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P0600Powertrain · Computer & electricalGeneric (SAE) code

P0600: Serial Communication Link

A general fault on a serial communication link - typically used by older single-wire diagnostic protocols (KWP2000, ISO 9141) before CAN became universal. ECU has lost or corrupted communication with another module.

Severity
Moderate
Can I drive? Usually yes, for a short time.
Typical labor cost
$65–$375 est.
30 min–3 h at an assumed $125/hr · parts extra · use your rate
Most common fix
Harness fault on bus line
DIY difficulty: Moderate · usually a shop job
01 —What it means

What P0600 means

P0600 is a generic OBD-II powertrain code in the computer & electrical group.

P
Powertrain
0
Generic (SAE)
6
Subsystem group
00
Specific fault
How to read P0600. We group it under Computer & electrical.
Check engine light
Usually on
Emissions-related
No
Limp mode possible
Not typical
Drive cycle to clear
Not required
Code data: OBDex (CC0)

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02 —Symptoms

Symptoms

What drivers typically notice
  • Check engine light on
  • Possible limp mode or no-start
  • Multiple follow-up faults across modules
  • Reset/relearn may be needed after repair
Code data: OBDex (CC0)
03 —Causes

Common causes

Ranked from most to least likely
  1. 01Harness fault on bus lineMost likely
  2. 02Gateway module routing CAN messages incorrectlyLess likely
  3. 03CAN terminating resistor (120 Ω) drifted out of specLess likely
Code data: OBDex (CC0)
04 —Severity

Can I drive with P0600?

Moderate

Usually yes, for a short time.

The car will often drive normally, but get it diagnosed soon. If you notice rough running, warning lights flashing, overheating or a burning smell, stop driving.

Why we rate it moderate

  • Turns on the check engine light

Severity is our rule-based rating from the code’s flags in OBDex and the system it affects, not an inspection of your car. If the check engine light is flashing, or you notice overheating, low oil pressure, or brake or steering problems, stop driving and get help.

Code data: OBDex (CC0)
05 —Diagnosis

How to diagnose P0600

General procedure — follow the service manual for your vehicle
  1. 1

    Confirm the code and save freeze-frame data

    Read the codes with an OBD-II scan tool and note every code, not just P0600. Save the freeze-frame data (speed, load, temperature when the fault set) before clearing anything; it tells you when the fault happens.

  2. 2

    Fix other faults first

    If other codes are stored, start with power-supply, sensor-circuit and communication codes. They can cause this code as a side effect.

  3. 3

    Check live data

    Watch the related sensor and actuator readings in live data (Serial communication bus) and compare them with expected values in the service information for your vehicle.

  4. 4

    Test the likely causes in order

    Start with the most likely cause and work down: Harness fault on bus line; gateway module routing CAN messages incorrectly; CAN terminating resistor (120 Ω) drifted out of spec. Test before replacing parts.

  5. 5

    Check for recalls and service bulletins

    Look up recalls for your exact vehicle with its VIN, and ask a dealer about technical service bulletins (TSBs). Manufacturers sometimes issue software updates or extended warranties for known faults.

  6. 6

    Clear the code and verify the repair

    After the repair, clear the code and drive the car under the conditions in the freeze-frame data to confirm it does not return.

Code data: OBDex (CC0)
06 —Cost

P0600 repair cost estimate

Labor only — set your local shop rate
Labor estimate for P0600
$65–$375
30 min–3 h of labor × $125/hr (assumed rate) · parts extra

Estimate, not a quote. Labor times are typical ranges for this code from OBDex, and $125/hr is an assumed rate. Shop rates and labor times vary by vehicle and region. Diagnosis time may be billed separately.

DIY difficulty
Moderate
Good DIY job?
Usually a shop job

Needs a scan tool and some experience with testing.

Code data: OBDex (CC0)
07 —Components

Parts and systems involved

  • Serial communication bus
Code data: OBDex (CC0)
09 —FAQ

P0600 FAQ

What does P0600 mean?

P0600 means “Serial Communication Link”. A general fault on a serial communication link - typically used by older single-wire diagnostic protocols (KWP2000, ISO 9141) before CAN became universal. ECU has lost or corrupted communication with another module.

Is P0600 serious? Can I keep driving?

We rate P0600 as moderate severity. Usually yes, for a short time. The car will often drive normally, but get it diagnosed soon. If you notice rough running, warning lights flashing, overheating or a burning smell, stop driving.

What causes P0600?

The most common causes, from most to least likely: Harness fault on bus line; Gateway module routing CAN messages incorrectly; CAN terminating resistor (120 Ω) drifted out of spec. Test before replacing parts, because several causes can set the same code.

How much does it cost to fix P0600?

Typical labor is about $65–$375 at an assumed $125/hour shop rate, plus parts. That is an estimate, not a quote: labor times and rates vary by vehicle and region, and diagnosis may be billed separately.

Can I fix P0600 myself?

DIY difficulty is moderate. Most owners leave this to a shop because it needs involved testing or specialist tools. Always confirm the cause before buying parts.

Will P0600 clear itself?

If the fault was intermittent, the warning may go off once the computer stops seeing it, but the code stays in memory. Fix the cause; clearing the code alone doesn’t repair anything.

Code data: OBDex (CC0)