OBD Guide
ENFRDEESPT

C0261

Defective CAN Communication

C0261 is an OBD-II diagnostic trouble code meaning: Defective CAN Communication. Common causes: open or short circuit in the can bus wiring harness, corrosion or poor contact in connectors. Estimated repair cost: $56–222.

Severity
🔴 High
Can you drive?
Limited driving only, diagnose soon
Approx. repair cost
$56–222 (est.)

Symptoms

  • Check Engine light comes on
  • Incorrect operation of several vehicle systems
  • Lost connection with diagnostic equipment
  • Dashboard malfunctions

Causes

  • Open or short circuit in the CAN bus wiring harness
  • Corrosion or poor contact in connectors
  • Malfunction of one of the modules connected to the CAN bus
  • Problems with power supply of CAN modules
  • Damage to CAN bus terminators

How to Fix

  1. Conduct CAN bus diagnostics using an oscilloscope or scanner
  2. Check the integrity of the wiring harness and connectors
  3. Check the resistance on the CAN bus (should be about 60 ohms between CAN-H and CAN-L)
  4. Disable modules one by one to identify the faulty component
  5. Replace damaged wires or faulty module

Related codes

U0100U0121U0140

Error C0261 by Vehicle Brand

AcuraAudiBAICBMWBYDBuickCadillacChanganCheryChevroletChryslerCitroenDodgeDongfengExeedFAWFordForthingFotonGACGMGMCGeelyGreat WallHavalHondaHongqiHyundaiInfinitiJACJaecooJaguarJeepJetourKaiyiKiaLadaLexusLi AutoLifanLincolnLivanMazdaMercedes-BenzMercuryMitsubishiNIONissanOldsmobileOmodaOpelPeugeotPlymouthPontiacRenaultSWMSaturnSkodaSkywellSubaruSuzukiTankToyotaVolkswagenVolvoVoyahXPengZeekrZotye

FAQ

What does the C0261 code mean?

C0261 is an OBD-II diagnostic trouble code that indicates: Defective CAN Communication

What causes a C0261 error code?

The most common causes of C0261 include: Open or short circuit in the CAN bus wiring harness; Corrosion or poor contact in connectors; Malfunction of one of the modules connected to the CAN bus; Problems with power supply of CAN modules.

How do I fix a C0261 diagnostic trouble code?

To fix C0261: Conduct CAN bus diagnostics using an oscilloscope or scanner. Check the integrity of the wiring harness and connectors. Check the resistance on the CAN bus (should be about 60 ohms between CAN-H and CAN-L). For a complete diagnosis, use an OBD-II scanner.

Is it safe to drive with C0261?

Limited driving only, diagnose soon

How much does it cost to fix C0261?

The estimated repair cost for C0261 is $56–222. Actual cost depends on your vehicle, location, and labor rates.

FRDEESPT

See also: Russian version · NationStat