HomeTrouble CodesU0060

U0060 — Vehicle Communication Bus D Open

Generic OBD-II · all makesNetwork / communication

U0060 indicates an open circuit in the vehicle's communication bus D, which is part of the Controller Area Network (CAN) system. This fault disrupts data exchange between modules, often causing multiple warning lights and drivability issues.

Symptoms

What causes it — most likely first

1. Open or damaged wiring in bus D circuit

A break in the CAN D high or low wires, often due to chafing, corrosion, or rodent damage, is the most common cause.

2. Corroded or loose connector terminals

Moisture or vibration can cause poor pin contact at module connectors, creating an open circuit.

3. Faulty module on bus D

A failed module (e.g., ABS, BCM, or transmission control module) can internally open the bus circuit or pull the bus voltage out of range.

4. Improperly installed aftermarket accessories

Add-on devices (alarms, remote starters, audio systems) spliced into the CAN bus can cause an open or short.

5. Damaged or broken bus termination resistor

Missing or open termination resistor at one end of bus D can cause communication failure, though this is less common for a single open code.

6. Faulty PCM/ECM

While rare, the powertrain control module can fail internally and cause an open on bus D. This should only be considered after thoroughly inspecting wiring and other modules.

How it's diagnosed

  1. Use a scan tool to check for communication codes in all modules and note which modules are offline.
  2. Consult the vehicle wiring diagram to identify the bus D circuit (typically CAN D high/low wires) and locate all connected modules.
  3. Visually inspect the bus D wiring harness for damage, chafing, or corrosion, especially near connectors and areas subject to movement.
  4. Measure resistance between bus D high and low lines at a convenient connector; compare to specification (usually 60 ohms with modules connected).
  5. Isolate the open by disconnecting modules one at a time while monitoring bus resistance or voltage until the fault is located.
  6. Check for aftermarket devices tapped into the bus D circuit and remove them temporarily to see if the code clears.

Code facts & related codes

SystemNetwork / communication
StandardizationSAE generic — identical on every make

Frequently asked

Can I still drive my car with a U0060 code?

Possibly, but it depends on which modules are affected. If critical systems like the engine or transmission control lose communication, the vehicle may stall, not start, or behave unpredictably. It's best to diagnose and repair promptly.

Is U0060 always caused by a bad module?

No. Most often it is a wiring or connector issue. A faulty module is possible but less common. The PCM/ECM is rarely the cause; replacing it without proper diagnosis is usually a waste of money.

What does 'Bus D' mean?

Modern vehicles have multiple CAN buses (e.g., Bus A, B, C, D) to separate different systems. Bus D typically connects body control, instrument cluster, or other low-speed modules. The exact assignment varies by manufacturer.

Can a low battery cause U0060?

A severely discharged or weak battery can cause communication errors, but it rarely produces a specific 'open' code like U0060. If the battery is low, charge it and clear the code; if it returns, look for wiring or module faults.