U0161: Lost Communication With Compass Module

What Does The U0161 Code Mean?

This code means that the Compass Module (Compass Module) and other control modules on the vehicle are not communicating with each other. The circuit most often used to communicate with is known as Controller Area Network bus communications, or simply put, CAN bus.

Without this CAN bus, control modules cannot exchange information, and your scan tool may not be able to get information from the vehicle, depending on which circuit is affected.

The Compass Module is typically located in an overhead compartment behind the rear-view mirror. It contains the compass heading sensor and requires no other inputs other than a switch input from the driver to determine compass heading/temperature and to calibrate when the vehicle has travelled to far in any given direction.

Troubleshooting steps may vary depending upon manufacturer, type of communications system, number of wires and wire colors in the communication system.

What Are The Symptoms Of The U0161 Code?

Symptoms of a U0161 code may include:

• Compass Module not alerting when needed / always alerting

What Are The Potential Causes Of The U0161 Code?

Typically the causes for this code to set are:

• Open in the CAN bus + circuit
• Open in the CAN bus – circuit
• Short to power in either CAN bus circuit
• Short to ground in either CAN bus circuit
• No power or ground to Compass Module
• Rarely – faulty control module

How Serious Is This U0161 Code?

Severity in this case is always severe due to the safety issues that arise from the possibilities of a Compass Module distracting the driver from properly operating the motor vehicle, or not providing adequate warning.

How Can You Fix The U0161 Code?

Check for technical service bulletins (TSB)

A good starting point is always to check for technical service bulletins (TSB) for your particular vehicle. Your issue may be a known issue with a known fix put out by the manufacturer and can save you time and money during diagnosis.

First, note if there are any other diagnostic fault codes. If any of them are bus communication related or battery / ignition related, diagnose them first. Misdiagnosis has been known to occur if you diagnose the U0161 code before any of the basic codes have been thoroughly diagnosed and dismissed.

If your scan tool can access fault codes and the only one you get from other modules is the U0161, try to access to the Compass Module. If you can access codes from the Compass Module, then the U0161 code is either intermittent or a memory code. If unable to access the Compass Module, then the U0161 code that the other modules are setting is active, and the problem is there now.

The most common failure is loss of power or ground to the Compass Module.

Check all fuses that power up the Compass Module module

Check all fuses that power up the Compass Module module on this vehicle. Check all grounds for the Compass Module. Locate where the ground attaching points are on the vehicle and make sure that these connections are clean and tight. If you have to, take them off, get a small wire bristle brush and baking soda/water solution and clean each one, both the connector and where it connects.

If any repairs were made, clear the diagnostic trouble codes from memory, and see if the U0161 code returns or if you are able to communicate with the Compass Module module. If the code does not return or communication is re-established, then the fuses/connections were most likely your problem.

Locate the CAN bus communication connections

If the code returns, locate the CAN bus communication connections on your vehicle, most importantly the Compass Module connector, which is usually located in an overhead compartment behind the rear-view mirror. Disconnect the negative battery cable before unplugging the connector at the Compass Module module. Once located, visually inspect the connectors and wiring. Look for scraping, rubbing, bare wires, burn spots or melted plastic.

Pull the connectors apart and carefully inspect the terminals (the metal parts) inside the connectors. See if they look burned or have a green tint indicating corrosion. Use electrical contact cleaner and a plastic bristle brush if cleaning of the terminals is needed. Let dry and apply dielectric silicone grease where the terminals contact.

Before connecting the connectors back to the Compass Module, make these few voltage checks. You will need to have access to a digital volt-ohmmeter (DVOM). Verify that you have power and ground at the Compass Module. Gain access to a wiring diagram and determine where the main powers and grounds come into the Compass Module. Reconnect the battery before continuing, with the Compass Module still disconnected. Connect the red lead of your voltmeter to each B+ (battery voltage) supply coming into the Compass Module connector and the black lead of your voltmeter to a good ground (if not sure, battery negative always works). You should see a reading of battery voltage. Verify that you have good grounds as well. Hook the red lead of your voltmeter to battery positive (B+) and the black lead to each ground circuit. Once again you should see battery voltage at each connection. If not, repair the power or ground circuit problem.

Check the two communication circuits

Next, check the two communication circuits. Locate the CAN B+ (or MSCAN + circuit) and CAN B- (or MSCAN – circuit). With the black lead of your voltmeter connected to a good ground, connect the red lead to CAN B+. With the Key On, Engine Off, you should see about 0.5 volts and fluctuating slightly. Next, connect the red voltmeter lead to the CAN B- circuit. You should see approximately 4.4 volts and fluctuating slightly.

If all tests have passed and communication is still not possible, or you were unable to clear the U0161 fault code, the only thing left that can be done is to seek assistance from a trained automotive diagnostician, as this would indicate a failed Compass Module. Most of these Compass Modules must be programmed, or calibrated to the vehicle to be installed correctly.

Recommended Parts

Below are some recommended auto parts to help you address the trouble code affecting your vehicle and get it running smoothly again:

>>> WORKPRO 582-piece Crimp Terminals, Wire Connectors, Heat Shrink Tube, Electrical Repair Kit
>>> Acura Engine Control Module

Note: During the purchasing process, please check carefully whether the part you want to buy fits your car!

Reference Sources

U0161 Lost Communication With Compass Module, OBD-Codes.