U0155 Lost communication with the instrument panel cluster

Lost communication with instrument cluster (IPC)

U0155 in short

U0155 means other modules lost contact with the instrument cluster. Common causes are wiring, connectors, a blown fuse or a power or ground fault, and several makes have module software fixes. You may lose the speedometer or warning lights, so drive carefully and have it checked soon; stop if steering assist fails.

The instrument cluster shows speed, gauges and warning lights from data it receives over the vehicle network, and it sends data back to other modules. When a module stops hearing the cluster, it stores U0155. Honda and Acura call it lost communication with the gauge control module; Mazda calls it a communication error to the instrument cluster.

Which module stored the code matters. In GM bulletins, U0155 shows up with many other U-codes from a pinched harness behind the instrument panel, water in a body connector or loose terminals at the gateway module. Ford says U0155 stored only in the ABS module of some EcoSports needs no repair.

Many cases are software. Mazda updated the cluster software on some 2017-2018 CX-5s, GM updated a side object sensor module on the 2018 Equinox, Ford reprograms the headlamp module on some Lincolns, and a Chevrolet dealer fixed a dark Blazer cluster with a software update. Check for bulletins before buying a cluster.

Most likely causes

  1. Damaged wiring, connector or gateway terminals on the cluster's network circuit

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    Network faults are usually wiring. GM traced U0155 with many other U-codes to a pinched data link branch behind the instrument panel (2014 Impala), water in body connector X901 (2010-2015 Equinox and Terrain) and gateway module connector terminals (2017 full-size trucks).
    What would change this
    Rises if several modules set U-codes at once or the fault comes and goes with bumps or rain. Falls if U0155 is the only code and the wiring is intact.

  2. Blown fuse or poor power or ground at the cluster

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    A module without power cannot talk. A Honda dealer traced a dark cluster and U0155 on a 2020 Ridgeline to a blown fuse.
    What would change this
    Rises if the cluster is dark and does not answer a scan tool, or its fuse is open. Falls if power and ground test good.

  3. Module software fault (some Mazda, GM and Lincoln models)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Mazda 15-001-19 blames faulty cluster software on some 2017-2018 CX-5s, GM 18NA070 updates side object sensor software for U0155 on the 2018 Equinox, Ford SSM 46508 reprograms the headlamp module on the 2017 MKZ, and a Chevrolet dealer fixed a Blazer's dark cluster with updated software.
    What would change this
    Rises if your model and symptoms match a bulletin. Falls if no update applies or the module is already current.

  4. Code stored with no real fault (some Ford and Cadillac models)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Ford says U0155 in the ABS module of 2018-2021 EcoSports causes no symptoms and should be disregarded. GM 16-NA-237 explains that U0155 on the 2016-2017 ATS and CTS comes from a timing issue between the cluster and the passenger presence system.
    What would change this
    Rises if the code is stored in one module only, with no warning lights, on a covered model. Falls if the cluster or warning lights misbehave.

  5. Failed instrument cluster electronics

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    Possible once fuses, wiring and software are ruled out, but network codes are usually wiring rather than the module.
    What would change this
    Rises if the cluster has good power, ground and bus wiring and still will not communicate.

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

  1. Have all modules scanned and note which module stored U0155, whether it is current or history, and whether the cluster answers the scan tool.

    Low riskTool: scan tool that reads all modules

  2. Ask a dealer whether your VIN has a bulletin or software update for U0155.

    Low risk

  3. Have a shop check the cluster fuses, power and ground, then inspect and measure the network wiring and any connectors named in bulletins for your model.

    Best left to a shopTool: multimeter, wiring diagram

    Warning:Instrument panel wiring runs near airbag parts. Leave this to a professional.

Symptoms

  • Instrument cluster dark, or speedometer and tachometer not working
  • Many warning lights or service messages at once
  • Gear position not shown or no turn signal sound
  • Check engine light (some Honda and Acura models)
  • Check headlamp, side detection or steering column lock message (some Lincoln and GM models)
  • Power steering assist lost Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

How to fix

  1. Have the battery tested and check that terminals are clean and tight.

  2. Ask a dealer whether your VIN has an open bulletin or software update for U0155.

Parts and cost context

  • instrument cluster:A replacement cluster usually needs programming. Rule out fuses, wiring and software first. Labour varies; get a quote.

Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Mazda

  • 2017–2018 · CX-5

    Supported by vehicle data

    Mazda 15-001-19: driver-assist warning lights with U0155:00 from cluster software; fixed by a software update. Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • 15-001-19-3517Status unverified

    Driver-assist warning lights with U0155:00

    2017–2018cx-5 · issued · NHTSA 10153340

    Faulty instrument cluster software; the software has been modified.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Chevrolet

  • 2014 · Impala

    Supported by vehicle data

    GM PIC5894: U0155 with many U-codes from a pinched data link branch behind the instrument panel carrier. Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • 2010–2015 · Equinox

    Supported by vehicle data

    GM PIT5422: U0155 with other U-codes from water in body connector X901 (also Terrain). Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • 3899Status unverified

    Instrument panel cluster inoperative, DTC U0155

    2007tahoe · issued · NHTSA 10019826

    Cluster inoperative with U0155 on vehicles built on or before 03/22/06. Also GMC Yukon.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • PIC5894Status unverified

    Multiple cluster warnings with U0155 and other U-codes

    2014impala · issued · NHTSA 10113208

    Inspect for a pinched data link branch in the instrument panel harness behind the instrument panel carrier.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • PIT5422Status unverified

    Intermittent MIL, interior lamps or liftgate inoperative with U-codes

    2010–2015equinox · issued · NHTSA 10114581

    Inspect body harness connector X901 for water intrusion or corrosion. Also GMC Terrain.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • 18NA070Status unverified

    Service Side Detection message and U0155

    2018equinox · issued · NHTSA 10137300

    Updated software for the side object sensor module.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Ford

  • 2018–2021 · Ecosport

    Supported by vehicle data

    Ford SSM 49954: U0155 stored in the ABS module causes no symptoms and should be disregarded. Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • SSM 49954Status unverified

    U0155 stored in ABS module

    2018–2021ecosport · issued · NHTSA 10199507

    Causes no symptoms or warning lights; disregard it if found while diagnosing something else.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Honda

  • 2021–2022 · Accord

    Supported by vehicle data

    Honda A21-021 covers a MIL with U0155 on the Accord, HR-V and Odyssey; only the summary was read. Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • A21-021Status unverified

    MIL on with U0155

    2021–2022accord, hr-v, odyssey · issued · NHTSA 10189824

    The MIL comes on with U0155, lost communication with the gauge control module.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • U0151Lost communication with the restraints (airbag) control module

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    GM's PIC5894 and PIT5586 list U0151 and U0155 together from one harness or gateway connector fault.

  • U0140Lost communication with the body control module

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    GM's PIT5422 lists U0140 and U0155 together from water in body connector X901.

  • U0401A module received invalid data from the engine or powertrain computer

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    Ford's SSM 46508 lists U0401 and U0155 together in the headlamp control module of the 2017 MKZ.

  • U0170Lost communication with restraints system sensor A

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    GM 16-NA-237 ties U0155 on the ATS and CTS to timing with the passenger presence system, and 15-NA-004 lists U0155 with U0170.

All Module network (CAN bus) communication codes

U0155 questions

Is it safe to drive with U0155?

Drive carefully and only to get it checked. With the cluster offline you may have no speedometer or warning lights. If steering assist is lost or a Do not drive message appears, stop in a safe place.

Sources and review

  1. GM PIT-4697: Speedometer and tachometer inoperative, all warning lights on, DTC U0155 — General Motors / NHTSA ,
  2. GM 3899: Instrument panel cluster inoperative, DTC U0155 — General Motors / NHTSA ,
  3. NHTSA complaint 11591505: 2021 Chevrolet Blazer cluster blacked out, U0155 — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
  4. NHTSA complaint 11728820: 2016 Ram 1500 loss of power steering, U0155 — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
  5. 2023 Integra Owner's Manual: Indicator, Coming On/Blinking — American Honda Motor Co.
  6. ASE L1 study guide: Network U-codes — Open Exam Prep
  7. GM PIC5894: Multiple cluster warnings, U-codes, pinched DLC branch — General Motors / NHTSA ,
  8. GM PIT5422: Intermittent MIL, interior lamps or liftgate inoperative, body connector X901 — General Motors / NHTSA ,
  9. GM PIT5586: gauges inoperative, no start and multiple U-codes including U0422 (2017 trucks/SUVs) — General Motors / NHTSA ,
  10. NHTSA complaint 11529664: 2020 Honda Ridgeline dark cluster, U0155 — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
  11. Mazda 15-001-19: Warning lights on with DTC U0155:00 — Mazda North American Operations / NHTSA ,
  12. GM 18NA070: Service Side Detection message and DTC U0155 — General Motors / NHTSA ,
  13. Ford SSM 46508: Check headlamp message after remote start, U0155 in HCM — Ford Motor Co. / NHTSA ,
  14. Ford SSM 49954: DTC U0155 in ABS module, disregard — Ford Motor Co. / NHTSA ,
  15. GM 16-NA-237: What sets U0155 (IPC and PPS timing) — General Motors / NHTSA ,
  16. GM 15-NA-004: Intermittent no crank, radio and HVAC inoperative, erratic cluster — General Motors / NHTSA ,
  17. Honda A21-021: MIL on with DTC U0155 — American Honda Motor Co. / NHTSA ,
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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