U0197
Lost Communication With Telephone Control Module
Communication network (CAN bus)
Generic OBD-II
Low
What it means
U0197 means the network has lost communication with the telephone control module, which handles hands-free calling and phone connectivity. Drivability and safety systems are unaffected — the only impact is that Bluetooth phone, hands-free calling, and related features stop working. It usually traces to a power/ground loss, a blown fuse, a wiring or connector fault, or a failed module.
Low
Can I keep driving? Yes — this is the hands-free phone/connectivity module; the car drives normally and only phone, Bluetooth, and related connectivity features are affected.
Common symptoms
What you'll notice
- Hands-free calling, Bluetooth phone pairing, or phone menus unavailable
- Head unit reports the phone module as offline
- Voice-command calling doesn't work
- Other modules logging lost-communication codes for the telephone control module
Common causes
Most likely first
- Loss of power or ground to the telephone control moduleLikely
- Wiring or connector fault at the module (opens, corrosion, damage)Common
- Blown fuse for the connectivity circuitCommon
- CAN/infotainment bus wiring fault on the branch feeding the moduleLess often
- Failed telephone control module or an antenna/connectivity hardware faultLess often
How to diagnose & fix
Work through it in order
- Scan all modules to confirm the telephone control module is the one offline.
- Check the fuse, power, and ground for the module.
- Inspect the module wiring and connector for damage or corrosion.
- Test the infotainment/CAN bus continuity between the module and the head unit/network.
- If supply and wiring are good, the module is likely failed — replace and configure as needed, then re-test.
FAQ
Quick answers
Is it safe to drive with U0197?+
Yes. This affects only the phone/connectivity system, so the engine, brakes, and safety features are unaffected. You just lose hands-free and Bluetooth phone functions.
Can I just clear U0197?+
It clears, but returns if there's a wiring, power, or module fault. It's a low-priority comfort feature, but phone connectivity won't work until the cause is fixed.
Related codes
Often seen with U0197
Read & clear U0197 yourself
Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.
✓ Verified name — SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6Guidance reviewed by OBD DashX