U01AC: Lost Communication With Hybrid/EV Battery Interface Control Module M
ECU lost CAN communication with hybrid/EV HV battery interface module M (BMS slave or cell-monitoring submodule).
What U01AC means
U01AC is a generic OBD-II network code in the lost communication group. In plain English: a control module stopped receiving messages from the Hybrid/EV Battery Interface Control Module M on the vehicle’s data network.
- Check engine light
- Usually on
- Emissions-related
- No
- Limp mode possible
- Yes
- Drive cycle to clear
- Required
Get it fixed
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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
- 01Module unpoweredMost likely
- 02Gateway module routing CAN messages incorrectlyLess likely
- 03CAN terminating resistor (120 Ω) drifted out of specLess likely
Can I drive with U01AC?
Have it checked before relying on the car.
High-voltage faults can shut the drive system down without much warning. Do not open orange high-voltage components; this needs a trained technician.
Why we rate it urgent
- High-voltage system fault: the car may shut down or refuse to start
- Can put the vehicle in limp mode (reduced power)
- Turns on the check engine light
- Needs a drive cycle to confirm a repair
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 U01AC
- 1
Confirm the code and save freeze-frame data
Read the codes with an OBD-II scan tool and note every code, not just U01AC. Save the freeze-frame data (speed, load, temperature when the fault set) before clearing anything; it tells you when the fault happens.
- 2
Check for related codes first
Look for U01AB, U01AD, U01AA, U01AE. Related codes often share a cause; a circuit or sensor code usually needs fixing before a performance code like this one.
- 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: Module unpowered; gateway module routing CAN messages incorrectly; CAN terminating resistor (120 Ω) drifted out of spec. 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 complete a full drive cycle (cold start, idle, steady highway cruise, deceleration). The code is fixed when the related readiness monitor completes without it returning.
U01AC 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
- High-voltage battery interface M
- CAN bus
U01AC FAQ
What does U01AC mean?
U01AC means “Lost Communication With Hybrid/EV Battery Interface Control Module M”. ECU lost CAN communication with hybrid/EV HV battery interface module M (BMS slave or cell-monitoring submodule).
Is U01AC serious? Can I keep driving?
We rate U01AC as urgent severity. Have it checked before relying on the car. High-voltage faults can shut the drive system down without much warning. Do not open orange high-voltage components; this needs a trained technician.
What causes U01AC?
The most common causes, from most to least likely: Module unpowered; 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 U01AC?
Typical labor is about $125–$1,000 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 U01AC 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 U01AC clear itself?
Once the fault is fixed, the check engine light usually goes off by itself after the system passes its self-test over several drive cycles. Clearing the code with a scan tool resets readiness monitors, so an inspection station may turn you away until a full drive cycle is completed.