U0196 code meaning
Lost Communication With Entertainment Control Module - Rear A
What U0196 means
U0196 refers to rear entertainment control module A, the unit that gives rear passengers their own audio or video source, headphone zones and screen control. GM's Saab U-code lists assign it to the rear audio control module for the 9-5 (2010-2011) and the 9-4X (2011), meaning the rear audio panel with headphone sockets. The front radio or the gateway logs U0196 when that panel's cyclic messages are no longer received at normal voltage, following GM's logic for U0100-U02FF. The NHTSA index lists no bulletin for this code. Rear buttons, headphone output or rear monitors stop working, while the front system usually plays on. U0191 is the TV tuner, U0184 the radio, U0497 invalid data from the rear unit. No MIL.
U0196 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.5 to 2.5 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of U0196
- Rear audio controls or headphone sockets dead
- Rear screens dark or no source selectable
- Code stored in radio or gateway
Common causes of U0196
- Most likelyRear entertainment unit without power or ground
- PossibleBus wiring to the rear unit pinched or connector loose (seat, console, headliner)
- PossibleHistory entry after low battery voltage
- Less likelyRear entertainment control module faulty
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Rear seat entertainment moduleCAN bus wiring
What each part of U0196 means
| U | Network system: communication between the control modules (CAN bus). |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 96 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note U0196 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 U0196
What does U0196 mean?
U0196 means "Lost Communication With Entertainment Control Module - Rear A". U0196 refers to rear entertainment control module A, the unit that gives rear passengers their own audio or video source, headphone zones and screen control. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with U0196?
U0196 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will U0196 fail an emissions test?
U0196 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 U0196 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2.5 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will U0196 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.