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U0128: Lost communication with the park brake control module

The vehicle network is not receiving messages from the electric parking brake module. The brake may not apply or release with the switch.

Code U0128 at a glance
CodeU0128
SystemCommunication network
GroupU01xx, Lost communication with control units
TypeGeneric: it means the same on every make
Can you keep driving?With care

What U0128 means

On cars with an electric parking brake, a module drives small motors on the rear callipers when you press the switch. This code means that module has stopped talking to the other control units over the data network. Without it, automatic parking brake and hill start assist may not work.

Most common causes

  • Low battery: the motors draw a lot of current and the module drops out when voltage is low
  • Blown fuse for the module or brake motors
  • Loose, corroded or wet connector on the module or rear callipers
  • Damaged wiring, often the harness running to the rear wheels
  • Faulty park brake control module

Symptoms

  • Parking brake warning light or message on the dashboard
  • The parking brake will not apply or release
  • Hill start assist not working
  • Auto hold disabled

Can you drive with U0128?

With care You can drive if the brake is released, but do not rely on it when parking: leave it in gear or Park and turn the wheels to the kerb on slopes. Get it fixed soon.

How to check it

Check battery voltage first: below about 12 V at rest this fault is common. If the brake stays applied, do not drive against it; a garage can release it in service mode with diagnostic equipment.

How to read and clear U0128 with Final OBD

Plug an OBD2 scanner in under the steering wheel, switch the ignition on and open Final OBD. Under Faults you’ll see U0128 with this same explanation and whether it’s confirmed, pending or permanent.

With Free you read this code with its short description for nothing, and clear it if the engine stores it over standard OBD. With Pro you get the full explanation, how the car was running when it was logged (revs, temperature, load) and clearing in every control unit.

Clearing the code only turns the light off: if the cause is still there, it comes back. Clear it once it’s fixed, and not right before the ITV. It’s all in how to read and clear fault codes and in the ITV and OBD.

Similar codes

U0128 is a generic code, so it means the same on any make, for example on Abarth, Citroën, Hyundai, Mini, Seat, Volvo. See what Final OBD does on your car in makes and models.

What does code U0128 mean?

On cars with an electric parking brake, a module drives small motors on the rear callipers when you press the switch. This code means that module has stopped talking to the other control units over the data network. Without it, automatic parking brake and hill start assist may not work.

Can you drive with U0128?

You can drive if the brake is released, but do not rely on it when parking: leave it in gear or Park and turn the wheels to the kerb on slopes. Get it fixed soon.

How do you clear U0128?

With an OBD2 scanner and an app like Final OBD, which clears it for free if it’s stored by the engine control unit. But clearing it only turns the light off: if the cause isn’t fixed, U0128 comes back.