U0157

Universal

Lost Communication With Information Center B

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

The vehicle detected that it could not communicate with a module or system identified as Information Center B. This system may provide vehicle information or messages to the driver. The code identifies a communication problem, not proof that the information center itself has failed. The display or related functions may be affected, or the fault may be intermittent with no obvious symptoms.

Report an error with this code

⚠️ Before You Begin (Safety First)

If important warnings, vehicle information, or other displays are unavailable, stop somewhere safe and consult the vehicle’s manual or a qualified technician before continuing. If the vehicle drives normally and no essential information is missing, arrange diagnosis soon. Do not probe wiring or connectors for safety systems or high-voltage components.

Common Symptoms

  • Information-center display or related functions may be blank, unavailable, or intermittently stop responding.
  • Information or messages normally shown by the information center may be missing or incomplete.
  • Other modules may record communication faults if they cannot exchange information with Information Center B.
  • There may be no noticeable symptoms if the communication loss was brief or the affected functions are not currently needed.

Common Causes

  • A loose, damaged, or corroded connector may interrupt power, ground, or communication to the information center.
  • A blown fuse or problem in a power or ground circuit may prevent the system from operating or communicating.
  • Damaged or shorted communication wiring, or a fault elsewhere on the vehicle network, may interrupt messages.
  • Low or unstable vehicle voltage may contribute to communication interruptions.
  • The information center module may have an internal fault, but the code alone does not establish that it needs replacement.

Diagnostic Steps

  1. Note which displays or vehicle-information functions are missing, and whether the problem comes and goes; this helps describe the fault during diagnosis.
  2. Check the vehicle’s manual for relevant fuses and inspect them using the manual’s guidance. Replace a fuse only with the specified type and rating; if it blows again, stop and seek diagnosis.
  3. With the vehicle safely parked and switched off, visually check accessible connectors and wiring for looseness, damage, or corrosion. Do not pull on wiring or disconnect modules unless the vehicle’s service information says it is safe.
  4. If you have a suitable scan tool, record the codes from other modules before clearing anything. Related communication codes can help indicate whether the issue may extend beyond the information center.
  5. If the problem persists, or wiring, power, ground, or network testing is needed, have a qualified technician diagnose it using vehicle-specific service information.

When to Call a Professional

Use a scan tool that can communicate with multiple vehicle modules. Check which modules report communication faults and whether the code is current or intermittent. Then, using vehicle-specific wiring information, check the relevant fuses, power and ground supplies, connectors, and communication wiring before considering module replacement. Confirm the cause and any required setup or programming for the exact vehicle.

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Commonly Asked Questions

Does U0157 prove that the information center module has failed?

No. It indicates lost communication with Information Center B. A fuse, power or ground issue, connector, wiring, network fault, or the module itself could be involved.

Can this code appear if the display seems to work normally?

Yes. Communication may have been interrupted briefly or intermittently, so the code can be stored even when symptoms are not present at the time of inspection.

Why should other modules be scanned too?

Other modules may also record communication faults. Comparing their codes can help distinguish an issue limited to the information center from a broader power or network problem.

Should I replace the information center because of this code?

Not without diagnosis. A technician should first check relevant power, ground, connectors, and communication wiring using information for the specific vehicle.

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