U0006: High Speed CAN Communication Bus (-) Open
The CAN-Low wire of the high-speed bus is open. The differential signal can no longer be evaluated correctly, so all bus participants report communication loss simultaneously.
What U0006 means
U0006 is a generic OBD-II network code in the bus & wiring group. In plain English: the computer found an electrical fault in that circuit: an open, short or bad connection, or a failed component.
- Check engine light
- Usually on
- Emissions-related
- No
- Limp mode possible
- Yes
- Drive cycle to clear
- Not required
Get it fixed
Post this code once and get quotes from local mechanics. Free to post.
Makes the repair and parts links below specific to your car. Kept in this browser only.
Symptoms
- Multiple warning lights may illuminate
- Affected modules may go into limp mode or shut down
- Specific functions inoperative depending on module
- Diagnostic tools may show communication faults
Common causes
- 01CAN-Low wire brokenMost likely
- 02Pin pushed back in connectorPossible
- 03Gateway module routing CAN messages incorrectlyLess likely
Can I drive with U0006?
Not recommended beyond getting it to a shop.
This fault can put the engine or transmission in limp mode with reduced power, which can make merging and passing unsafe. Have it diagnosed as soon as possible.
Why we rate it urgent
- Can put the vehicle in limp mode (reduced power)
- 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.
How to diagnose U0006
- 1
Confirm the code and save freeze-frame data
Read the codes with an OBD-II scan tool and note every code, not just U0006. Save the freeze-frame data (speed, load, temperature when the fault set) before clearing anything; it tells you when the fault happens.
- 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
Check module power, ground and the data bus
Confirm the module named in the code has battery voltage, ignition feed and a good ground. With the battery disconnected, a healthy CAN bus usually measures about 60 ohms between CAN-High and CAN-Low at the OBD port. Inspect connectors for corrosion and pushed-out pins.
- 4
Test the likely causes in order
Start with the most likely cause and work down: CAN-Low wire broken; pin pushed back in connector; gateway module routing CAN messages incorrectly. Test before replacing parts.
- 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
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.
U0006 repair cost estimate
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
- Hard
- Good DIY job?
- Usually a shop job
Involved testing or major parts. Most owners use a shop.
Parts and systems involved
- CAN low wire
- Module connector
U0006 FAQ
What does U0006 mean?
U0006 means “High Speed CAN Communication Bus (-) Open”. The CAN-Low wire of the high-speed bus is open. The differential signal can no longer be evaluated correctly, so all bus participants report communication loss simultaneously.
Is U0006 serious? Can I keep driving?
We rate U0006 as urgent severity. Not recommended beyond getting it to a shop. This fault can put the engine or transmission in limp mode with reduced power, which can make merging and passing unsafe. Have it diagnosed as soon as possible.
What causes U0006?
The most common causes, from most to least likely: CAN-Low wire broken; Pin pushed back in connector; Gateway module routing CAN messages incorrectly. Test before replacing parts, because several causes can set the same code.
How much does it cost to fix U0006?
Typical labor is about $125–$750 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 U0006 myself?
DIY difficulty is hard. Most owners leave this to a shop because it needs involved testing or specialist tools. Always confirm the cause before buying parts.
Will U0006 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.