OBD-II trouble code
U0159: Lost Communication With Parking Assist Control Module
Another module on the network has stopped receiving messages from the parking assist control module — the unit that runs the parking sensors and, on some vehicles, the rear camera and automated parking. Usually a power, ground, wiring, or module fault.
Quick facts
- System
- Network
- Category
- Network Communication
- Severity
- Medium severity
- Drivable
- Usually safe to drive short-term
- Repair cost range
- $100 – $700
- DIY difficulty
- Advanced DIY
What does U0159 mean?
U0159 is a module-specific network code that sets when a control module (often the body control module or instrument cluster) stops hearing from the parking assist control module on the communication bus. The parking assist module manages the ultrasonic park-assist sensors in the bumpers, drives the audible proximity warnings, and on many vehicles coordinates the backup camera display and any automated or semi-automated parking feature. When the bus traffic from that module disappears, the listening module flags U0159.
Unlike a generic bus code, U0159 names the missing module: the network is reporting that the parking assist module specifically has gone quiet. That can happen because the module lost power or ground, because the wiring between it and the bus is damaged, or because the module itself has failed internally. It can also be a downstream symptom of a wider bus fault, in which case you'll usually see additional U-codes for other modules set at the same time.
Functionally, U0159 most often shows up as the parking sensors or rear camera not working, the park-assist warning chimes going silent, or an automated parking feature becoming unavailable. The car typically still drives and the core safety systems remain intact, so it is generally less urgent than a full bus failure — but it should still be diagnosed, since losing parking aids removes a feature drivers rely on and can point to a wiring or connector problem that may spread.
Common causes
- Blown fuse or lost power feed to the parking assist control module
- Poor or corroded ground at the parking assist module
- Damaged, chafed, or corroded CAN wiring between the module and the bus
- Corroded or backed-out terminals at the module connector
- Water intrusion at the module or its connector (common in rear-mounted units)
- Internally failed parking assist control module
- A wider CAN bus fault dragging this module off the network
Symptoms
- Parking sensors inoperative or warning that park assist is unavailable
- Backup camera image missing or proximity guidelines not displayed
- No audible park-assist chimes when maneuvering near objects
- Automated or semi-automated parking feature disabled
- Park-assist or related warning light or message on the dash
- Additional lost-communication U-codes if a wider bus fault is present
Diagnostic steps
- 1.Scan all modules and note every stored code; multiple U-codes point to a bus-wide problem rather than just the parking assist module.
- 2.Verify power and ground at the parking assist control module with the key on — confirm the feed fuse is good and the ground is clean and tight.
- 3.Inspect the module connector and nearby harness for corrosion, water intrusion, backed-out terminals, and chafing, especially on rear-mounted units.
- 4.Check the CAN wiring from the module to the bus for continuity and for shorts to power or ground.
- 5.Clear the codes and recheck whether U0159 returns and whether the module reappears on the scan tool.
- 6.If power, ground, and wiring are good but the module still won't communicate, suspect an internally failed module.
Repair cost
$100 – $700
Diagnosis usually runs $100-$200. A power, ground, or wiring repair is often $120-$400. Replacing a failed parking assist control module, including any required programming, typically lands at $300-$700 depending on the vehicle and whether the module is integrated with the camera system.
Estimate your repair
Run the numbers for your vehicle
Open the Repair Cost Estimator with module communication / can bus diagnosis preselected. Adjust labor rate and vehicle category to fit your situation.
DIY vs shop
This is an advanced DIY job. It typically requires specialty tools, scan-tool access, lifting equipment, or careful sequencing to avoid causing new failures. Plan for extended downtime and have a backup vehicle. Most owners are better served by a shop that has done this repair before.