HomeTrouble CodesU0626

U0626 — Lost Communication Ac Refrigerant Pressure Sensor

Generic OBD-II · all makesNetwork / communication

U0626 indicates that the control module responsible for climate control has lost serial communication with the A/C refrigerant pressure sensor. The sensor typically communicates over a LIN or low-speed CAN bus, and the code sets when messages are missing or corrupted for a calibrated period.

Symptoms

What causes it — most likely first

1. Failed A/C refrigerant pressure sensor

Internal sensor electronics or LIN/CAN transceiver fail, preventing it from transmitting pressure data.

2. Open, short, or high resistance in sensor communication circuit

Damaged wiring, corroded connector terminals, or a broken LIN/CAN wire between the sensor and the HVAC/PCM gateway.

3. Loss of sensor power or ground

Blown fuse, faulty relay, or corroded ground connection starves the sensor of its supply voltage.

4. HVAC control module or gateway module fault

The module that polls the sensor has a damaged communication driver or internal logic error.

5. Bus contention or multiple module communication errors

Another node on the same LIN/CAN bus is holding the line dominant, blocking the sensor's transmissions.

6. PCM/ECM failure (rare)

Only plausible if multiple unrelated U-codes are present and bus diagnostics confirm the PCM's transceiver is defective.

How it's diagnosed

  1. Scan for all codes; note any additional U-codes that indicate a wider bus problem.
  2. Verify sensor power and ground at the sensor connector with a multimeter.
  3. Inspect the sensor connector and wiring harness for corrosion, bent pins, or chafed wires.
  4. Use a scan tool or oscilloscope to monitor the LIN/CAN communication line for activity when the A/C is commanded on.
  5. If communication is absent and power/ground are good, replace the sensor and retest.
  6. If the new sensor does not communicate, test the HVAC/gateway module's communication output and check for bus contention.

Code facts & related codes

SystemNetwork / communication
StandardizationSAE generic — identical on every make

Frequently asked

Will replacing the PCM fix U0626?

Almost never. U0626 is a loss of communication with a specific sensor; the PCM is only the gateway in some architectures. Replace the PCM only after bus diagnostics prove its transceiver is at fault and all other causes are eliminated.

Can a low refrigerant charge set U0626?

No. Low refrigerant affects pressure readings but does not cause a communication loss code. U0626 means the module cannot talk to the sensor at all.

Is it safe to drive with U0626 active?

Yes, drivability is unaffected. The only impact is loss of A/C function and possibly default defrost operation.

Why does the scan tool show 'No Data' for refrigerant pressure?

Because the sensor's messages are not reaching the module; the PID will remain blank or show a default value until communication is restored.