B0440 code meaning
Bluetooth Module Fault
What B0440 means
No public J2012 source lists B0440, and no carmaker explains it, so the code cannot be verified. The title concerns the Bluetooth unit that pairs a phone for hands-free calls and music streaming. Automotive chips such as NXP's AW300, qualified to AEC-Q100, handle the HFP and A2DP profiles; TI's WiLink 8Q family combines Bluetooth with Wi-Fi and GNSS for infotainment units. Often the radio part sits inside the telematics or head unit: the Saab 9-5 (2011) places it in the OnStar module and switches Bluetooth off when B2485 reports its antenna open or grounded. A module fault shows as failed pairing, dropped calls or no streaming. The antenna circuit has its own title, B0460, the microphone B0450; bus loss to the telematics unit is U0198.
B0440 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 2.5 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of B0440
- Phone cannot be paired or is not found
- Hands-free calls drop or music streaming stops
- Bluetooth menu greyed out or missing
Common causes of B0440
- Most likelySoftware fault or hung state of the Bluetooth/telematics unit
- PossibleBluetooth chip or its module failed internally
- Less likelyPoor supply or ground connection at the module
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Bluetooth moduleInfotainment moduleBluetooth antenna
What each part of B0440 means
| B | Body system: airbags, seat belts, power seats, lights and climate control. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 40 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note B0440 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about B0440
What does B0440 mean?
B0440 means "Bluetooth Module Fault". No public J2012 source lists B0440, and no carmaker explains it, so the code cannot be verified. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with B0440?
B0440 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will B0440 fail an emissions test?
B0440 is not an emissions code, so on its own it usually does not fail an emissions test. Other stored codes or a lit check engine light still can.
How hard is B0440 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2.5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will B0440 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.