U0188 – Lost Communication With Video Display

U0188 – Lost Communication With Video Display means the vehicle’s infotainment system, BCM, or instrument cluster can no longer communicate with the video display module over the CAN bus. This display may control navigation, backup camera output, climate menus, vehicle settings, entertainment features, and driver-information functions. When communication is lost, the screen may go blank, freeze, or fail to respond. This guide explains what U0188 means, the symptoms it causes, the most common failures, diagnostic steps, and how to fix it safely.

What Does U0188 Mean?

U0188 is a generic U-code that indicates the vehicle’s video display module has stopped communicating on the CAN network. Modern displays serve as the central interface for safety alerts, HVAC controls, camera images, navigation maps, and more. If the module cannot transmit or receive CAN messages, the display becomes unresponsive or shows incorrect information.

The cause may be voltage-related, wiring damage behind the dash, software faults, water intrusion, or a failed display unit. While drivability is usually unaffected, losing the display can disrupt safety-critical functions such as the rear-view camera or HVAC controls.

Quick Reference

  • OBD-II Family: U-Code (Network Communication)
  • Scope: Generic
  • System: Infotainment / Display / CAN Bus
  • Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
  • Estimated Repair Cost: €60–€650+
  • Last Updated: 22 November 2025

Real-World Example / Field Notes

A mid-size sedan arrived with a completely blank screen, but the radio still worked. The BCM and infotainment module stored U0188. Removing the dash trim revealed a loose power ground bolt behind the display. Once tightened, the screen powered up and communication was restored.

Another case involved a luxury SUV where the backup camera intermittently went black. U0188 appeared repeatedly. Water dripping from a leaking windshield seal had entered the top of the dash, corroding the display connector. Cleaning the pins and resealing the windshield permanently fixed the issue.

Symptoms of U0188 – Lost Communication With Video Display

  • Blank or black display: Screen does not turn on.
  • Frozen or unresponsive touchscreen: Inputs are ignored.
  • No backup camera image: Display cannot receive video feed.
  • Navigation not available: Map or menu functions missing.
  • Climate or vehicle settings unavailable: If controlled via screen.
  • No communication with display via scanner: “Module offline.”
  • Intermittent flickering or rebooting: Faulty power supply or connection.

Common Causes of U0188

Most Common Causes

  • Loose or poor power/ground connection to display module
  • Corroded or water-damaged display connectors
  • CAN wiring fault behind dashboard or center stack
  • Internal failure of the video display module
  • Low battery voltage causing display reboots

Less Common Causes

  • Windshield or sunroof leaks dripping onto display wiring
  • Rodent damage behind dashboard
  • Aftermarket accessories interfering with CAN bus
  • Software corruption or failed update
  • Damaged or failing LVDS/video cable

Diagnosis: Step-by-Step Guide

Diagnosing U0188 requires confirming the display has proper power, stable CAN signals, and clean connectors. Follow the steps below for accurate troubleshooting.

Tools You’ll Need

Advanced scan tool, trim-removal tools, multimeter, wiring diagrams, backprobe leads, CAN breakout box, and optional oscilloscope.

  1. Scan all modules: Confirm U0188 and check for voltage or infotainment-related codes.
  2. Remove trim and access display: Carefully expose the display unit without damaging connections.
  3. Check power and ground: Verify both ignition and accessory power feeds, plus clean grounds.
  4. Inspect connectors: Look for corrosion, loose pins, moisture, or damaged plugs.
  5. Test CAN-H and CAN-L voltages: Expect ~3.5V and ~1.5V respectively.
  6. Check continuity of CAN wiring: Ensure no opens or shorts between display and infotainment/BCM.
  7. Look for water intrusion: Pay attention to windshield edges, A-pillars, and dashboard seams.
  8. Disconnect aftermarket accessories: Dash cams, radio adapters, and trackers often disrupt CAN communication.
  9. Perform a hard reset: Pull the infotainment fuse or disconnect the battery briefly.
  10. Oscilloscope waveform test: Identify CAN noise or a module shorting the network.

Pro Tip: Most U0188 faults trace back to loose grounds or moisture-affected connectors directly behind the display. Always inspect these before suspecting an expensive module failure.

Possible Fixes & Repair Costs

  • Tighten or repair power/ground at display: €20–€80
  • Clean or replace display connectors: €20–€100
  • Repair CAN wiring behind dash: €60–€200
  • Fix windshield or sunroof leaks: €80–€250
  • Replace video display module: €200–€650+
  • Charging system repair (if voltage issue): €120–€400

Can I Still Drive With U0188?

Yes, the vehicle will usually remain drivable. However, losing the display may disable important functions such as the reverse camera, climate menus, or vehicle settings. If the display controls safety-related features or if the screen obstructs visibility when malfunctioning, driving may be unsafe until the issue is resolved.

Related Codes

  • U0151 – Instrument Panel Communication Fault
  • U0141 – Steering System Network Communication Fault
  • U0121 – Lost Communication With Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Control Module
  • U0102 – Lost Communication With Transfer Case Control Module
  • U0101 – Lost Communication With TCM
  • U0100 – Lost Communication With ECM/PCM "A"
  • U0195 – Lost Communication With Audio AMP
  • U0194 – Lost Communication With Audio Display
  • U0185 – Lost Communication With TV/Telematics Unit
  • U0184 – Lost Communication With Radio

Key Takeaways

  • U0188 means the vehicle’s video display module is not communicating on the CAN bus.
  • Most issues come from loose power/ground, connector corrosion, or wiring faults.
  • Backup camera, navigation, and climate menus may stop working.
  • Repairs are often inexpensive unless the display module has failed.

FAQ

Does U0188 mean the display itself has failed?

Not necessarily. Many cases involve wiring or connector issues rather than a failed display module.

Can low battery voltage trigger U0188?

Yes. Weak voltage can cause the display module to reboot or go offline.

Will U0188 disable the backup camera?

Often yes, because the display module processes and shows the image.

Is it safe to drive with U0188?

Usually, but safety features like the rear-view camera or climate controls may be affected.

Can aftermarket accessories cause U0188?

Yes. Dash cams, stereos, and tracking devices spliced into CAN wiring frequently trigger display-communication faults.