U0216 code meaning
Lost Communication With Door Switch B
What U0216 means
U0216 reports that door switch unit B has dropped off the network. FCA uses the code on the 2014 Jeep Cherokee (KL) and its text names the driver door switch as the missing partner, so B is the driver's panel there. Bulletin 08-013-15, which replaced 08-111-14 and was also issued as rapid response transmittal 15-021, covers vehicles built up to 11 July 2014: after the battery had been disconnected, the cluster could show Start/Stop Not Available and the BCM held U0216. The cure was new BCM software, followed by restoring and aligning the Proxi configuration whenever the start/stop message had appeared. On other vehicles a wiring fault in the driver door remains the usual suspect. No MIL.
U0216 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.3 to 1.5 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of U0216
- Cluster message Start/Stop Not Available
- Code appears after the battery was disconnected
- Keys on the driver's switch panel may not respond
Common causes of U0216
- Most likelyOutdated BCM software (FCA 2014 Cherokee, bulletin 08-013-15)
- PossibleVehicle configuration (Proxi) no longer consistent after battery disconnect
- PossibleDamaged wiring or connector between driver door and body
- Less likelyDriver door switch unit failed
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Door switch bLin busBody control module
What each part of U0216 means
| U | Network system: communication between the control modules (CAN bus). |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 16 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note U0216 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 U0216
What does U0216 mean?
U0216 means "Lost Communication With Door Switch B". U0216 reports that door switch unit B has dropped off the network. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with U0216?
U0216 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will U0216 fail an emissions test?
U0216 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 U0216 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.3 to 1.5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will U0216 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.