HomeTrouble CodesU0191

U0191 — Lost Communication Television

Generic OBD-II · all makesNetwork / communication

U0191 indicates that a vehicle control module has lost communication with the TV (typically the rear seat entertainment or television module) on the controller area network (CAN). The code is set when the monitoring module does not receive expected periodic messages from the TV module for a predetermined period. This is primarily a network communication fault and does not directly affect engine operation, though related features may be inoperative.

Symptoms

What causes it — most likely first

1. Faulty TV module

The rear‑seat television/entertainment module itself may have failed, preventing it from sending messages on the CAN bus.

2. Power supply issue to TV module

A blown fuse, bad relay, or loss of voltage/ground can leave the module powered off, causing a communication loss.

3. Wiring or connector damage

Open, shorted, or corroded wires and poor terminal connections in the TV module circuit disrupt CAN messaging.

4. CAN bus wiring problem

A fault on the CAN high or low line (e.g., short to ground, short to power, or high resistance) can block messages from the TV module.

5. Failed other control module on the same bus

Another module (such as the HVAC or audio module) that shares the bus may fail and flood the network, preventing the TV module from communicating.

6. Faulty PCM/ECM (rare)

In very few cases the powertrain control module itself may be unable to process CAN traffic, but this is the least likely cause and should be investigated only after the above items are ruled out.

How it's diagnosed

  1. Connect an OBD‑II scanner and record all stored codes, noting whether U0191 is present alone or with other network codes.
  2. Visually inspect the TV module for signs of damage (no power, blank screen) and verify its fuse and power/ground connections.
  3. Measure voltage at the module’s power feed and check the ground circuit for continuity.
  4. Inspect the wiring harness and connectors between the TV module and the CAN bus for damage, corrosion, or loose pins.
  5. Perform a CAN bus resistance and signal integrity test with a multimeter or scan tool to identify shorts, opens, or excessive resistance.
  6. If the above checks are normal, substitute a known‑good TV module (or reinstall the original after clearing) to see if the communication loss persists.

Code facts & related codes

SystemNetwork / communication
StandardizationSAE generic — identical on every make

Frequently asked

My mechanic says the PCM needs to be replaced for U0191. Is that usually necessary?

No. The code most often points to a problem with the TV module, its power supply, or the CAN wiring. Replacing the PCM is rarely required and is often a misdiagnosis.

Can I drive the vehicle with U0191 set?

Yes, the car will typically drive and run normally, but you may lose rear‑seat entertainment or audio features until the issue is resolved.

Will clearing the code with a scanner fix the problem?

Clearing the code will turn off the MIL temporarily, but if the underlying fault remains, the code will reappear after a drive cycle.

What could cause the TV module to lose power?

Common causes include a blown fuse, a faulty relay, corrosion or damage to the power/ground wiring, or a failed connection at the module.