U0163 code meaning
Lost Communication With Navigation Control Module
What U0163 means
U0163 is logged when the navigation control module, the computer that works out position and route, stops communicating. In many cars this function is built into the head unit, in others it is a separate box behind the trim. Listeners such as the instrument cluster, a camera unit or the telematics module show turn arrows or a map on their own screens and therefore watch its messages; GM's general rule for U0100-U02FF codes applies: supervised message missing at 9-16 V. No manufacturer documents U0163 in an openly accessible source. U0162 refers to the navigation display, U016A to a separate GPS receiver, U0464 to implausible navigation data. Navigation, map and route guidance fail; no MIL.
U0163 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.3 to 3 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of U0163
- Navigation and route guidance unavailable
- Turn arrows missing in the cluster or head-up display
- Code stored in the cluster or other display modules
Common causes of U0163
- Most likelyNavigation unit fuse, supply or ground faulty
- PossibleConnector at the head unit or navigation box loose or corroded
- PossibleNavigation software hang or failed map/software update
- Less likelyNavigation control module internally faulty
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Navigation control moduleCAN bus wiring
What each part of U0163 means
| U | Network system: communication between the control modules (CAN bus). |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 63 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note U0163 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 U0163
What does U0163 mean?
U0163 means "Lost Communication With Navigation Control Module". U0163 is logged when the navigation control module, the computer that works out position and route, stops communicating. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with U0163?
U0163 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will U0163 fail an emissions test?
U0163 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 U0163 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.3 to 3 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will U0163 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.