U010C OBD-II: Lost Communication With Turbocharger/Supercharger Control

What does code U010C mean?

Code U010C stands for Lost Communication with Turbocharger/Supercharger Control Module.

A regular engine is restricted to the amount of air the pistons can draw in. But, the more air that can be forced into an engine (along with the corresponding amount of fuel), the more power it will make. This is the idea behind a turbocharger or supercharger, which pushes additional air into the engine.

Basically, a turbocharger or supercharger is like an air pump for the engine. Both raise pressure inside the intake manifold, so when the engine intake valves open, more air flows into the cylinders. This results in increased power.

Though they perform the same task, turbochargers and supercharger are different. A supercharger is driven off the engine by a belt (or sometimes gears). On the other hand, a turbocharger is driven by the engine's exhaust. A supercharger robs some power from the engine, since it is belt driven, but a turbocharger does not.

Turbocharger

Supercharger

On some modern vehicles the turbocharger/supercharger (or its actuator) are considered a "smart device". This is because the turbocharger/supercharger performs its own diagnostics and reports them back to the powertrain control module (PCM).

The turbocharger or supercharger may also share this information with the other computers (known as modules) over a network. On most modern vehicles, this network is referred to as the Controller Area Network (CAN). The CAN network is comprised of two lines: CAN High and CAN Low. Code U010C indicates the turbocharger/supercharger is not receiving or transmitting messages on the CAN bus.

Get it diagnosed by a professional

Find a shop in your area

U010C symptoms

• Illuminated warning lights
• Turbocharger/supercharger-related performance issues

Common causes for U010C

Code U010C is typically caused by one of the following:

• A dead battery
• Turbocharger/supercharger problems
• A problem with the CAN bus

How to diagnose and repair U010C

Perform a preliminary inspection

Sometimes U010C can pop up intermittently, or it can result from a dead battery. This is especially true if the code is a history code and not current. Clear the code and see if it returns. If it does, the next step is to perform a visual inspection. A trained eye can check for issues such as broken wires and loose connections. If a problem is found, the issue should be repaired and the code cleared. If nothing is discovered, check for technical service bulletins (TSBs). TSBs are recommended diagnostic and repair procedures put out by the vehicle manufacturer. Finding a related TSB can greatly reduce diagnostic time.

Check the battery

The turbocharger/supercharger needs proper voltage to operate. Before going any further, the battery and charging system should be checked. Repair or replace as needed and clear the code.

Check for other DTCs

Additional diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) may indicate problems elsewhere that are affecting turbocharger operation. For example, multiple communication DTCs may indicate a problem with the CAN network. Any additional DTCs should be addressed prior to diagnosing U010C.

Multiple communication DTCs may indicate a problem with the CAN bus. Like any other circuit, the CAN bus can be checked for problems such as opens and shorts. This is typically done using a digital multimeter (DMM) or breakout box at the datalink connector. Pin 6 of the connector is CAN High and pin 14 is can low. From there, further testing and repair of the CAN bus can be completed as needed.

Check for a faulty control module

The next step is to check the turbocharger/supercharger. The easiest way to start this process is to try to communicate with the turbocharger/supercharger using a diagnostic scan tool. Once connected to the vehicle, the tool acts like just another module on the network. It can be used to address the turbocharger/supercharger directly. If Turbocharger/supercharger does not respond, there is a problem with it.

Before deeming the turbocharger/supercharger faulty, it's important to check that it has proper power and ground. This is usually done using a DMM. Any problems with the circuit should be repaired and the code cleared.

Finally, before replacing the turbocharger/supercharger, its software should be checked. Sometimes it be reprogrammed rather replaced.

Other diagnostic codes related to U010C

All the 'U' codes are network communication codes. Codes U0100 to U0300 are lost communication with XX module codes.

Code U010C technical details

This code is typically monitored when the ignition is on and battery voltage is within a specific range.