HomeTrouble CodesU0079

U0079 — Control Module Communication Bus G Off

Generic OBD-II · all makesNetwork / communication

U0079 indicates that a control module has detected the manufacturer-specific “G” communication bus (typically a CAN or serial data line) is electrically offline, open, or shorted, halting data exchange between the modules on that network segment. The code sets when the bus remains inactive beyond a calibrated timeout or when voltage levels stray outside valid ranges. It is a network integrity fault rather than a sensor or mechanical failure.

Symptoms

What causes it — most likely first

1. Wiring harness or connector faults

Open circuits, short-to-power, short-to-ground, or high-resistance connections in the Bus G twisted-pair harness, inline connectors, or pin headers due to corrosion, water intrusion, or chafing.

2. Terminating resistor failure

Missing, corroded, or out-of-specification termination resistors (if Bus G uses discrete 120 Ω resistors) causing signal reflection and a bus-off condition.

3. Module power or ground disturbance

Voltage drop, poor ground, or supply-side fault at a module on Bus G causing it to drop off the network and trigger the bus-off detection.

4. Internal module transceiver damage

A non-PCM control module on Bus G with a failed CAN transceiver that pulls the bus lines to an invalid state or creates excessive noise.

5. PCM internal communication fault

Rare failure of the PCM’s own CAN transceiver or bus interface circuitry; the PCM usually only reports the fault rather than causes it.

How it's diagnosed

  1. Visually inspect the Bus G wiring harness and connectors for corrosion, pin push-out, chafing against metal edges, or water intrusion; repair any damaged sections.
  2. With the battery disconnected, measure resistance across the Bus G CAN lines at an accessible connector to verify terminating resistance (typically near 60 Ω total if two 120 Ω resistors are present).
  3. Key-on, engine-off, measure DC voltage between Bus G CAN High and ground (≈ 2.5–3.5 V) and CAN Low and ground (≈ 1.5–2.5 V); deviations indicate shorts to power or ground.
  4. Perform a node isolation test by disconnecting modules one at a time while monitoring bus communication or resistance to identify a module with an internal short pulling the bus down.
  5. Verify battery voltage and ground integrity at every module on Bus G to eliminate supply-side causes before condemning any control unit.

Code facts & related codes

SystemNetwork / communication
StandardizationSAE generic — identical on every make

Frequently asked

Do I need to replace the PCM for code U0079?

Almost never. The PCM typically stores U0079 because it detects the bus is electrically offline; the root cause is almost always wiring, connectors, or another module on the network. PCM failure is statistically unlikely.

What exactly is 'Bus G'?

It is a manufacturer-specific designation for a particular communication network segment, often a high- or low-speed CAN bus that links modules such as the transmission control unit, ABS controller, or body control module.

Is it safe to drive with this code active?

No. Loss of inter-module communication can disable safety systems, prevent gear selection, or trigger limp-home mode. The vehicle should be repaired before normal operation resumes.

Why does the code return immediately after clearing?

The underlying electrical fault—such as an intermittent short, corrosion, or a failing module—remains present. The code will persist until the physical wiring or faulty module is repaired.