U0183 code meaning
Lost Communication With Lighting Control Module - Rear A
What U0183 means
U0183 refers to rear lighting control module A, the unit that drives tail, brake, turn and in some designs reversing lamps at the back of the vehicle. A second rear unit, B, has U0252, the front module U0182. Such modules are found where LED rear lamps are switched and checked electronically, for example in a tailgate. No manufacturer documents U0183 publicly; neither GM's U-code list nor the NHTSA bulletin index carries it. GM's generic description for codes U0100-U02FF gives the trigger: an expected periodic message from the module goes missing while the system voltage is 9-16 V. Rear lamps may fail, fall back to a default pattern or raise a bulb warning. That matters for being seen, although no MIL is involved.
U0183 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 3 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of U0183
- Tail, brake or turn lamps at the rear not working
- Bulb or lighting warning in the cluster
- Rear lamps in a fixed default mode
Common causes of U0183
- Most likelyRear lighting module without power or ground
- PossibleWiring broken in the tailgate or trunk lid hinge loom
- PossibleCorroded connector at the rear lamp or module
- Less likelyRear lighting control module A faulty
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Rear lighting module aCAN bus wiring
What each part of U0183 means
| U | Network system: communication between the control modules (CAN bus). |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 83 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note U0183 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 U0183
What does U0183 mean?
U0183 means "Lost Communication With Lighting Control Module - Rear A". U0183 refers to rear lighting control module A, the unit that drives tail, brake, turn and in some designs reversing lamps at the back of the vehicle. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with U0183?
U0183 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will U0183 fail an emissions test?
U0183 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 U0183 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 3 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will U0183 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.