U0155🔧 Vehicle network (CAN bus) and instrument clusterDrive with caution, fix soon

U0155: Lost Communication With Instrument Cluster (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)

Reviewed 2026-10-23 · Based on 2 cited source(s)

What U0155 means

The instrument panel cluster houses the gauges and warning lights, and on modern cars it is a computer of its own. RepairPal says it talks to the car's other computers over a two-wire network called the controller area network (CAN bus), that on some vehicles it acts as a gateway on that network, and that it may also handle tasks such as working with the anti-theft system. U0155 sets when the cluster is not receiving or sending messages on the network. OBD-Codes.com calls it a generic communication code that applies to most makes, including Honda, Ford, Mazda, GM and Subaru, with troubleshooting that varies by manufacturer and wiring. A useful first check from OBD-Codes.com: if a scan tool can still read codes from the cluster, the fault is intermittent or a stored memory code; if it can't reach the cluster at all, the problem is happening now. RepairPal notes that on many vehicles battery voltage must be between 9 and 16 volts for the code to set, that the code can show up intermittently or after a dead battery, especially as a history code, and that if several modules are reporting lost communication the network itself is the likely problem. The sources differ on causes: OBD-Codes.com says the most common failure is loss of power or ground and a faulty module is rare, while RepairPal lists a dead battery, a faulty instrument cluster, the cluster circuit and the CAN bus without ranking them, and says the cluster's software should be checked because reprogramming sometimes fixes it. They also differ on symptoms: RepairPal lists the check engine light and cluster performance problems, while OBD-Codes.com adds all indicator lights on or no indicator lights on. Related codes include U0100 (lost communication with the engine computer) and U0121 (lost communication with the ABS module).

Severity: can I keep driving?

Drive with caution, fix soon

Get it diagnosed soon. RepairPal rates U0155 Moderate, meaning it may not threaten safety right away. OBD-Codes.com gives no rating but lists all of the dash warning lights staying on, or none of them coming on, as possible symptoms. If your gauges or warning lights aren't working, you may not be warned about overheating, low oil pressure or a brake problem, and your speedometer may not be reliable, so drive carefully and get it checked before long trips.

Common symptoms

Likely causes

Roughly most to least common, based on the sources below. Your vehicle may differ.

  1. Loss of power or ground to the instrument cluster, such as a blown fuse or dirty, loose ground; OBD-Codes.com says this is the most common failure
  2. An open in the CAN bus high (+) or low (-) wire (OBD-Codes.com, RepairPal)
  3. A short to power or to ground in either CAN bus wire (OBD-Codes.com)
  4. A weak or dead battery (RepairPal)
  5. A problem with the instrument cluster circuit, such as damaged or corroded wiring and connectors (OBD-Codes.com, RepairPal)
  6. A faulty instrument cluster or cluster software; OBD-Codes.com says a bad module is rare, while RepairPal lists a faulty instrument cluster as a common cause

Diagnostic steps you can do

⚠ Before you start

Work on a cool engine, parked on level ground with the parking brake set. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.

  1. Check for other codes first. OBD-Codes.com says to diagnose any network, VIN, battery or ignition codes before U0155, and RepairPal says codes in several modules point to the CAN network.
  2. Make sure the battery is fully charged and its connections are clean and tight, then clear the code and see if it returns (RepairPal).
  3. Try to read codes from the instrument cluster with a scan tool. OBD-Codes.com says if you can, the code is intermittent or stored; if you can't, the fault is active now.
  4. Check the fuses that power the instrument cluster and make sure its ground points are clean and tight (OBD-Codes.com).
  5. Disconnect the negative battery cable, then inspect the cluster connector behind the instrument panel and its wiring for rubbing, bare wires, burn marks, melted plastic or green corrosion on the terminals (OBD-Codes.com).
  6. Check for technical service bulletins (TSBs) for your vehicle that mention U0155 (OBD-Codes.com, RepairPal).

Typical fixes

Repair costs vary widely by vehicle, region, parts brand and shop, so we don't quote prices. Get a written estimate after diagnosis.

🛠 When to call a pro

  • Your gauges or warning lights aren't working, or every warning light stays on
  • A scan tool can't communicate with the instrument cluster at all
  • Several modules are reporting lost communication, which calls for network testing with a multimeter or breakout box (RepairPal)
  • The cluster needs reprogramming or replacement, which needs professional scan tools (OBD-Codes.com, RepairPal)

Where to buy

Plain search links. Always match parts to your exact year, make, model and engine.

OBD2 scanners on Amazon Parts at Advance Auto Parts catalog at RockAuto

FAQs

Is U0155 serious?

RepairPal rates it Moderate. It can stop your gauges or warning lights from working properly (OBD-Codes.com, RepairPal), which means you may miss a warning about something else, so get it diagnosed soon.

Can a bad battery cause U0155?

Yes. RepairPal says U0155 can result from a dead battery, especially when it is a history code, and that the battery should be tested and charged or replaced before other testing. On many vehicles the code only sets when battery voltage is between 9 and 16 volts.

Do I need a new instrument cluster for U0155?

Not necessarily. OBD-Codes.com says loss of power or ground is the most common cause and a faulty module is rare. RepairPal says the cluster's software should be checked first because reprogramming sometimes fixes it, and both sources say many replacement clusters must be programmed to the vehicle.

How much does it cost to fix U0155?

Neither source gives a repair cost. It can range from replacing a fuse or cleaning a ground to reprogramming or replacing the instrument cluster, so get a diagnosis or a written estimate first.

Sources

  1. OBD-Codes.com: U0155 Lost Communication with Instrument Panel Control (IPC) Module (Randy Worner, ASE Certified Master Technician)
  2. RepairPal: U0155 Lost Communication With Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) Control (rated Moderate)

Last reviewed 2026-10-23. Code definitions and repair steps can vary by manufacturer. Confirm with your vehicle's service information.