U0163

Universal

Lost Communication With Navigation 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
Low Severity

The vehicle has detected that it is not receiving expected network messages from the navigation control module. Depending on the vehicle, navigation features may stop working or display a communication warning. The code can also be intermittent or have no noticeable symptoms. It does not by itself prove that the navigation module has failed.

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⚠️ Before You Begin (Safety First)

A navigation-only communication problem is not usually an immediate driving hazard, but do not operate navigation controls while driving. If other warning lights or vehicle functions are affected, pull over safely and seek assistance if the vehicle may not be safe to drive.

Common Symptoms

  • Navigation may be unavailable, fail to start, or stop responding if the module cannot communicate with other vehicle systems.
  • A communication message or warning may appear, depending on the vehicle.
  • The code may be intermittent, so navigation may work at times and fail at others.
  • There may be no noticeable symptoms if the issue is temporary or the vehicle does not use the affected navigation functions.

Common Causes

  • A loose, damaged, or corroded connector or network wire may interrupt communication with the navigation control module.
  • Loss of module power or ground can prevent it from sending or receiving network messages.
  • A fault elsewhere on the vehicle communication network may interfere with messages to or from the module.
  • Low or unstable vehicle voltage may contribute to temporary communication loss.
  • The navigation control module may have an internal fault, but this should be confirmed before replacement.
  • Recent electrical work or added equipment may have disturbed wiring or affected network communication.

Diagnostic Steps

  1. Note whether navigation functions or related warnings are currently affected, and whether the problem comes and goes; this can help distinguish an active issue from an intermittent one.
  2. With the vehicle parked and switched off, visually check accessible connectors and wiring around the navigation system for looseness or visible damage. Do not pull on wiring or probe network wires.
  3. Check the owner’s manual for any navigation-system fuse information and inspect only accessible fuses as directed. Replace a fuse only with the specified type and rating; if it blows again, seek diagnosis.
  4. If the battery has recently been weak or disconnected, mention that during diagnosis because voltage or recent power loss can affect module communication.
  5. Have the vehicle scanned for codes in all modules if the code returns or navigation remains unavailable; a basic engine-only code reader may not show the relevant network information.

When to Call a Professional

Scan all vehicle modules for related communication codes and check whether the navigation module is recognized. A technician can use vehicle-specific service information to check module power and ground, connectors, and network wiring, then determine whether a wiring, configuration, or module issue is present before replacing parts.

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Commonly Asked Questions

Does U0163 mean the navigation control module must be replaced?

No. It indicates lost communication, which can result from wiring, connector, power, ground, network, or module problems. Testing is needed to identify the cause.

Can navigation still work if this code is stored?

Yes. The issue may be intermittent, or the code may remain after communication returns. Check whether the navigation functions work now and whether the code returns.

Could a weak battery cause this code?

Unstable or low vehicle voltage can contribute to temporary module communication problems. It is one possibility, not proof that the battery is the cause.

Is it safe to drive with U0163?

If navigation is the only affected function, driving is generally not made unsafe by losing navigation. Avoid using controls while driving, and respond cautiously if other warnings or vehicle functions are affected.

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