Home›Trouble Codes›U0292

U0292 — Lost Communication Drive Motor Control Module B

Generic OBD-II · all makesNetwork / communication

Code U0292 indicates that the vehicle's primary control module has lost network communication with Drive Motor Control Module B, which typically manages a second drive motor on hybrid or electric vehicles. This is a data-bus fault, meaning the controlling module can no longer exchange commands or status data with that motor controller.

Symptoms

What causes it — most likely first

1. Wiring harness fault on the communication bus

An open, short-to-ground, short-to-voltage, or chafed wire in the CAN bus circuit between the PCM and Drive Motor Control Module B is the most common cause.

2. Connector corrosion, bent pins, or water intrusion

Damaged or corroded connectors at the motor control module or intermediate junctions can interrupt both communication and power/ground paths.

3. Loss of power or ground to Drive Motor Control Module B

A blown fuse, failed relay, poor ground connection, or damaged power feed can prevent the module from powering up, making it appear 'lost' on the network.

4. Internal failure of Drive Motor Control Module B

The module itself may have failed internally and no longer transmits or responds on the communication bus.

5. CAN bus termination or network fault

A missing or out-of-spec termination resistor, or a bus-wide fault caused by another shorted module, can prevent communication with this specific module.

6. PCM/ECM internal communication controller failure

Rarely, the main control module's CAN transceiver may fail; this should only be considered after all wiring, power, ground, and the motor control module itself are verified.

How it's diagnosed

  1. Scan all modules and record all stored codes; note whether other network (U-code) faults are present, which helps isolate a bus-wide issue versus a single-module fault.
  2. Perform a thorough visual inspection of the harness, connectors, and ground points associated with Drive Motor Control Module B, looking for chafing, corrosion, bent pins, and water intrusion.
  3. Verify that the module has proper battery voltage and ground at its power and ground pins using a multimeter; check relevant fuses and relays.
  4. Test CAN bus continuity and resistance between the PCM and the motor control module, including termination resistance with the module disconnected.
  5. Using an oscilloscope or CAN test tool, confirm whether valid bus signals are present at the module connector; if signals arrive but the module does not respond, the module is suspect.
  6. Only after wiring, power, ground, and bus integrity are confirmed should module or PCM replacement be considered.

Code facts & related codes

SystemNetwork / communication
StandardizationSAE generic — identical on every make
Related codesU0290 — Lost Communication Active Aerodynamic U0291 — Lost Communication Gear Shift Control U0293 — Lost Communication Hybridev PowertrainU0294 — Lost Communication Powertrain Control U0295 — Lost Communication Acac Converter ContU0296 — Lost Communication Acdc Converter Cont

Frequently asked

Is it safe to drive with code U0292?

Often the vehicle will enter a reduced-power or limp mode, and the affected drive motor will be disabled. It may be drivable in a limited capacity, but it should be diagnosed promptly to avoid being stranded or causing additional drivetrain stress.

Does U0292 mean the drive motor itself is bad?

No. This code indicates a communication loss with the control module that operates the motor, not necessarily a failure of the motor. The motor and its controller are separate components, and the fault is usually in the wiring, connectors, power supply, or the controller.

I was told to replace the PCM for this code — is that correct?

Usually not. PCM/ECM failure is the least likely cause of U0292. The vast majority of cases involve wiring, connector, power/ground, or the Drive Motor Control Module B itself. Replacing the PCM should only be done after all other possibilities are verified and eliminated.

What types of vehicles get this code?

U0292 is specific to hybrid and electric vehicles that use multiple drive motor controllers, typically those with all-wheel-drive or dual-motor configurations where a second motor controller (Module B) is present.