U0208 code meaning
Lost Communication With Seat Control Module A
What U0208 means
U0208 says seat control module A has dropped out, mostly a driver's seat unit. The letter is used differently: FCA radio bulletin 08-108-14 (2015 Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, Ram) calls it the heated seat control module and removes a false U0208-00 on the Cherokee with new Uconnect radio software; Audi bulletin 2067722 (Q7 2017–2024, SQ7) finds U020800 with a dead driver seat when road salt under the driver-side sill carpet has oxidised splice B304; Ford SSM 55168 (2027 Expedition, Navigator) sees U0208 in several modules when the driver seat module goes quiet, also stopping the power running boards, with a software fix due. GM's 2011 Saab list names the memory seat module. No MIL.
U0208 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.3 to 4 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of U0208
- Power or memory seat does not move
- Seat heating or ventilation cannot be switched
- Power running boards fail (Ford Expedition/Navigator)
Common causes of U0208
- Most likelySplice under the driver-side carpet corroded by salt water (Audi Q7/Q8)
- PossibleSeat module or radio software (Ford SSM 55168, FCA 08-108-14)
- PossibleSeat harness pinched or unplugged under the seat
- Less likelySeat module faulty
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Seat module aCAN bus
What each part of U0208 means
| U | Network system: communication between the control modules (CAN bus). |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 08 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note U0208 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 U0208
What does U0208 mean?
U0208 means "Lost Communication With Seat Control Module A". U0208 says seat control module A has dropped out, mostly a driver's seat unit. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with U0208?
U0208 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will U0208 fail an emissions test?
U0208 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 U0208 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.3 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will U0208 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.