U0109: Lost communication with the fuel pump control module
Lost communication with fuel pump control module "A"
Severity: Inspect soon
Owners report stalls while driving and no-starts with U0109, and Kelley Blue Book calls it serious because fuel delivery stops, so have it checked soon.
It gets more serious if:
- Stop: Stop if the engine stalls while driving or loses power in traffic: pull over where safe and do not keep restarting.
U0109 in short
U0109 means the engine computer lost communication with the fuel pump control module. The most common causes are a failed or corroded module, a blown fuse feeding it, or a software issue; wiring is less common. Owners report stalls and no-starts, so get it checked soon and stop driving if it stalls.
Many vehicles use a separate module to run the fuel pump. The engine computer asks it for fuel pressure over the network. If it stops answering, the computer stores U0109 and the engine may not get fuel.
Complaints show a pattern: stall while driving or crank without starting, then a check engine light. Causes seen include a corroded module (Silverado, Mercedes), a burned-open fuse feeding the module (Ford Transit) and, on 2013 Ford C-MAX, Focus and Escape, a remote-start software issue.
The code does not say which part failed, so the fuse, the wiring and the module all need checking before a part is bought.
Most likely causes
Cause 1: Failed or corroded fuel pump control module
Supported by vehicle data- Why it ranks here
- Owners report modules replaced after U0109 and one blames corrosion shorting the board; Kelley Blue Book lists a faulty module first.
- What would change this
- Rises if the module fails tests or water or corrosion is found at it. Falls if power, ground and communication to it check out.
Cause 2: Blown fuse or lost power feed to the module
Supported by vehicle data- Why it ranks here
- A Ford dealer found fuse F16 burned open with U0109 and P025A on a Transit; that fuse feeds the fuel pump relay, module and PCM.
- What would change this
- Rises if a fuse is open or the module has no power. Falls if the fuses and power feed are good.
Cause 3: Software issue (some 2013 Ford models)
Supported by vehicle data- Why it ranks here
- Ford TSB 13-6-28 covers 2013 C-MAX, Focus and Escape with remote start that set P025A/U0109 and stall; the NHTSA summary does not give the repair.
- What would change this
- Rises on those models with remote start. Falls on other vehicles.
Cause 4: Wiring, connector or network fault
Common general cause- Why it ranks here
- Kelley Blue Book lists damaged wiring, connectors and network problems, and AA1Car says more testing is needed before replacing parts.
- What would change this
- Rises with other lost-communication codes or an intermittent fault. Falls if the module tests bad on its own.
What to test first
Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.
Step 1: Read all stored codes and note P025A, P0627, P2635 or other lost-communication codes stored with U0109.
IfSeveral modules show lost-communication codes
It meansLook for a wider network or power problem.
IfU0109 comes with a fuel pump circuit code such as P025A or P0627
It meansCheck the fuse and power feed next.
Step 2: With the ignition off, look at the fuse your owner's manual lists for the fuel pump module or relay for an open (burned) element.
IfThe fuse is open
It meansFind out why it blew before replacing it more than once.
IfThe fuse is good
It meansHave a shop test the module and its wiring.
Step 3: Ask a shop to test power, ground and communication at the module and to check your VIN for recalls and bulletins.
Warning:Fuel pump circuits and fuel lines carry pressure and can spray fuel. Leave module and fuel-line testing to a shop.
IfThe module fails with good power and ground
It meansThe module needs replacing and programming.
IfA bulletin or software update applies
It meansUpdate the software first.
IfWiring or connector damage is found
It meansRepair the circuit.
Symptoms
- Engine cranks but does not start
- Engine stalls while driving Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
- Hesitation or loss of power
- Check engine light
Compare with: Check engine light with loss of power
How to fix
Step 1: Check the fuse for the fuel pump module with the ignition off.
Step 2: Ask a dealer whether your VIN has a recall or bulletin for the fuel pump control module.
On your vehicle
FordYour car
2013
Supported by vehicle dataFord TSB 13-6-28 covers 2013 C-MAX, Focus and Escape with remote start, P025A/U0109 and stalling. A Ford Transit dealer found fuse F16 burned open with U0109. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.
2014–2016 · Transit Connect
Supported by vehicle dataFord TSB 16-0163 covers 2014-2016 Transit Connect 2.5L with MIL and drivability problems and listed codes including P025A and U0109. Whether it is still current is not verified.
TSB 13-6-28Status unverified
Remote start, P025A/U0109, stalling and crank no-start
2013c-max, focus, escape · NHTSA 10053065
Some vehicles with intelligent access remote start set P025A/U0109 and may stall after driving and then crank without starting. The NHTSA summary does not say what the repair is.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
TSB 16-0163Status unverified
MIL and drivability issues with many DTCs including U0109 (2.5L)
2014–2016transit-connect · NHTSA 10094582
Constant or intermittent MIL with drivability problems and one or more listed DTCs, including P025A and U0109; follow the service procedure. The NHTSA summary does not give the repair.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
ChevroletYour car
2011–2013 · Volt
Supported by vehicle dataGM PIC5655A covers 2011-2013 Volts with U0109 and points to loose connections or arcing at the left rear fuse box power feed. Whether it is still current is not verified.
PIC5655AStatus unverified
Loss of communication with the fuel pump control module, U0109
2011–2013volt · NHTSA 10112592
Inspect circuit 1540 at the left rear fuse box, the F2RA fuse connection and the main power feed to that fuse box for loose connections or arcing.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
LincolnYour car
2013 · MKZ
Supported by vehicle dataLincoln TSB 13-5-26 covers some 2013 MKZ with a crank no-start and U0109 in the PCM. Whether it is still current is not verified.
TSB-13-5-26Status unverified
Crank no-start with U0109 in the PCM
2013mkz · NHTSA 10053273
Some 2013 MKZ with a crank no-start and various drivability symptoms with U0109 in the PCM. The NHTSA summary does not give the repair.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
Related codes
U0109 questions
Can I drive with U0109?
Often the car will not start, and owners report stalls while driving. Get it checked soon and stop if it stalls.
Sources and review
- U0109 OBD-II code
- NHTSA complaint ODI 11203936: 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- NHTSA complaint ODI 11406870: 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- NHTSA complaint ODI 10575677: 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
- NHTSA complaint ODI 11246223: 2017 Ford Transit
- Ford TSB 13-6-28: remote start, P025A/U0109, stalling and crank no-start (2013 C-MAX, Focus, Escape)
- CAN bus U-codes
- Fuel Pump Power Control Module Internal Short
- GM PIC5655A: loss of communication with the fuel pump control module, U0109 (2011-2013 Volt)
- Ford TSB 16-0163: MIL and drivability issues with many DTCs including U0109 (2014-2016 Transit Connect 2.5L)
- Lincoln TSB 13-5-26: crank no-start with U0109 in the PCM (2013 MKZ)
- Last reviewed
- Written by
- Saurabh K.
- Editorial review
- Pending
- Technician review
- Technician review pending
This page explains what a code usually means; it is not a substitute for a professional inspection. How we source and review · Report an error