If you’re a 2013 Dodge Dart owner, encountering a U11B8 error code can be unsettling. This code, indicating “Lost Communication With Integrated Center Stack (ICS),” points to potential issues within your vehicle’s communication network. Understanding and addressing this problem is crucial for maintaining your car’s performance and safety. A key tool in this diagnostic process is a compatible OBD2 reader. This article will guide you through diagnosing the U11B8 code and highlight the importance of choosing the right OBD2 reader for your 2013 Dodge Dart.
Understanding the U11B8 Code and CAN Bus System
The U11B8 code signifies a communication breakdown between your Dodge Dart’s Integrated Center Stack (ICS) and other modules, primarily the Body Control Module (BCM). To grasp this, it’s essential to understand the Controller Area Network (CAN) bus system.
Modern vehicles like the 2013 Dodge Dart utilize a CAN bus system, a sophisticated network that allows various electronic control modules (ECMs) to communicate with each other. This system minimizes wiring complexity and enables efficient data sharing. Think of it as a central nervous system for your car’s electronics. The CAN bus has different speeds; CAN-C for critical, real-time communication (like engine control) and CAN-IHS for less critical but still important systems (like interior features). The ICS, which controls your radio, climate controls, and potentially other infotainment features, communicates on this network.
When the BCM, acting as a gateway between these networks, detects a lack of communication from the ICS for a certain period, it sets the U11B8 code. This could stem from various issues, ranging from simple wiring problems to module malfunctions.
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Guide for U11B8 Error
Diagnosing the U11B8 code requires a systematic approach. Here’s a breakdown of the diagnostic steps, mirroring the original diagnostic tree, but elaborated for clarity:
Step 1: Verify Active DTC
First, you need to confirm if the U11B8 code is currently active.
- Turn your Dodge Dart’s ignition to the “ON” position.
- Connect your OBD2 reader to the OBD2 port, typically located under the dashboard on the driver’s side. This is where having a 2013 Dodge Dart Compatible Obd2 Reader becomes essential.
- Use your OBD2 reader to scan for active Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs).
Is the U11B8 code active?
- Yes: Proceed to the BCM diagnostic procedure specifically for the U11B8-87 code (Lost Communication With Integrated Center Stack (ICS) – Missing Message). This involves further steps outlined below.
- No: If the code is not active but stored, you should perform a diagnostic procedure for stored lost communication DTCs. This might indicate an intermittent issue.
Step 2: Check for Related Active DTCs
Before diving deeper into ICS communication, check for other active DTCs that might be related or provide clues.
- Using your OBD2 reader, scan for active DTCs across all modules in your Dodge Dart.
- Specifically, look for codes related to:
- BCM configuration issues
- CAN Interior Bus hardware electrical problems
- VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) mismatches or missing VIN messages
- Battery voltage or ignition system faults
Are there any of these related active DTCs present?
- Yes: Address these related DTCs first by performing the appropriate diagnostic procedures for each specific code. These could be the root cause or contributing factors to the U11B8 error.
- No: If no related codes are present, proceed to the next step to verify ICS activity on the bus.
Step 3: Verify ICS Activity on the Bus
This step confirms if the ICS is communicating on the CAN bus at all.
- Ensure the ignition is in the “ON” position.
- Using your OBD2 reader, check if the ICS module is active and responding on the CAN bus network. Your OBD2 reader should have a function to view module status or network communication.
Is the ICS active on the bus?
- Yes: If the ICS is active, it means it’s at least partially communicating. Proceed to Step 4 to check for further communication-related DTCs.
- No: If the ICS is not responding, perform the “NO RESPONSE FROM ICS (INTEGRATED CENTER STACK)” diagnostic procedure. This suggests a more severe communication failure, potentially with power or ground to the ICS or a faulty ICS module itself.
Step 4: Check for Additional Communication Related DTCs
Look for patterns in communication errors.
- With your OBD2 reader, read all DTCs again.
- Check if multiple modules are logging active DTCs specifically “Logged Against” the ICS. This indicates that the issue might be with the ICS itself, affecting communication with other modules.
Are there multiple modules with active DTCs logged against the ICS?
- Yes: In this case, the likely culprit is the Integrated Center Stack (ICS) module. Replacement or reprogramming/updating of the ICS module is usually required, following the service information for your 2013 Dodge Dart. After replacement, perform a “BODY VERIFICATION TEST” using your scan tool if available, or as per service manual instructions.
- No: If only one or a few modules are showing issues related to ICS communication, proceed to Step 5 to clear the DTC in the module that originally set the fault.
Step 5: Clear DTC in Fault-Setting Module
Attempt to clear the code and see if it returns.
- Using your OBD2 reader, select the module that originally set the DTC against the ICS (likely the BCM).
- Clear the active DTCs in that module.
Is the U11B8 DTC still active after clearing?
- Yes: If the code immediately returns, it suggests a persistent problem within the module that set the DTC. Module replacement or update, according to service information, is often necessary. Again, perform the appropriate verification test or BODY VERIFICATION TEST after replacement.
- No: If the code clears, proceed to Step 6 to cycle the ignition and further test for recurrence.
Step 6: Cycle Ignition
This step simulates real-world driving conditions and checks for intermittent faults.
- Cycle the ignition from “RUN” to “OFF” three times, ending with the key in the “RUN” position.
- Check if the U11B8 DTC becomes active again.
Does the DTC become active after cycling the ignition?
- Yes: If the code reappears, proceed to Step 7, indicating a more consistent fault.
- No: If the code remains clear, it suggests the condition might be intermittent or resolved. Carefully inspect wiring, splices, and connectors related to the CAN bus and ICS for any signs of damage, corrosion, or loose connections. Perform a BODY VERIFICATION TEST to ensure system integrity.
Step 7: Check for Additional Lost Communication Faults
Expand the scope to check for broader CAN bus issues.
- Using your OBD2 reader, view the status of modules, particularly the BCM and other CAN IHS BUS modules.
- Check if the BCM and other CAN IHS BUS modules are showing “Lost Communication” errors with multiple other CAN IHS BUS modules. This suggests a potential issue affecting the entire CAN IHS bus network.
Are the BCM and other CAN IHS BUS modules showing lost communication with other CAN IHS BUS modules?
- Yes: This points to a larger CAN IHS bus problem. Proceed to Step 8 to check for a short to voltage on the CAN IHS Bus (+) circuit.
- No: If the lost communication is isolated to the ICS, then the issue is likely still related to the module that originally set the DTC. Replacement/update of that module and subsequent verification tests are recommended.
Step 8: Check the CAN IHS Bus (125K) (+) Circuit for a Short to Voltage
This step involves electrical testing to pinpoint wiring faults. Caution: Electrical testing should be performed by someone comfortable with automotive electrical systems.
- Measure the voltage between the (D157) CAN IHS Bus (125K) (+) circuit and ground. Refer to wiring diagrams for your 2013 Dodge Dart to locate the correct pin and wire.
Is the voltage above 5.0 volts?
- Yes: There is a short to voltage in the CAN IHS Bus (125K) (+) circuit. The short is present in one of the CAN IHS Bus (125K) (+) circuits. Use Star Connectors (refer to service manual for locations) to isolate sections of the CAN IHS Bus (125K) (+) to locate the short. Repair the short and perform a BODY VERIFICATION TEST.
- No: If the voltage is not above 5.0 volts, proceed to Step 9 to check for a short to ground on the CAN IHS Bus (-) circuit.
Step 9: Check the CAN IHS Bus (125K) (-) Circuit for a Short to Ground
- Turn the ignition OFF.
- Measure the resistance between ground and the (D158) CAN IHS Bus (125K) (-) circuit. Again, consult wiring diagrams for pin locations.
Is the resistance below 10k Ohms?
- Yes: There is a short to ground in the CAN IHS Bus (125K) (-) circuit. Similar to Step 8, use Star Connectors to isolate sections of the CAN IHS Bus (125K) (-) to pinpoint and repair the short to ground. Perform a BODY VERIFICATION TEST afterward.
- No: If the resistance is not below 10k Ohms, and you’ve reached this point in the diagnosis, and the DTC persists, then the issue is most likely internal to the module that originally set the DTC. Replacement/update of that module and subsequent verification tests are the next steps.
Choosing the Right OBD2 Reader for Your 2013 Dodge Dart
Throughout this diagnostic process, a reliable and 2013 Dodge Dart compatible OBD2 reader is indispensable. Not all OBD2 readers are created equal. For basic code reading and clearing, many generic readers will suffice. However, for more in-depth diagnostics like verifying module activity, reading data from specific modules, and performing system tests (like the BODY VERIFICATION TEST mentioned), you’ll need a more advanced scan tool.
When selecting an OBD2 reader for your 2013 Dodge Dart, consider these factors:
- Compatibility: Ensure the reader specifically states compatibility with 2013 Dodge Dart models. While OBD2 is a standard, some readers have better compatibility and access to vehicle-specific systems.
- Functionality: For diagnosing U11B8 and similar communication issues, look for readers that offer:
- DTC reading and clearing (obviously)
- Live data streaming (to monitor sensor readings)
- Module status checks (to see if modules are online and communicating)
- Actuation tests (to control certain vehicle components for testing – might be less relevant for this specific code, but useful generally)
- Advanced functions like CAN bus diagnostics (if you are comfortable with deeper dives)
- Ease of Use: Choose a reader with a user-friendly interface, clear display, and intuitive navigation.
- Updates: Opt for a reader that receives software updates to ensure compatibility with newer vehicles and access to the latest diagnostic information.
For DIY enthusiasts, a mid-range OBD2 scanner from reputable brands like Autel, Launch, or BlueDriver can be a worthwhile investment. For professional mechanics, more advanced professional-grade scan tools offer even deeper diagnostic capabilities and vehicle coverage.
Conclusion
Diagnosing a U11B8 code in your 2013 Dodge Dart requires a systematic approach, starting with identifying the active code and progressing through logical steps to pinpoint the root cause. A compatible OBD2 reader is not just a tool but a necessary partner in this process, allowing you to communicate with your vehicle’s computer and understand what’s happening within its electronic network. By following this guide and utilizing the right OBD2 reader, you can effectively troubleshoot the U11B8 “Lost Communication With Integrated Center Stack” code and get your Dodge Dart back on the road with confidence.
