U0191 code meaning
Lost Communication With Television
What U0191 means
U0191 means the television tuner has dropped off the vehicle network. J2012 simply calls it Television: a receiver for mostly digital terrestrial TV that hands the picture to the central display or to rear screens. GM fills the slot under that name in the Saab U-code lists of the 9-5 from 2010-2011 and the 9-4X from 2011; the NHTSA bulletin index has no matching entry. A listening unit, usually the radio or the display, records the code once the tuner's cyclic frames stay away while supply voltage is normal (GM: 9-16 V). The TV source then disappears or stays black, while radio and navigation carry on. U0492 reports invalid data from the same tuner, U0184 concerns the radio. No MIL.
U0191 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.3 to 2 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of U0191
- TV source missing from the media menu
- Black screen or no-signal message when TV is selected
- Code stored in radio or display unit
Common causes of U0191
- Most likelyTV tuner without power or ground (fuse, connector)
- PossibleHistory entry after flat battery or tuner unplugged with bus awake
- PossibleBus line or connector to the tuner damaged
- Less likelyTV tuner module faulty
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Television tuner moduleCAN bus wiring
What each part of U0191 means
| U | Network system: communication between the control modules (CAN bus). |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 91 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note U0191 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 U0191
What does U0191 mean?
U0191 means "Lost Communication With Television". U0191 means the television tuner has dropped off the vehicle network. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with U0191?
U0191 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will U0191 fail an emissions test?
U0191 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 U0191 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.3 to 2 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will U0191 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.