module fault. Because it can leave you stranded with a no-start, fix the cause rather than clearing it.

Read & clear U0167 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