HomeTrouble CodesU0133

U0133 — Lost Communication Active Roll Control Module

Generic OBD-II · all makesNetwork / communication

U0133 means the vehicle’s main network has lost communication with the active roll control module, which manages the active anti-roll bar or similar roll-mitigation system. It is a communication fault rather than a sensor-performance fault, so diagnosis focuses on power, ground, wiring, and whether the module can respond on the data bus. It often appears alongside other U-codes when a broader network problem is present.

Symptoms

What causes it — most likely first

1. Wiring or connector fault in module circuits

Open, shorted, corroded, or high-resistance circuits in the power, ground, or data lines to the active roll control module are the most common reason a controller stops communicating.

2. Loss of power or ground to the module

A blown fuse, corroded ground eyelet, or damaged power feed can shut the module down and set this code even if the module itself is otherwise good.

3. Active roll control module internal failure

The module’s internal network transceiver, voltage regulator, or processor can fail, preventing it from responding on the bus.

4. Controller Area Network (CAN) bus disturbance

A short, open, termination issue, or excessive electrical noise elsewhere on the bus can isolate the module and trigger lost-communication codes.

5. Powertrain/control module or gateway fault

The main computer or network gateway is rarely the root cause for a single lost-communication code; consider it only after wiring, power, ground, and the module itself have been ruled out.

How it's diagnosed

  1. Record the code, freeze-frame data, and any accompanying U-codes; clear memory and verify whether the code returns.
  2. Visually inspect the active roll control module connector and harness for corrosion, pin damage, chafing, or moisture intrusion.
  3. Check battery voltage, fuses, relays, and ground connections serving the module; repair any power or ground issue found.
  4. Measure CAN bus voltage and resistance at the module connector, and compare readings with manufacturer specifications.
  5. If power, ground, and bus integrity are normal, test or substitute the active roll control module.
  6. Investigate the PCM, gateway, or broader network only if multiple modules on the same bus are also failing to communicate.

Code facts & related codes

SystemNetwork / communication
StandardizationSAE generic — identical on every make

Frequently asked

Can I keep driving with U0133?

You can usually drive short distances, but the active roll-control system may be disabled, so avoid aggressive cornering and have it diagnosed promptly.

Will clearing the code fix it?

Erasing the code only resets the warning. If the underlying communication fault is still present, the code and symptoms will return.

Do I need a new active roll control module?

Not necessarily. Many cases are caused by wiring, connector, power, or ground problems, so those should be checked before replacing the module.

Should the PCM/ECM be replaced for U0133?

Usually no. A single lost-communication code is almost always due to wiring, power, ground, or the module itself, not the PCM.