HomeTrouble CodesU0660

U0660 — Lost Communication Left Rear Temperature Actuator B

Generic OBD-II · all makesNetwork / communication

OBD-II code U0660 indicates that a control module (typically the HVAC or front control module) has stopped receiving messages from the left rear temperature actuator "B" over the in-vehicle communication network (usually CAN or LIN). The actuator is a small motor that drives the blend-air door for the rear-left climate zone, and when its signal drops out, the controller cannot command or verify its position.

Symptoms

What causes it — most likely first

1. Failed left rear temperature actuator B

The actuator's internal motor, potentiometer, or driver electronics wear out; this is the most common single failure for a lost-communication code on a specific actuator.

2. Damaged or loose connector at the actuator

Rear HVAC actuators are often mounted behind trim panels that get wet, and connector corrosion, bent pins, or a partially seated plug will cut off power, ground, and network signaling.

3. Wiring harness damage between the actuator and the controlling module

Chafed, pinched, or broken wires in the harness to the rear HVAC box are common, especially where the harness flexes around rear seat or HVAC housing edges.

4. Open or short on the network (CAN/LIN) data line to the actuator

Loss of the dedicated communication circuit prevents the module from polling the actuator; this can be wiring damage, a splice failure, or high resistance in the data circuit.

5. HVAC or front control module internal fault

The module that polls the rear actuator can develop a driver or network-interface fault that prevents communication with this specific device, even though other functions still work.

6. Powertrain or body control module network fault

Listed last because it is rare for this code: a gateway or network issue higher in the network can knock the actuator off-line, but the actuator and its wiring should be ruled out first.

How it's diagnosed

  1. Verify U0660 with a scan tool and record all other stored codes and freeze-frame data, especially related HVAC and network communication codes.
  2. Locate the left rear temperature actuator B (usually in or near the rear HVAC housing behind rear quarter trim) and visually inspect the connector for corrosion, bent pins, moisture, or an unseated plug.
  3. With the ignition on, check for proper power and ground at the actuator connector using a multimeter, and check the reference voltage if the actuator uses an analog signal.
  4. If power and ground are present, use a scan tool in bi-directional / actuator test mode to attempt to command the actuator; a lack of response points to a failed actuator or a broken network wire.
  5. Inspect the wiring harness from the actuator back to the controlling module for chafing, pinching, or broken conductors, and check for continuity and short-to-ground/short-to-power on the network data lines.
  6. If wiring, power, ground, and network signals are all correct and the actuator does not respond to commands, replace the actuator; only after the actuator and its circuit are confirmed good should a control module be considered.

Code facts & related codes

SystemNetwork / communication
StandardizationSAE generic — identical on every make

Frequently asked

Is U0660 usually caused by a bad engine computer (PCM/ECM)?

No. The PCM/ECM almost never controls a rear temperature actuator and is rarely the cause of this code. The actuator itself, its connector, and its wiring are the realistic culprits, and drivers are sometimes incorrectly told to replace the computer first. Modules should only be suspected after the actuator and its circuit have been verified.

Can I keep driving with code U0660 set?

Yes, in most cases the vehicle will continue to run normally. The trade-off is reduced or lost rear climate control; in cold or hot conditions this can be a comfort issue but is not a safety or drivability problem.

Will clearing the code fix the problem?

No. Clearing the code only erases the stored fault; if the actuator is not communicating, the code will return as soon as the controller polls it again on the next drive cycle.

Is the "B" in the actuator name significant?

It generally indicates a second or variant actuator at the left-rear position (for example, in a dual-blend or multi-zone rear HVAC system). Diagnosis is the same; you are simply targeting the specific actuator labeled "B" in the vehicle's HVAC configuration.