HomeTrouble CodesU0014

U0014 — Medium Speed Can Communication Bus High

Generic OBD-II · all makesNetwork / communication

U0014 indicates that the voltage on the Medium Speed Controller Area Network (CAN) High circuit is stuck higher than expected, typically due to a short to voltage or an internal module fault. This bus usually connects body-control modules such as the instrument cluster, HVAC controller, or door modules, not the powertrain. The code sets when the control module detects an abnormal voltage level on the CAN (+) line during communication attempts.

Symptoms

What causes it — most likely first

1. Wiring short to voltage or ground in CAN High circuit

The CAN High wire may be chafed against the frame or power feed, or pinched in harness routing, causing it to short to battery voltage or intermittently ground out. This is the most common physical fault for bus-high codes.

2. Corroded or damaged module connector

Water intrusion into connectors at the instrument cluster, HVAC module, or other body modules can wick into the pins and create high-resistance paths or shorts, distorting bus voltage.

3. Internal failure of a module on the MS-CAN bus

A faulty door module, climate control head, or other body computer may have a damaged CAN transceiver that pulls the High line to an incorrect voltage level, disrupting communication for the entire bus.

4. Open circuit in CAN High wiring

A broken wire or backed-out pin in the CAN High line can cause signal reflections or voltage levels that the receiving modules interpret as a bus-high fault.

5. Powertrain Control Module (PCM/ECM) failure

Although the PCM usually resides on the High Speed CAN bus rather than the Medium Speed bus, a rare internal failure of a gateway function—if the PCM bridges the networks—could theoretically disrupt the MS-CAN High line. This is an extremely unlikely cause and should only be considered after wiring and all other modules are ruled out.

How it's diagnosed

  1. Visually inspect the wiring harness and connectors for chafing, pinching, corrosion, or water intrusion, particularly in door jambs and bulkhead passages.
  2. Measure voltage on the CAN High circuit with a digital multimeter; nominal recessive voltage is approximately 2.5 V to 3.0 V. A reading near battery voltage (12 V) indicates a short to power.
  3. Perform a network integrity test by disconnecting modules one at a time while monitoring the bus voltage to identify which module is pulling the line high.
  4. Check continuity of the CAN High wire between modules to locate opens or high-resistance connections.
  5. Verify the resistance across the CAN bus (typically 60 ohms total with two 120-ohm termination resistors) to ensure network termination is intact.
  6. If all wiring and other modules test normal, evaluate the PCM only as a last resort after confirming it participates in the medium-speed network architecture.

Code facts & related codes

SystemNetwork / communication
StandardizationSAE generic — identical on every make

Frequently asked

Should I replace the engine computer (PCM/ECM) to fix this code?

No. U0014 concerns the Medium Speed CAN bus used primarily for body electronics, and the PCM is almost never the root cause. Replacing the PCM is usually an incorrect diagnosis; technicians should verify wiring harnesses and body modules first.

Can I continue to drive the vehicle with this code active?

Generally yes, for short periods. This fault typically affects convenience features like climate control or displays rather than engine operation, though some systems may operate erratically or not at all.

Why does the code return immediately after clearing it?

The underlying electrical fault—such as a wire shorted to battery voltage or a module with an internal short—remains physically present. The code will reset until the circuit is repaired or the faulty module is replaced.

Could a recent battery replacement or jump-start cause this code?

While voltage spikes during improper jump-starting can damage module transceivers, the code itself indicates a specific circuit fault, not merely a temporary voltage event. If the code appeared after battery work, inspect for disturbed wiring or connectors first.