U0184: Lost communication with the radio
The vehicle network is not receiving messages from the radio or infotainment unit. It affects sound and screen, not driving. Fix when convenient.
| Code | U0184 |
|---|---|
| System | Communication network |
| Group | U01xx, Lost communication with control units |
| Type | Generic: it means the same on every make |
| Can you keep driving? | Yes, no rush |
What U0184 means
On many cars the radio or infotainment unit is on the data network so it can show information, take commands from the steering wheel or play warning chimes. This code means it has stopped responding on that network. It is a comfort fault, although on some cars the warning sounds come through the radio speakers.
Most common causes
- Low battery or recently disconnected
- Blown radio fuse
- Loose connector on the back of the radio (very common after fitting an aftermarket radio or adapter)
- Poor ground on the radio
- Damaged network wiring behind the dashboard
- Faulty or frozen radio or infotainment unit
Symptoms
- Radio or screen dead or rebooting
- Steering wheel controls not working
- No sound or no parking sensor chimes
- Bluetooth or navigation unavailable
Can you drive with U0184?
Yes, no rush You can drive normally and fix it when convenient. Just bear in mind you may not hear some warning sounds.
Open the bonnetthe in-depth explanation
How to check it
If the radio has been changed or an adapter fitted, check that installation first. Disconnecting the battery for a few minutes sometimes resets a frozen unit, but it may ask for a radio code: have it ready beforehand.
How to read and clear U0184 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 U0184 with its description and whether it’s confirmed, pending or permanent.
If the engine stores it over standard OBD, with FREE you read this code with its explanation for nothing and clear it. With PRO you also read the faults of every control unit and clear them in all of them.
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 an inspection. It’s all in how to read and clear fault codes and in inspections and OBD.
Similar codes
- U0180 The automatic lighting control unit is not answering on the car network
- U0181 The headlight levelling control unit is not answering on the car network
- U0182 The lighting control unit (front) is not answering on the car network
- U0183 The lighting control unit (rear) is not answering on the car network
- U0185 The antenna control unit is not answering on the car network
- U0186 The audio amplifier is not answering on the car network
- U0187 The digital disc player changer module A is not answering on the car network
- U0188 The digital disc player changer module B is not answering on the car network
- U0100 Lost communication with engine control module (ECM/PCM A)
- U0101 Lost communication with transmission control module (TCM)
- U0102 Lost communication with transfer case control module
- U0103 Lost communication with the gear shift module
What does code U0184 mean?
On many cars the radio or infotainment unit is on the data network so it can show information, take commands from the steering wheel or play warning chimes. This code means it has stopped responding on that network. It is a comfort fault, although on some cars the warning sounds come through the radio speakers.
Can you drive with U0184?
You can drive normally and fix it when convenient. Just bear in mind you may not hear some warning sounds.
How do you clear U0184?
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, U0184 comes back.
Read it on your car
Final OBD reads and clears engine faults through standard OBD for free, each one explained in plain English. With PRO it also reads the faults of every control unit, each make’s own codes included, and clears them in all of them.
