C0297 – Powertrain Configuration Data Not Received

System: Chassis | Standard: ISO/SAE Controlled | Fault type: General

Official meaning: Powertrain Configuration Data Not Received

Definition source: SAE J2012 naming/structure guidance

What Does C0297 Mean?

C0297 – Powertrain Configuration Data Not Received means a chassis control module did not receive the required powertrain configuration data. The official meaning is exactly: Powertrain Configuration Data Not Received.

This is a General fault type under an ISO/SAE Controlled classification, and it belongs to the Chassis system. In practical terms, the chassis system relies on configuration data exchanged over the vehicle network so it can correctly coordinate functions that depend on powertrain information. When the expected configuration data is not received, the chassis module can log C0297 and may limit certain chassis-related features depending on vehicle design and safety strategy.

Quick Reference

• Code: C0297
• Official Title: C0297 – Powertrain Configuration Data Not Received
• Official Meaning: Powertrain Configuration Data Not Received
• System: Chassis
• Fault Type: General
• Classification: ISO/SAE Controlled
• What it indicates: A chassis module expected powertrain configuration data but did not receive it
• What to do first: Scan all modules for related communication/power/configuration DTCs and confirm which module is not receiving the data

Symptoms

When C0297 sets, symptoms depend on how the chassis module responds to missing configuration data. Possible symptoms include:

• Warning indicators: chassis-related warning lights may illuminate (for example, ABS/traction/stability indicators where equipped)
• Driver information message: a service or system message related to chassis functions may appear
• Feature reduction: chassis assistance functions that depend on configuration data may be reduced or disabled
• Multiple stored codes: other network communication, configuration, or module power-related DTCs may be present at the same time
• Intermittent behavior: the fault may appear and clear if the underlying issue is an intermittent connection, voltage drop, or network disruption

Common Causes

C0297 is set when the required powertrain configuration data is not received by a chassis module. Causes typically fall into network communication, power/ground integrity, or module configuration concerns:

• Network communication fault: open, short, or high resistance in the vehicle communication circuits that carry the configuration data
• Connector/terminal issues: damaged, loose, corroded, or poorly seated connectors/terminals at modules or network junctions
• Module power or ground problem: a participating module may stop communicating if it loses proper power or ground (including fuse/relay issues or excessive voltage drop)
• Low system voltage event: battery or charging concerns can cause modules to reset or drop off the network during key-on or cranking
• Configuration/programming not completed or incorrect: after control module replacement or service procedures, required setup steps may be incomplete, preventing proper configuration data exchange
• Gateway routing issue (if equipped): a module responsible for passing messages between networks may not be functioning correctly due to power/ground, connector, or internal issues
• Internal control module fault: a module involved in sending or receiving the configuration data may be faulty (this should be considered only after power/ground and network checks)

Diagnosis Steps

Diagnosing C0297 is about proving why the chassis module did not receive the required powertrain configuration data. Use a scan tool capable of accessing chassis modules and network information, a digital multimeter, and the correct wiring diagrams and service information for the vehicle.

1. Confirm the DTC and capture module data: perform a full vehicle scan. Record C0297 as current or history and document all other DTCs in all modules. Save freeze frame/failure records if available.
2. Identify the reporting module: note which chassis module stored C0297. If multiple chassis modules show similar data-not-received faults, treat it as a network/power issue until proven otherwise.
3. Prioritize related DTCs: if communication DTCs, module offline/not communicating DTCs, or low-voltage DTCs are present, diagnose those first. C0297 can be the result of another primary fault preventing data transmission.
4. Check battery and charging basics: verify battery condition, terminal tightness, and charging performance. Measure system voltage at rest and during cranking if possible. Unstable voltage can interrupt network communication and data validation.
5. Verify powers and grounds to involved modules: using wiring diagrams, locate the B+ feeds, ignition feeds, and ground circuits for the chassis module that logged C0297 and for the module that should transmit the configuration data. Perform voltage drop tests under load rather than relying on continuity checks.
6. Inspect network wiring and connectors: visually inspect harness routing and connectors for signs of damage, water intrusion, corrosion, pin fit issues, backed-out terminals, or chafing. Address any mechanical connector problems before deeper network testing.
7. Evaluate network health with the scan tool: check module communication status and any network test functions available (for example, bus status, error counters, or topology lists). Note any module that intermittently drops communication.
8. Test communication circuits: follow service information to test the relevant network circuits for shorts to ground, shorts to power, and opens/high resistance. If the vehicle uses CAN, inspect both lines as a pair and confirm proper integrity end-to-end.
9. Check gateway operation (if applicable): if configuration data must cross networks, verify the gateway module is powered, grounded, and communicating. A gateway that is offline or not routing messages can lead to “data not received” faults in the chassis system.
10. Confirm configuration and setup procedures: if any control module has been replaced or reprogrammed, verify the correct part is installed and that all required configuration/programming steps were completed according to service information. Incomplete setup can prevent expected configuration data from being recognized.
11. Clear DTCs and verify repair: after correcting the root cause, clear codes, perform the required key cycles and/or road test, then rescan all modules. Confirm C0297 does not reset and that no new communication/configuration DTCs appear.

Possible Fixes

Repairs for C0297 should be based on test results that explain why the powertrain configuration data was not received. Possible fixes include:

• Repair or replace damaged communication wiring (opens, shorts, or high resistance)
• Clean, reseat, and secure connectors; repair terminal damage, corrosion, or poor pin tension
• Repair module power or ground circuits; replace failed fuses/relays where applicable and correct excessive voltage drop
• Correct battery/charging system issues that cause voltage instability during key-on or cranking
• Perform required control module setup, configuration, or programming procedures per service information
• Replace a control module only after confirming wiring integrity, stable power/ground, and correct configuration requirements

Can I Still Drive With C0297?

Driving with C0297 may be possible, but the risk depends on which chassis functions are affected when the module does not receive the required configuration data. Because the code is in the Chassis system, some braking/traction/stability-related features may be reduced or disabled depending on vehicle strategy.

If warning indicators are on or you notice reduced chassis assistance behavior, drive cautiously, allow extra stopping distance, and avoid situations where maximum stability/traction assistance may be needed. If braking behavior changes or multiple communication-related codes are present, the vehicle should be diagnosed as soon as possible.

Repair Costs

Repair cost depends on whether the confirmed root cause is wiring, connector condition, a switch or module issue, or the labor needed to diagnose the fault correctly.

Last updated: March 25, 2026