U0156

Universal

Lost Communication With Information Center A

Definition source: General OBD-II reference catalog
Definition verification: Not independently verified for display.
Time: Varies by diagnosis and vehicle | Diagnostic difficulty: Medium
Medium Severity

A vehicle control module is not receiving expected network messages from Information Center A. Depending on the vehicle, this may affect an information display or related messages and functions. The code identifies a communication problem, not proof that the information center itself has failed.

Report an error with this code

⚠️ Before You Begin (Safety First)

If the information center is needed to see important warnings or vehicle status, do not rely on it while it is malfunctioning. Stop safely and arrange assistance if you cannot confirm the vehicle is safe to operate or if the vehicle behaves abnormally.

Common Symptoms

  • Information center display may be blank, unavailable, or not responding if its communication or operation is affected.
  • Some information or messages normally provided through the information center may be unavailable.
  • Other modules may record communication codes or show related warnings.
  • The issue may be intermittent, so symptoms can come and go.
  • There may be no noticeable symptoms if the affected information center function is not being used.

Common Causes

  • A weak or unstable vehicle battery or charging supply may interrupt module communication.
  • A fuse, power feed, or ground connection for the information center or network may be open, loose, or otherwise faulty.
  • Damaged, loose, corroded, or poorly connected wiring may interrupt communication.
  • A fault elsewhere on the vehicle network may prevent messages from reaching or leaving the information center.
  • The information center module may have an internal fault, but the code alone does not establish that.

Diagnostic Steps

  1. Note whether the information center is blank, intermittent, or displaying warnings, and record any other symptoms. This helps identify whether the communication issue is current or intermittent.
  2. Check for other diagnostic codes with a suitable scan tool, especially codes from other modules. Related codes can help distinguish a local connection problem from a wider network or power issue.
  3. With the vehicle safely parked, visually check the battery terminals for looseness or obvious corrosion. Poor battery connections can cause electrical and communication problems.
  4. Using the owner’s manual, check fuses relevant to the information center or vehicle network. Replace a blown fuse only with the specified type and rating; if it blows again, seek diagnosis rather than repeatedly replacing it.
  5. Inspect only accessible wiring and connectors for obvious damage, looseness, or corrosion. Do not unplug modules or probe network wiring without vehicle-specific instructions.

When to Call a Professional

Have a technician scan all modules for related communication and voltage codes, then check the information center’s power, ground, connectors, and network wiring using the vehicle-specific service information. Confirm network integrity before considering module replacement; programming or configuration may be needed if a module is replaced.

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Commonly Asked Questions

Does U0156 mean the information center needs to be replaced?

No. The code reports lost communication, which can also result from a power or ground problem, wiring or connector damage, or a wider network fault. Diagnosis is needed before replacing a module.

Can the information center still appear to work with this code?

Yes. An intermittent communication fault or a function that is not currently needed may leave no obvious symptom. Other modules may still store the code.

Can I keep driving with U0156?

That depends on what information or warnings are unavailable and how the vehicle behaves. If important warnings cannot be checked or the vehicle behaves abnormally, stop safely and seek assistance.

What should a technician check before replacing the information center?

They should review codes across the vehicle, verify relevant power and ground supplies, inspect connectors and wiring, and test network communication using procedures for the specific vehicle.

Browse Available Code Guides

Previous and next available guides in database record order, across makes. Adjacent entries may share a code number and do not necessarily describe related faults.