Lost Communication With Radio
The U0184 code means the vehicle's onboard diagnostic system has detected: Lost Communication With Radio. This is a moderate severity code.
- Keep driving?
- Yes, but fix soon
- DIY difficulty
- moderate
- Estimated cost
- $50 - $600 (fuses, grounds, or wiring most often; module replacement only after the circuit tests good)
Network codes mean modules are not communicating. You need a scanner that reads all systems to find the problem.
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Common Symptoms
- Check Engine or related warning light on
- The Radio's functions may be degraded or offline
- Often stored alongside other U-codes when a whole bus segment drops
- Symptoms can be intermittent - connector and wiring faults come and go with heat and vibration
Probable Causes (Ranked by Likelihood)
- The Radio has lost power or ground (check its fuses first) High
- CAN bus wiring damage - chafed harness, corroded connector, water intrusion High
- Failed Radio no longer transmitting Moderate
- Another faulted module loading down the bus Low
Common Fixes by Vehicle
What techs usually find when diagnosing U0184 on specific vehicles — tap your vehicle for the fix and the exact part:
2007-2014 Ford F-150/Expedition moderate DIY
U0184 (lost communication with radio) on Fords is commonly caused by a blown radio fuse (usually a 10A in the underhood or cabin fuse box). If the radio is completely dead, check fuses first. Next check the yellow B+ wire at the radio harness -- constant 12V should be present. Many Ford radios also use APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module) -- a failing APIM can trigger U0184 even when the radio is fine.
Labor: 30-90 min2005-2015 Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra moderate DIY
GM truck U0184 often appears after a radio swap to an aftermarket unit without the proper CAN bus interface. If the OEM radio was just replaced, make sure a PAC or iDatalink bus interface is wired in. If the code appeared on a stock radio, pull fuse 23 (radio) and 26 (retained accessory power) and check. A dead radio that also triggers U0184 is usually replaced, not repaired.
Labor: 1-2 hours2006-2015 Dodge Ram 1500/2500 moderate DIY
Ram U0184 often points to a failed MyGig radio (RER/REN/RBZ units). MyGigs are known for backlight failure and CAN dropouts. Pull the radio, reseat the 40-pin connector, and retest. If the radio is completely unresponsive, a remanufactured MyGig runs ~$300. WIN (Wireless Ignition Node) failures can also trigger U0184 since radio wake-up runs through WIN.
Labor: 1-2 hoursFrequently Asked Questions
What does U0184 mean?
U0184 means other modules stopped receiving messages from the Radio on the vehicle network. It is a communication fault - the module may be fine but unreachable.
Can I keep driving with U0184?
Usually yes for a short period. The affected function may be degraded, and intermittent wiring faults tend to worsen - diagnose soon.
Should I replace the module for U0184?
Not first. Most communication codes are power, ground, fuse, or wiring problems. Replace the module only after those test good - modules are expensive and often require programming.
Mechanics Guide Step-by-step diagnosis
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Procedure
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Scan ALL modules - the pattern of which modules report lost communication localizes the break.
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Check the fuses and grounds feeding the Radio before suspecting the module itself.
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If many modules are unreachable, test the CAN bus: about 60 ohms across CAN High/Low (two 120-ohm terminators) with the battery disconnected.
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Wiggle-test connectors along the affected harness while watching for the module to drop on and off.
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Only after power, ground, and bus test good should the Radio be suspected.
Sources 2
This page is built from documented references. Verify against your own service info before repair work.
- SAE J2012Diagnostic Trouble Code Definitions (defines the generic OBD-II code ranges)
- Cross-checked against the SAE J2012:2002 DTC table (2026-08-27)archived scan of the SAE standard — readable copy, not SAE’s current edition
Commonly Affected Vehicles
- All OBD-II vehicles - network (U) codes are standardized across makes
Related Codes
See All Codes & Fixes for Your Vehicle
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