U0184: Lost communication with the radio
Lost communication with radio / audio head unit
Severity: Severity not verified — if the car runs badly, have it inspected
Losing the radio alone is not a driving hazard, but complaints show it stored with airbag and braking-assist warnings, so it depends on what else is stored.
It gets more serious if:
- Inspect soon: Inspect soon if U0184 comes with an airbag light, automatic braking that engages for no reason, or many other lost-communication codes.
U0184 in short
U0184 means other modules stopped hearing from the radio (head unit). Alone it mostly costs you audio, and often the rear camera or hands-free calling shown on the same screen. GM has a radio reprogram for 2014 models with this code. Aftermarket radio installs and low-battery events are other common triggers.
The radio or infotainment unit reports on the vehicle network. When its messages stop, other computers store U0184.
A reference site defines U0184 as no communication with the radio, and notes that it often appears after an aftermarket radio is fitted to a CAN-bus car. A 2013 Chevrolet Malibu owner read it as lost communication with the radio after a dead battery.
On many newer vehicles the radio also drives the rear camera display and phone pairing, so owner complaints describe those features failing together. GM bulletin SB-16-NA-115 (2014 GM cars and trucks) prescribes a radio software reprogram when the radio is inoperative with no communication and DTC U0184.
Most likely causes
Cause 1: Radio software that needs an update
Supported by vehicle data- Why it ranks here
- GM SB-16-NA-115 prescribes a radio reprogram for no communication with U0184 on 2014 models; only the NHTSA summary was read, and it applies to GM vehicles in that range.
- What would change this
- Rises on 2014 GM vehicles with an inoperative radio and no wake-up. Falls on other makes or if the radio is already current.
Cause 2: Aftermarket radio or wiring change
Possible — needs testing- Why it ranks here
- A commenter on one reference site links the code to aftermarket radios on CAN-bus cars; this is a single anecdotal note.
- What would change this
- Rises if a non-original radio was installed. Falls on an unmodified vehicle.
Cause 3: Low battery or jump-start event
Possible — needs testing- Why it ranks here
- A Malibu owner saw U0184 after a dead battery and a new battery; this is one report.
- What would change this
- Rises if the code appeared right after a battery event and clears on retest. Falls if the battery and charging are fine and the code returns.
What to test first
Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.
Step 1: Read all modules and check whether U0184 is current and what else is stored, including airbag, camera and other lost-communication codes.
IfOnly U0184 is stored and the radio is dead or rebooting
It meansThe radio, its power or its software is the likely area.
IfMany lost-communication codes are stored
It meansSuspect shared power, ground or wiring.
Step 2: Check that the battery tests healthy, note any aftermarket radio or added wiring, and ask a dealer whether a radio software update applies to your VIN.
IfA radio update is available for the vehicle
It meansUpdate the radio and retest.
IfA non-original radio is fitted
It meansHave the installation checked.
IfThe battery was weak or recently dead
It meansRetest after charging and clearing codes.
Symptoms
- Radio silent, blank or restarting
- Rear camera or phone pairing not working on the radio screen
- Airbag light or driver-assist warnings on at the same time Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
How to fix
Step 1: Check that the battery terminals are clean and tight.
Step 2: Ask a dealer whether a radio software update or bulletin applies to your VIN.
On your vehicle
ChevroletYour car
2014 · Silverado 1500
Supported by vehicle dataGM SB-16-NA-115 covers the 2014 Silverado 1500 with a radio reprogram for no communication and U0184. Whether it is still current is not verified.
2013 · Malibu
Supported by vehicle dataA 2013 Malibu owner read U0184-00 as lost communication with radio, stored with B101D-00 after a battery replacement.
SB-16-NA-115Status unverified
Radio inoperative with no communication and DTC U0184
2014silverado-1500, impala · NHTSA 10078549
Reprogram the radio software to correct no communication, no wake-up, rear view camera and hands-free calling problems. The same bulletin lists other 2014 GM models.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
Related codes
No curated relationships for U0184 yet.
U0184 questions
Does U0184 mean the radio must be replaced?
Not necessarily. GM has a software reprogram for some 2014 models, and battery events or aftermarket installs can also set it, so check those first.
Sources and review
- U0184 generic definition
- NHTSA complaint ODI 11269828: 2013 Chevrolet Malibu
- GM SB-16-NA-115: radio inoperative with no communication and DTC U0184
- Last reviewed
- Written by
- Saurabh K.
- Editorial review
- Pending
- Technician review
- Technician review pending
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