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U0198: Lost communication with the telematics control module

The vehicle network is not receiving messages from the telematics module, which handles emergency calls and connected services. The car drives fine.

Code U0198 at a glance
CodeU0198
SystemCommunication network
GroupU01xx, Lost communication with control units
TypeGeneric: it means the same on every make
Can you keep driving?Yes, no rush

What U0198 means

The telematics module has its own mobile connection and handles the automatic emergency call (eCall), connected services and the manufacturer’s app. This code means it has stopped talking to the other control units. The car drives the same, but those services, including the emergency call, may be unavailable.

Most common causes

  • Low battery or recently disconnected
  • Module’s internal backup battery worn out (many carry one for the emergency call)
  • Blown fuse for the telematics module
  • Loose or corroded connector on the module or its aerial
  • Damaged network wiring
  • Faulty telematics module

Symptoms

  • Emergency call (SOS) warning light or message on
  • The car’s app cannot connect to the vehicle
  • Connected services or remote updates not working
  • Sometimes no visible symptoms at all

Can you drive with U0198?

Yes, no rush You can drive normally, but the automatic emergency call may not work in a crash. Best not to leave it too long.

How to check it

See whether the SOS light stays on after starting and whether the car’s app shows it online. If the message mentions the module’s backup battery, tell the garage exactly that, as it is a separate part.

How to read and clear U0198 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 U0198 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

U0198 is a generic code, so it means the same on any make, for example on Abarth, Citroën, Cupra, Hyundai, Mini, Seat. See what Final OBD does on your car in makes and models.

What does code U0198 mean?

The telematics module has its own mobile connection and handles the automatic emergency call (eCall), connected services and the manufacturer’s app. This code means it has stopped talking to the other control units. The car drives the same, but those services, including the emergency call, may be unavailable.

Can you drive with U0198?

You can drive normally, but the automatic emergency call may not work in a crash. Best not to leave it too long.

How do you clear U0198?

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, U0198 comes back.