U0193 – Lost Communication With Audio/Video Control Module “D”

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

Definition source: SAE J2012/J2012DA (industry standard)

DTC U0193 indicates that one or more vehicle control modules have detected a loss of network communication with the Audio/Video Control Module “D”. In most vehicles, modules share information over a serial data network, and each module periodically transmits messages so others can confirm it is present and responding. When expected messages from the audio/video control module stop arriving for a calibrated time, the receiving module(s) can store U0193 and may disable related features. DTC behavior, affected functions, and which module sets the code can vary by vehicle, so confirm the exact module location, network type, and diagnostic procedure using the appropriate service information before testing or replacing parts.

What Does U0193 Mean?

U0193 means “Lost Communication With Audio/Video Control Module ‘D’.” The definition is strictly a network communication fault: the vehicle has determined that the audio/video control module identified as “D” is not communicating on the vehicle network as expected. The code does not, by itself, prove the module has failed; it only confirms that communication was lost or could not be established. Per SAE J2012 DTC conventions, the U-code family relates to network communication, so diagnosis should focus on power/ground to the module, network wiring integrity, connector condition, and whether the module is present on the network during the fault.

Quick Reference

• Subsystem: Vehicle network communication to/from the Audio/Video Control Module “D”.
• Common triggers: Module not powering up, poor ground, network open/short, loose/corroded connectors, or a module that stops transmitting messages.
• Likely root-cause buckets: Power/ground feed issues, wiring/connector faults, network backbone faults, module internal fault, and in some cases configuration/software issues (varies by vehicle).
• Severity: Typically drivability is unchanged, but infotainment/audio/video functions and related features may be degraded or inoperative; warnings may appear depending on integration.
• First checks: Verify complaint, check for multiple U-codes, confirm module powers/grounds, inspect connectors and network wiring, and see if the module is detectable by scan tool.
• Common mistakes: Replacing the module before verifying power/ground and network integrity, or ignoring other network codes that point to a main bus or gateway issue.

Theory of Operation

The Audio/Video Control Module “D” communicates with other modules over the vehicle’s serial data network. It broadcasts and receives messages that coordinate audio/video functions and, in some designs, interacts with a central display, amplifier, controls, and other networked modules. For the network to operate, the module must have proper battery feed(s), ignition feed(s) if applicable, and solid grounds, and it must be connected to the network through intact wiring and secure connectors.

Modules on the network monitor communication by tracking whether expected messages arrive within a time window and whether the network remains electrically healthy. If messages from Audio/Video Control Module “D” stop or the module cannot be reached during a scan tool session, a receiving module (or a gateway, depending on design) can set U0193. The code may be stored as current when the loss is present and as history when communication returns.

Symptoms

• No audio/video: Sound output or video/display functions may be unavailable or intermittent.
• Inoperative controls: Steering-wheel, console, or touchscreen controls related to audio/video may not respond.
• Display messages: System may show a communication error, unavailable feature notice, or repeated loading/reboot behavior (varies by vehicle).
• Network DTCs: Additional U-codes may be present in multiple modules, especially if a shared bus segment is affected.
• Intermittent operation: Features may work after a key cycle, during temperature changes, or after bumps due to connector/wiring sensitivity.
• Battery drain: In some cases, a module that fails to sleep correctly after communication issues can contribute to parasitic draw (varies by vehicle).

Common Causes

• Open circuit, short-to-ground, or short-to-power on the network communication lines between modules (wiring damage varies by vehicle)
• Loose, backed-out, bent, or corroded terminals at the Audio/Video Control Module “D” connector or an in-line junction/connector
• Poor power feed to the Audio/Video Control Module “D” (blown fuse, faulty relay, high-resistance feed, or intermittent supply)
• Poor ground path for the Audio/Video Control Module “D” (loose ground fastener, corrosion, paint/undercoating under the lug, or damaged ground wire)
• Module not waking up or going to sleep incorrectly due to network wake/sleep issues (varies by vehicle architecture)
• Network bus fault affecting multiple modules (another module or harness segment pulling the bus down/up intermittently)
• Water intrusion or physical damage at connectors/harness routes leading to intermittent communication loss
• Audio/Video Control Module “D” internal fault or software issue (consider only after power/ground/network integrity is proven)

Diagnosis Steps

Tools typically needed include a capable scan tool that can read network DTCs and module status, a digital multimeter, and access to vehicle-specific wiring diagrams and connector views. A backprobe kit, terminal inspection tools, and basic hand tools help with connector checks. If available, use a data-logging function on the scan tool to capture when communication drops during a road test or wiggle test.

1. Verify the concern and document conditions. Record all stored and pending DTCs from every accessible module, plus freeze-frame or event data if available. Note whether U0193 is current or history and whether other “lost communication” codes are present.
2. Check scan tool module presence. Attempt to communicate directly with the Audio/Video Control Module “D.” If it does not respond, note whether other infotainment/network-related modules also fail to respond (this helps distinguish a single-module issue from a broader network issue).
3. Perform a quick visual inspection. With ignition off, inspect accessible harness routing and connectors related to the audio/video system for damage, pinched sections, or signs of moisture. Focus on areas near moving parts, sharp edges, and pass-throughs where wiring commonly chafes (routing varies by vehicle).
4. Verify fuses and power feeds under load. Identify all module power supplies (constant and/or ignition-switched, as applicable per service info). Check fuses for correct fit and signs of heat. Use the multimeter to confirm the power feed is present at the module connector and does not drop out when the circuit is loaded (do not rely on a fuse visually looking good).
5. Verify ground integrity with voltage-drop testing. With the circuit powered (key on as required by service info), perform a voltage-drop test on the module ground path between the module ground pin and the battery negative/known good ground while the module is commanded awake (if possible). Excessive drop indicates resistance in the ground path that can cause communication loss.
6. Inspect connectors and terminals in detail. Disconnect the Audio/Video Control Module “D” connector(s) and inspect for bent pins, spread terminals, backed-out terminals, corrosion, or contamination. Confirm terminal tension/fit using appropriate methods. Repair terminal issues rather than forcing connectors together.
7. Check network line integrity (basic electrical checks). Using the wiring diagram, identify the network communication circuits to the module. With the module unplugged and power off as required, check for opens and shorts between the network lines and to ground/power. Compare results to service information expectations; do not assume a single resistance value applies to all vehicles.
8. Isolate intermittent faults with a wiggle test and logging. Reconnect components as needed, then use scan tool live data (module status, network health, or “node present” lists) while gently flexing the harness and tapping connectors along the suspect path. If U0193 sets or the module drops offline during movement, narrow down the exact section/connector causing the dropout.
9. Check for broader network involvement. If multiple modules report communication faults, follow service information to identify common splice points, junction connectors, or gateway modules in the affected network segment. Inspect and test these shared points before condemning the Audio/Video Control Module “D.”
10. Confirm repair by clearing and re-testing. After any repair, clear DTCs, cycle ignition, and operate the system through conditions that previously triggered the fault. Re-scan all modules to confirm U0193 does not return and the Audio/Video Control Module “D” remains consistently reachable on the scan tool.

Professional tip: If U0193 is intermittent, prioritize capturing evidence of the dropout. Use scan tool data logging to record module presence/communication status while performing a controlled wiggle test on connectors and harness segments. Intermittent power or ground issues can mimic a network fault, so prove power and ground stability at the module with loaded testing before focusing solely on the communication lines.

Possible Fixes & Repair Costs

Repair costs for U0193 vary widely because the root cause can range from a simple connection issue to network wiring repairs or a module-level fault. Labor time also depends on component access and whether setup procedures are required after repairs.

• Clean, reseat, and secure connectors related to the audio/video control module “D” and the network backbone; correct any loose terminal fit found during inspection.
• Repair or replace damaged wiring (chafed, pinched, corroded, or partially broken conductors) on the communication lines or the module’s power/ground circuits.
• Restore proper module power and ground by repairing open fuses, poor ground points, or high-resistance connections identified with voltage-drop testing.
• Address network integrity issues by repairing shorted communication circuits or faults at in-line connectors/splices as verified by testing.
• Perform required configuration, setup, or relearn procedures (varies by vehicle) if the module is replaced or if the platform requires commissioning after network repairs.
• Replace the audio/video control module “D” only after confirming power, ground, and network circuits are correct and the module remains offline.

Can I Still Drive With U0193?

In many vehicles, U0193 does not prevent driving, but features tied to the audio/video control module “D” may be unavailable or behave unpredictably. If the vehicle also shows warning messages for critical systems, has reduced-power behavior, or exhibits stalling/no-start concerns, do not continue driving; diagnose the network and power/ground integrity first to avoid a broader communication failure.

What Happens If You Ignore U0193?

Ignoring U0193 can lead to ongoing loss of audio/video-related functions, repeated warning messages, and intermittent network faults that are harder to diagnose later. A persistent communication problem can also mask additional DTCs or contribute to wider network instability if the underlying cause is a short, corrosion, or a power/ground issue.

Last updated: March 17, 2026

Vehicles Commonly Affected by U0193

• Vehicles using multiple audio/video modules connected through a shared in-vehicle network
• Platforms with infotainment components distributed across the cabin and connected by long harness runs
• Vehicles with optional rear-seat entertainment or multiple display/control interfaces
• Vehicles that place infotainment/network connectors in areas prone to vibration or movement (varies by vehicle)
• Vehicles with extensive accessory integration (amplifiers, tuners, interface modules) that increases network load and connection count
• Vehicles that have undergone recent electrical work near infotainment harness routing or fuse/ground service
• Vehicles operating in environments that accelerate connector corrosion (varies by vehicle and usage)
• Vehicles with prior battery/charging issues that can expose marginal network or module power/ground connections

Confirming the root cause with power/ground checks, network circuit testing, and connector inspection is the most reliable way to resolve U0193 and prevent repeat communication dropouts.