U0197

Lost Communication With Telephone Control Module

Q: Is it safe to drive with U0197?

Yes. This affects only the phone/connectivity system, so the engine, brakes, and safety features are unaffected. You just lose hands-free and Bluetooth phone functions.

Q: Can I just clear U0197?

It clears, but returns if there's a wiring, power, or module fault. It's a low-priority comfort feature, but phone connectivity won't work until the cause is fixed.

Communication network (CAN bus) Generic OBD-II Low

What it means

U0197 means the network has lost communication with the telephone control module, which handles hands-free calling and phone connectivity. Drivability and safety systems are unaffected — the only impact is that Bluetooth phone, hands-free calling, and related features stop working. It usually traces to a power/ground loss, a blown fuse, a wiring or connector fault, or a failed module.

Low

Can I keep driving? Yes — this is the hands-free phone/connectivity module; the car drives normally and only phone, Bluetooth, and related connectivity features are affected.

Real-world scan data

Seen in

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

Hands-free calling, Bluetooth phone pairing, or phone menus unavailable
Head unit reports the phone module as offline
Voice-command calling doesn't work
Other modules logging lost-communication codes for the telephone control module

Common causes

Most likely first

Loss of power or ground to the telephone control moduleLikely
Wiring or connector fault at the module (opens, corrosion, damage)Common
Blown fuse for the connectivity circuitCommon
CAN/infotainment bus wiring fault on the branch feeding the moduleLess often
Failed telephone control module or an antenna/connectivity hardware faultLess often

How to diagnose & fix

Work through it in order

Scan all modules to confirm the telephone control module is the one offline.
Check the fuse, power, and ground for the module.
Inspect the module wiring and connector for damage or corrosion.
Test the infotainment/CAN bus continuity between the module and the head unit/network.
If supply and wiring are good, the module is likely failed — replace and configure as needed, then re-test.

FAQ

Quick answers

Is it safe to drive with U0197?+

Yes. This affects only the phone/connectivity system, so the engine, brakes, and safety features are unaffected. You just lose hands-free and Bluetooth phone functions.

Can I just clear U0197?+

It clears, but returns if there's a wiring, power, or module fault. It's a low-priority comfort feature, but phone connectivity won't work until the cause is fixed.

Read & clear U0197 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