OBD-II trouble code
U0157: Lost Communication With Information Center "B"
The vehicle's secondary information display module ("B") has stopped communicating on the network — usually a power, ground, or connector issue at the display.
Quick facts
- System
- Network
- Category
- Network Communication
- Severity
- Low severity
- Drivable
- Usually safe to drive short-term
- Repair cost range
- $30 – $800
- DIY difficulty
- Intermediate DIY
What does U0157 mean?
Vehicles with multiple display/message-center units distinguish them as Information Center "A" (U0156) and "B" (U0157) — the "B" unit is typically a secondary display: a rear-seat information screen, an auxiliary dash display, or a second message center depending on the make. U0157 sets when other modules stop receiving messages from that unit.
Display modules go quiet for mundane reasons far more often than they die: a blown fuse, a connector disturbed during dash or console work, corrosion at a ground point, or CAN wiring damage. It's also one of the code families most often set as a side effect — low battery voltage, a jump start, or a battery change can log it transiently in other modules. If the display works normally and the code doesn't return after clearing, it was almost certainly a voltage event.
A dark or frozen secondary display with the code returning immediately is the genuine article: work through power, ground, connector, and network integrity at the unit before considering replacement, which on modern vehicles may require configuration/programming.
Common causes
- Blown fuse or lost power/ground to the display unit
- Connector disturbed or damaged (often after dash/console work)
- Corroded ground point for the display circuit
- Damaged CAN wiring to the unit
- Failed information display module
- Transient low-voltage event (code sets spuriously)
Symptoms
- Secondary display dark, frozen, or glitching
- Code stored in other modules
- Often no symptom at all if set by a voltage dip
- Vehicle drives completely normally
Diagnostic steps
- 1.Clear the code and see if it returns — one-time sets after battery/jump events are common and benign.
- 2.If the display misbehaves, check its fuses and power/ground feeds.
- 3.Inspect the unit's connector, especially if any dash/console work preceded the fault.
- 4.Verify CAN bus wiring integrity to the unit.
- 5.Attempt direct scan-tool communication with the display module.
- 6.Replace and configure the module only if feeds and network wiring are proven good.
Repair cost
$30 – $800
Fuse/connector fixes are trivial. Replacement display units vary enormously by vehicle — $150 for a simple message center to $800+ for integrated screens requiring programming. Confirm the fault is real (returns after clearing) before spending anything.
Estimate your repair
Run the numbers for your vehicle
Open the Repair Cost Estimator with control module replacement & programming preselected. Adjust labor rate and vehicle category to fit your situation.
DIY vs shop
This is an intermediate DIY job. It usually involves diagnostic steps, specialty parts, and some careful work in tight spaces. If you have the tools and a service manual or trustworthy video for your specific vehicle, it is achievable in a weekend. Otherwise, a competent independent shop will be faster.