HomeTrouble CodesU0070

U0070 — Vehicle Communication Bus E Low

Generic OBD-II · all makesNetwork / communication

U0070 indicates a loss of communication on the vehicle’s high‑speed CAN (Controller Area Network) bus. The powertrain control module is not receiving or transmitting data on the network as expected.

Symptoms

What causes it — most likely first

1. Open or short circuit in the CAN‑H / CAN‑L wiring harness

A broken wire, corroded connector, or short to ground can interrupt the high‑speed bus signal.

2. Faulty CAN bus termination resistor

Incorrect or missing termination at the ends of the bus can cause voltage level errors and trigger a low‑bus condition.

3. Failed CAN transceiver in a control module

A malfunctioning transceiver inside a module (e.g., PCM, TCM, ABS controller) can stop that node from communicating, pulling the bus low.

4. Loose or corroded CAN connector pins

Poor contact at any of the network connectors can create intermittent communication loss.

5. Defective powertrain control module (PCM/ECM)

Only after ruling out wiring and external module issues should the PCM be considered, as it is rarely the primary cause.

How it's diagnosed

  1. Visually inspect all CAN‑H and CAN‑L wires and connectors for damage, corrosion, or loose pins.
  2. Measure bus voltage at the diagnostic connector (typically ~2.5 V idle) and compare to specifications.
  3. Check termination resistors at each end of the high‑speed bus for correct value (≈120 Ω) and proper installation.
  4. Swap or isolate individual control modules (e.g., disconnect ABS module) to identify a faulty transceiver.
  5. If all wiring and external modules are sound, perform a PCM communication test or re‑flash to rule out software‑related issues.

Code facts & related codes

SystemNetwork / communication
StandardizationSAE generic — identical on every make

Frequently asked

Can I simply replace the PCM to fix U0070?

Replacing the PCM is rarely necessary. In most cases the problem is wiring, connectors, or a peripheral module’s transceiver. PCM replacement should be a last resort after thorough network testing.

Will a blown fuse cause U0070?

A fuse that supplies power to the CAN network can cause a loss of communication, but most vehicles protect the bus with dedicated fuses that, when blown, also trigger other specific codes. Check relevant fuses, but they are not the most common cause.

Is the code related to the vehicle’s emissions system?

U0070 is a network‑communication code, not an emissions fault. However, loss of bus communication can prevent emission‑related modules from operating, potentially leading to additional emission codes.

Can a temporary low‑voltage condition trigger U0070?

Yes. If the vehicle’s battery voltage drops too low during start‑up, the CAN transceivers may not initialize correctly, resulting in a low‑bus condition. Verify battery health and charging system if the code appears only during cold starts.