U0190 – Lost Communication With Audio/Video Control Module

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

Definition source: SAE J2012/J2012DA (industry standard)

DTC U0190 indicates that the vehicle network detected a loss of communication with the Audio/Video Control Module. In practical terms, one or more other modules stopped receiving expected network messages from that module for a calibrated period of time, or the network could not reliably carry those messages. How the fault is monitored, how quickly it sets, whether it is stored as current or history, and what functions are affected can vary by vehicle, network design, and option content. Always confirm the module location, network topology, fuse assignments, and connector pinouts using the correct service information before testing. Treat U0190 as a network communication problem until testing proves a specific power, ground, wiring, or module fault.

What Does U0190 Mean?

U0190 – Lost Communication With Audio/Video Control Module means the vehicle’s communication network has reported that it can no longer communicate with the Audio/Video Control Module. Under SAE J2012 DTC structure conventions, a “U” code points to a network-related fault, and the description defines the affected node: the Audio/Video Control Module. This DTC does not, by itself, prove the module is defective; it indicates that expected communication is missing or unreliable. The underlying cause must be confirmed with testing of network wiring integrity, connector condition, module power/ground, and the behavior of the network at the time the fault sets.

Quick Reference

  • Subsystem: Vehicle communication network (module-to-module messaging) related to the Audio/Video Control Module.
  • Common triggers: Module power/ground interruption, disconnected connector, open/high resistance in network wiring, or network disturbance that prevents message exchange.
  • Likely root-cause buckets: Wiring/connector faults, power/ground supply issues, network bus faults, module internal fault, or configuration/software issues (varies by vehicle).
  • Severity: Typically affects infotainment/audio/video functions; driveability is often unaffected, but warnings and secondary feature loss can occur.
  • First checks: Verify related fuses and grounds, confirm the module wakes up, inspect connectors for looseness/corrosion, and scan for additional network DTCs.
  • Common mistakes: Replacing the module before verifying power/ground and network integrity, or ignoring other network codes that identify a broader bus issue.

Theory of Operation

The Audio/Video Control Module exchanges information with other modules over the vehicle network. Depending on design, it may publish periodic status messages (such as operational state, diagnostics, or feature availability) and also receive commands or configuration data from other modules. Other controllers continuously look for these expected messages to confirm the module is present and communicating.

U0190 sets when the monitoring module(s) determine that communication with the Audio/Video Control Module has been lost. This can happen if the module is not powered, cannot wake up, has poor ground, has a connector/wiring issue on the network lines, or if a network problem prevents messages from being transmitted or received correctly. The exact criteria and timing are platform-specific and must be verified in service information.

Symptoms

  • Audio loss: No sound output, intermittent audio, or audio controls not responding.
  • Video inoperative: Displayed video features unavailable or blank screens where applicable.
  • Interface malfunction: Infotainment menus freeze, reboot, or respond slowly.
  • Controls disabled: Steering wheel or console audio/video controls do not function.
  • Warning indicator: Message center warnings related to infotainment, communication, or system unavailable notices.
  • Network-related DTCs: Additional communication or bus-related codes stored in multiple modules.
  • Intermittent operation: Functions return temporarily after cycling ignition, bumps, or temperature changes.

Common Causes

  • Open, shorted, or high-resistance wiring in the network communication circuit(s) between the Audio/Video Control Module and the rest of the vehicle network
  • Loose, spread, corroded, or contaminated terminals at the Audio/Video Control Module connector(s) or at an in-line/junction connector in the network path
  • Loss of power feed(s) to the Audio/Video Control Module (blown fuse, faulty relay, open in a power supply circuit)
  • Poor ground to the Audio/Video Control Module (loose ground fastener, damaged ground wire, corrosion at ground point)
  • Network short between communication lines, or short to power/ground on a network line (varies by vehicle network design)
  • Another module or network gateway issue that disrupts message routing to/from the Audio/Video Control Module (architecture varies by vehicle)
  • Audio/Video Control Module internal fault (hardware) after power/ground and network integrity are verified
  • Module configuration/software issue causing the module to be offline or not recognized on the network (only after confirming electrical integrity)

Diagnosis Steps

Useful tools include a scan tool capable of full-network module polling and viewing network DTCs, a digital multimeter for power/ground and voltage-drop checks, and access to the vehicle’s wiring diagrams and connector views. If available, use a breakout lead set and terminal test probes to avoid damaging connectors. Live-data logging and a basic wiggle test are helpful for catching intermittent communication loss.

  1. Confirm the complaint and scan the entire vehicle network. Record U0190 and all other DTCs, including history and pending codes. Save freeze-frame or event data where the platform provides it, as it can indicate when communication was lost.
  2. Identify which module set U0190 (the “reporting module”) and attempt direct communication with the Audio/Video Control Module using the scan tool. Note whether the module is completely non-communicating or if communication is intermittent.
  3. Check for network-related DTCs and power supply DTCs in other modules. If multiple modules show communication-loss codes, prioritize diagnosing the network backbone, gateway, or shared power/ground issues before focusing only on the Audio/Video Control Module.
  4. Perform a quick visual inspection with ignition off: verify the Audio/Video Control Module connectors are fully seated, harness routing is intact, and there is no obvious abrasion, pinching, or evidence of contamination at connectors or junction points that the network passes through.
  5. Verify the Audio/Video Control Module power and ground integrity. Using wiring diagrams, check relevant fuses and relays, then backprobe at the module connector to confirm power feed(s) and ground(s) are present when they should be. If a problem is found, repair the power/ground fault and recheck communication.
  6. Perform voltage-drop testing on the module ground circuit(s) under load (for example, with the module connected and the circuit active as designed). Excessive voltage drop indicates resistance in the ground path (terminal fit, splice, ground point, or conductor damage) that can cause the module to drop offline.
  7. Inspect the network communication circuits at the Audio/Video Control Module connector(s): check terminal tension/fit, look for backed-out pins, and confirm there is no corrosion or damage. Repair any terminal issues using proper terminal service methods, then retest for stable communication.
  8. With ignition off and per service information safety guidance, isolate and test the network circuits for opens/shorts. Check continuity end-to-end on the relevant communication line(s) and check for shorts to power or ground. If the vehicle uses multiple network segments, confirm you are testing the correct segment for the Audio/Video Control Module.
  9. Perform a harness wiggle test while monitoring scan tool communication status and logging relevant network parameters (where supported). Wiggle near the module connector, along harness bends, and at junction connectors. If the fault appears/disappears, pinpoint the exact location and repair the wiring/terminal concern.
  10. If wiring, terminals, power, and ground are verified good and the network segment checks out, attempt a controlled reset: cycle ignition, perform a scan tool “module reset” function if available, and confirm the module comes online and stays online. If it repeatedly fails to communicate, follow service information for module replacement/configuration steps and verify proper programming/coding where required.

Professional tip: Treat “lost communication” as a network and power/ground integrity problem first, not a component feature failure. If the Audio/Video Control Module is non-communicating, prioritize verifying its feeds and grounds at the connector with the circuit loaded, then confirm the communication lines are not open/shorted and that terminal fit is correct. Replace or reconfigure the module only after the electrical and network path checks are proven.

Need network wiring diagrams and module connector views?

Communication stop and network faults require module connector pinouts, bus wiring routes, and power/ground diagrams. A repair manual helps you trace the exact circuit path before replacing any ECU.

Factory repair manual access for U0190

Check repair manual access

Possible Fixes & Repair Costs

Repair costs for U0190 vary widely because the same “lost communication” report can be caused by anything from a simple connector issue to a network problem or module power/ground fault. Final cost depends on confirmed root cause, parts required, labor time, and any programming steps required by the vehicle.

  • Restore power/ground: Repair an open, high resistance, or poor connection in the audio/video control module power feeds or grounds after verifying the fault with testing.
  • Repair network wiring: Fix opens, shorts, pin-fit problems, or chafed sections in the communication bus wiring between the audio/video control module and the rest of the network.
  • Clean and secure connectors: Address corrosion, backed-out terminals, bent pins, loose locking tabs, or water intrusion at the module connector(s) and any in-line network junctions (as equipped).
  • Correct improper aftermarket wiring: Remove or rework non-factory splices/adapters that disturb the network or module power/ground integrity, then retest for stable communication.
  • Update/configure software: Perform required setup, configuration, or software updates if service information indicates communication loss can be caused by software or configuration mismatch.
  • Replace the audio/video control module: Replace only after verifying the module has correct power/ground and the network is healthy, yet communication remains lost; follow required programming/configuration procedures (varies by vehicle).

Can I Still Drive With U0190?

In many vehicles, U0190 primarily affects infotainment-related functions, so the vehicle may remain drivable; however, the impact varies by vehicle and network layout. If you also have warning messages related to braking, steering, shifting, reduced power, a no-start, or any sign of unstable vehicle operation, do not drive and diagnose the network and power/ground systems first. Even when drivability feels normal, avoid distraction and verify whether critical alerts or chimes are affected.

What Happens If You Ignore U0190?

Ignoring U0190 can lead to intermittent or permanent loss of audio/video features, repeated warning messages, battery drain if a module stays awake due to network faults, and progressively worsening communication issues that spread to other modules on the network. Continued operation with an unresolved communication fault can also make future diagnosis harder as additional network-related DTCs may set.

Compare nearby lost audio/video trouble codes with similar definitions, fault patterns, and diagnostic paths.

  • U0193 – Lost Communication With Audio/Video Control Module “D”
  • U0191 – Lost Communication With Audio/Video Control Module “B”
  • U018A – Lost Communication With Audio/Video Module “B”
  • U017D – Lost Communication With Control Module “M”
  • U017C – Lost Communication With Control Module “L”
  • U017B – Lost Communication With Control Module “K”

Key Takeaways

  • U0190 is a network communication fault: It indicates lost communication with the audio/video control module, not a guaranteed module failure.
  • Root causes are often basic: Power, ground, connector integrity, and network wiring faults are common starting points.
  • Verify network health before replacing parts: Confirm proper power/ground and bus integrity, then retest communication.
  • Symptoms vary by vehicle: Loss of infotainment functions may be minor, but network faults can sometimes affect broader systems.
  • Intermittent issues require repeatable testing: Use wiggle testing and repeated communication checks to confirm the actual failure point.

Vehicles Commonly Affected by U0190

  • Vehicles with multiple infotainment network modules: Systems that separate audio, display, and multimedia control into distinct modules.
  • Vehicles using high-speed communication buses: Architectures where infotainment modules are integrated into the main vehicle network.
  • Vehicles with rear-seat entertainment or additional screens: More nodes and connectors increase communication-fault opportunities.
  • Vehicles with amplified or distributed audio systems: Added modules, harness runs, and grounds can contribute to communication loss.
  • Vehicles with extensive console/dashboard harness routing: Areas prone to connector strain, pin-fit issues, and harness damage.
  • Vehicles with prior electrical work: Non-factory splices, accessory installations, or repairs near infotainment wiring.
  • Vehicles exposed to moisture or condensation: Water intrusion near module locations or connectors can degrade terminals over time.
  • Vehicles with frequent low-voltage events: Weak batteries or repeated jump-starting can contribute to module resets and network instability.

FAQ

Does U0190 mean the audio/video control module is bad?

No. U0190 only indicates that another module (or a scan tool) detected lost communication with the audio/video control module. The cause could be loss of module power/ground, a network wiring/connector problem, or the module itself. Confirm power, ground, and network integrity before considering replacement.

Will U0190 clear itself?

It can, if the communication loss was intermittent and the underlying condition does not return (for example, a momentary low-voltage event). However, if the root cause is a wiring, connector, or power/ground issue, the code commonly returns. Clearing codes without fixing the cause may only remove the symptom temporarily.

Why do I have U0190 along with multiple U-codes?

Multiple U-codes often indicate a shared network problem rather than several failed modules. Common reasons include a disrupted communication bus, poor power/ground feeding multiple modules, or a connector/junction issue. Diagnose the network methodically and address the earliest, most central communication fault first.

Can a weak battery or charging issue cause U0190?

Yes, low system voltage can cause modules to reset, drop off the network, or fail to wake up properly, which can set lost-communication codes. Verify battery condition, charging system operation, and clean/tight main power and ground connections, then recheck whether U0190 returns.

What should I check first if the infotainment screen is dead and U0190 is stored?

Start with the basics: confirm the audio/video control module has correct power and ground under load, inspect its connectors for pin damage or poor fit, and check for network wiring issues near the module and harness routing points. If power/ground and network integrity test good, then follow service information for module configuration or replacement requirements.

After repairs, clear U0190 and verify stable communication by cycling the ignition and monitoring for returning codes during a road test while gently manipulating the related harnesses to confirm the fix holds under vibration.