HomeTrouble CodesU0655

U0655 — Lost Communication Diesel Intake Air Flow B Position Sensor

Generic OBD-II · all makesNetwork / communication

This code indicates the engine control module (ECM) has lost digital communication with the secondary (or 'B') intake air flow position sensor on a diesel engine, typically via the CAN or LIN data bus. The loss of signal prevents the ECM from monitoring intake air mass or throttle flap position, often triggering reduced power mode to protect the engine.

Symptoms

What causes it — most likely first

1. Wiring or connector faults

Corroded, damaged, or loose terminals in the sensor harness or connector interrupt the communication lines or power and ground circuits, which is the most common root cause for U-codes.

2. Sensor internal failure

The air flow position sensor’s internal communication circuitry has failed, preventing it from responding to bus requests despite receiving correct power and ground.

3. Power or ground disruption

A blown fuse, corroded ground eyelet, or high-resistance connection on the sensor’s reference voltage circuit causes intermittent or total communication loss.

4. Bus line circuit interruption

An open circuit, short-to-power, or short-to-ground in the CAN high/low or LIN bus lines connecting the sensor to the network disrupts data transmission.

5. Control module failure

Rare internal ECM hardware fault affecting the specific communication circuit for this sensor; verify all wiring, power, and sensor integrity before considering this possibility.

How it's diagnosed

  1. Inspect the sensor connector and wiring harness for corrosion, pin push-out, moisture intrusion, or chafing damage.
  2. Verify battery voltage and ground continuity at the sensor connector with a digital multimeter while wiggling the harness.
  3. Check bus communication circuit integrity by measuring resistance between CAN high and low (typically ~60 ohms) or verifying LIN bus voltage against specification.
  4. Use a scan tool to view live data and attempt to wake the sensor; compare communication waveforms with a known-good trace if available.
  5. Substitute the suspect sensor with a known-good unit or bench-test the sensor to isolate an internal failure.
  6. Only after exhaustively verifying all wiring, powers, grounds, and sensor integrity, consider ECM hardware failure as a last resort.

Code facts & related codes

SystemNetwork / communication
StandardizationSAE generic — identical on every make

Frequently asked

Is this code always caused by a bad sensor?

No. Communication loss is more frequently caused by wiring, connector corrosion, or power supply issues than by the sensor itself; always inspect the harness and terminals first.

Can I continue driving with the U0655 code?

Driving is not recommended. Diesel engines rely on accurate air flow data for emissions control and fuel metering; the vehicle will likely enter limp mode with significantly reduced power and potential catalyst damage risk.

My mechanic says I need a new engine computer. Is that correct?

Probably not. While a failed ECM can theoretically cause this code, it is statistically unlikely. Exhaust all wiring, connector, and sensor testing before considering control module replacement, as misdiagnosis leading to unnecessary ECM replacement is common.

What does 'Sensor B' refer to on a diesel engine?

It typically denotes a secondary sensor in a dual-sensor assembly, the sensor on bank B of a V-configuration engine, or the second redundant sensor in the intake tract; consult the specific service manual for your engine configuration to confirm.