U0159

Universal

Lost Communication With Parking Assist Control Module A

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

The vehicle has detected that one or more control modules are not receiving expected messages from Parking Assist Control Module A. That module supports the parking-assist system, so parking sensors or related assistance may be unavailable or show a warning. The code identifies a communication problem, not proof that the module itself has failed.

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⚠️ Before You Begin (Safety First)

Do not rely on parking-assist alerts or displays until the system has been checked; use direct observation and check around the vehicle when parking. This code alone does not usually require stopping, but stop driving if other warnings or symptoms indicate a separate safety-critical problem.

Common Symptoms

  • A parking-assist warning or message may appear if the system detects that the module is unavailable.
  • Parking sensors or related parking-assist features may stop working or provide incomplete information.
  • The fault may be intermittent if a connector, power supply, ground, or network connection is intermittent.
  • There may be no noticeable symptoms if the vehicle does not use the affected feature or the communication loss is temporary.

Common Causes

  • Loss of power or ground to Parking Assist Control Module A.
  • A loose, damaged, corroded, or poorly connected module connector.
  • Open, shorted, or damaged wiring in the communication network or module circuits.
  • A network communication fault affecting more than one module.
  • Low or unstable vehicle voltage that interrupts module operation or communication.
  • An internal fault in Parking Assist Control Module A, which should be considered only after its circuits and network connections are checked.

Diagnostic Steps

  1. Note any parking-assist warnings and whether the fault is constant or intermittent; this helps describe the condition during diagnosis.
  2. Check whether other electrical or communication-related warnings are present, since multiple symptoms may point to a broader power or network issue.
  3. With the vehicle safely parked, visually inspect accessible parking-assist wiring and connectors for obvious damage, looseness, or corrosion; do not disconnect components unless the vehicle-specific procedure permits it.
  4. Check the owner's manual for relevant fuse information and inspect only fuses that can be safely accessed; replace a fuse only with the specified type and rating.
  5. If the warning remains or returns, have all modules scanned and the module's power, ground, connectors, and network wiring tested using vehicle-specific service information.

When to Call a Professional

Scan all control modules for communication and voltage-related codes, and note which modules can and cannot communicate. Check battery and charging-system condition, relevant fuses, module power and ground, connectors, and network wiring using vehicle-specific service information. Confirm the fault and its cause before replacing a module.

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Commonly Asked Questions

Does U0159 mean the parking assist control module must be replaced?

No. The code reports lost communication. Power, ground, wiring, connectors, network faults, or low voltage can cause the same condition, so the circuit and communication path should be checked before replacing the module.

Can I drive with U0159?

The code alone does not usually prevent driving, but parking assistance may be unavailable or unreliable. Park using direct observation rather than relying on sensors or displays, and respond to any other warnings or symptoms separately.

Why might the code appear only sometimes?

Intermittent power, ground, connector, wiring, or network connections can interrupt messages temporarily. Recording when the warning occurs and checking for other stored communication codes can help narrow the cause.

Could a weak battery cause this code?

Low or unstable voltage can interfere with module operation and communication. Battery and charging-system condition are useful checks, but voltage issues should be confirmed rather than assumed.

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