U0167 code meaning
Lost Communication With Vehicle Immobilizer Control Module
What U0167 means
U0167 means the vehicle immobilizer control module, which checks the transponder in the key and then releases the engine controller, can no longer be heard on the bus. Since the key handshake cannot complete, the engine typically cranks without firing or does not crank at all. Ford's 2014 Boss 302S code list and the Saab 9-5 code list contain U0167. Triumph reported it in 2024 on Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X motorcycles after an immobiliser software update: the bike would not start, and switching off fully and repeating the calibration download was the remedy. Chrysler deviates from the J2012 name: a 2011 Jeep field report filed with NHTSA assigns U0167 to an intrusion transceiver module. U0168 is the separate security module.
U0167 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyHard
- Typical labor0.5 to 4 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of U0167
- Engine cranks but does not start, or no crank
- Immobilizer or key symbol flashes
- Key not recognised
Common causes of U0167
- Most likelyImmobilizer module or antenna ring without power or ground
- PossibleInterrupted or faulty immobilizer software update (Triumph 2024)
- PossibleBus or connector at the steering column damaged
- Less likelyImmobilizer control module faulty
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Immobilizer moduleCAN bus wiring
What each part of U0167 means
| U | Network system: communication between the control modules (CAN bus). |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 67 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note U0167 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 U0167
What does U0167 mean?
U0167 means "Lost Communication With Vehicle Immobilizer Control Module". U0167 means the vehicle immobilizer control module, which checks the transponder in the key and then releases the engine controller, can no longer be heard on the bus. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with U0167?
U0167 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will U0167 fail an emissions test?
U0167 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 U0167 to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will U0167 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.