OBD Guide

U0161

Lost Communication With Compass Module

U0161 is an OBD-II diagnostic trouble code meaning: Lost Communication With Compass Module. Common causes: broken or damaged wires to the compass, electronic compass module malfunction. Estimated repair cost: $33–167.

Severity
Low
Can you drive?
Do not drive — repair immediately
Approx. repair cost
$33–167 (est.)

Symptoms

  • Incorrect display of direction in the navigation system
  • Lack of directional data
  • Error message on the dashboard
  • Compass-dependent functions do not work
  • The Check Engine light may come on

Causes

  • Broken or damaged wires to the compass
  • Electronic compass module malfunction
  • Module power problems
  • Contact corrosion
  • Software error in the control unit

How to Fix

  1. Check the integrity of the wiring to the compass module
  2. Check fuses associated with the module
  3. Diagnose the compass module for faults
  4. Clean contacts and check connections
  5. Update control unit software

Related codes

Error U0161 by Vehicle Brand

FAQ

What does the U0161 code mean?

U0161 is an OBD-II diagnostic trouble code that indicates: Lost Communication With Compass Module

What causes a U0161 error code?

The most common causes of U0161 include: Broken or damaged wires to the compass; Electronic compass module malfunction; Module power problems; Contact corrosion.

How do I fix a U0161 diagnostic trouble code?

To fix U0161: Check the integrity of the wiring to the compass module. Check fuses associated with the module. Diagnose the compass module for faults. For a complete diagnosis, use an OBD-II scanner.

Is it safe to drive with U0161?

Do not drive — repair immediately

How much does it cost to fix U0161?

The estimated repair cost for U0161 is $33–167. Actual cost depends on your vehicle, location, and labor rates.

See also: Russian version · NationStat