U0160

Universal

Lost Communication With Audible Alert Control Module

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 has detected that it cannot communicate with the audible alert control module over the vehicle network. That module may manage audible chimes or alerts, so some sounds may be missing. The code identifies a communication problem, not proof that the audible alert module itself has failed.

Report an error with this code

⚠️ Before You Begin (Safety First)

A missing chime could make an important warning less noticeable. Pay attention to dashboard lights and messages, and stop safely if the vehicle displays a critical warning or shows unsafe behavior. Do not rely on audible alerts as the only indication of a problem.

Common Symptoms

  • Some chimes or audible alerts may not sound if the affected module controls them.
  • A warning may still appear on the instrument panel, depending on the vehicle and alert.
  • Related communication faults may cause other messages or alerts, but their effects vary by vehicle.
  • There may be no noticeable symptoms if the affected alert function is not needed or another display provides the warning.

Common Causes

  • A loose, damaged, or corroded connector or wiring connection may interrupt communication.
  • A fault in the vehicle communication network may prevent messages from reaching the audible alert control module.
  • A problem with the module's power supply or ground may stop it from communicating.
  • The audible alert control module may have an internal fault, but this code alone does not establish that.

Diagnostic Steps

  1. Note any missing chimes, dashboard messages, or other warning lights; this helps identify which functions may be affected.
  2. Check the owner's manual for the meaning of any displayed warnings, and do not ignore a critical warning because its chime is absent.
  3. With the vehicle safely parked, visually inspect accessible wiring and connectors for obvious damage or looseness. Do not force connectors or disturb safety-system wiring.
  4. Check the owner's manual for any relevant fuses and inspect them only as directed; use the specified replacement rating if a fuse is found blown.
  5. If you have a suitable scan tool, record codes from all modules before clearing anything. Multiple communication codes can help distinguish a wider network issue from a problem limited to one module.
  6. Have a qualified technician perform electrical and network testing if the fault persists, access requires disassembly, or safe testing procedures are unclear.

When to Call a Professional

A technician can scan all modules for related communication codes, check whether the audible alert control module responds, and test its power, ground, connectors, and network circuits using vehicle-specific service information. Confirm a module fault only after its connections and network communication have been assessed.

Compare component listings

Confirm diagnosis and vehicle fitment before buying. A listing does not prove that a part needs replacement. We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.

Search Amazon Search eBay

Commonly Asked Questions

Does U0160 prove that the audible alert control module is faulty?

No. It indicates lost communication with that module. Wiring, connectors, power, ground, or the vehicle network can also cause the condition.

Can the vehicle still be driven?

The code alone does not establish whether the vehicle is safe to drive. If a critical warning appears or the vehicle behaves unsafely, stop when safe and seek assistance. Otherwise, arrange diagnosis and pay close attention to dashboard warnings.

Why might there be no noticeable symptom?

The affected alerts may not be needed during a particular trip, or the vehicle may display some warnings visually. A missing audible alert can still matter even when no other symptom is apparent.

What helps distinguish a module fault from a network or wiring problem?

A technician can compare communication codes across modules and test the affected module's power, ground, connectors, and network circuits using vehicle-specific procedures.

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.