Lost Communication With Vehicle Immobilizer Control Module
The U0167 code means the vehicle's onboard diagnostic system has detected: Lost Communication With Vehicle Immobilizer Control Module. This is a serious severity code.
- Keep driving?
- Yes, but fix soon
- DIY difficulty
- moderate
- Estimated cost
- $50 - $600 (fuses, grounds, or wiring most often; module replacement only after the circuit tests good)
Network codes mean modules are not communicating. You need a scanner that reads all systems to find the problem.
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What Are the Symptoms of U0167?
- Check Engine or related warning light on
- The Vehicle Immobilizer Control Module's functions may be degraded or offline
- Often stored alongside other U-codes when a whole bus segment drops
- Symptoms can be intermittent - connector and wiring faults come and go with heat and vibration
What Causes U0167? (Most Likely First)
- The Vehicle Immobilizer Control Module has lost power or ground (check its fuses first) High
- CAN bus wiring damage - chafed harness, corroded connector, water intrusion High
- Failed Vehicle Immobilizer Control Module no longer transmitting Moderate
- Another faulted module loading down the bus Low
Can I Still Drive with U0167?
Yes, but fix soon. U0167 is rated serious severity. It is not an immediate stop-driving fault, but it will not clear itself — book the repair rather than ignoring the light.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does U0167 mean?
U0167 means other modules stopped receiving messages from the Vehicle Immobilizer Control Module on the vehicle network. It is a communication fault - the module may be fine but unreachable.
Can I keep driving with U0167?
Cautiously and briefly - a communication fault involving a safety-related module (Vehicle Immobilizer Control Module) can degrade braking, stability, or restraint functions without much warning. Diagnose promptly.
Should I replace the module for U0167?
Not first. Most communication codes are power, ground, fuse, or wiring problems. Replace the module only after those test good - modules are expensive and often require programming.
Mechanics Guide Step-by-step diagnosis
How Do You Diagnose U0167?
-
Scan ALL modules - the pattern of which modules report lost communication localizes the break.
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Check the fuses and grounds feeding the Vehicle Immobilizer Control Module before suspecting the module itself.
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If many modules are unreachable, test the CAN bus: about 60 ohms across CAN High/Low (two 120-ohm terminators) with the battery disconnected.
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Wiggle-test connectors along the affected harness while watching for the module to drop on and off.
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Only after power, ground, and bus test good should the Vehicle Immobilizer Control Module be suspected.
Sources 2
This page is built from documented references. Verify against your own service info before repair work.
- SAE J2012Diagnostic Trouble Code Definitions (defines the generic OBD-II code ranges)
- Cross-checked against the SAE J2012:2002 DTC table (2026-08-27)archived scan of the SAE standard — readable copy, not SAE’s current edition
Which Vehicles Commonly Get U0167?
- All OBD-II vehicles - network (U) codes are standardized across makes
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