U0273 code meaning
Lost Communication With Lighting Driver Control Module A
What U0273 means
A lighting driver control module sits in or on a headlamp and powers its LED groups on command from a higher-level lamp or body controller. U0273 means that controller hears nothing from driver module A within its timeout. Lincoln's 2025 Navigator is a documented case: its headlamps use four lighting driver control modules, LDCMA to LDCMD, and module A received over-the-air release LDCMA-25.10.08 to correct color and brightness at switch-on. GM's 2021 Tahoe and Suburban show that such drivers are separate parts, replaced left and right to fix a bluish daytime light. No maker publishes U0273 itself or which lamp letter A serves. The lamp may keep a basic beam while adaptive or animated functions stop.
U0273 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.3 to 3 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of U0273
- Lighting warning in the instrument cluster
- Adaptive high beam, cornering light or light animation unavailable
- LED segments on one headlamp dark or in a default setting
Common causes of U0273
- Most likelyMoisture or corrosion at the headlamp connector of driver module A
- PossibleDriver module A without supply or ground (fuse, splice)
- PossibleModule software outdated or update interrupted
- Less likelyDriver module A internally faulty (often only with complete headlamp)
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Lighting driver module aVehicle bus wiring
What each part of U0273 means
| U | Network system: communication between the control modules (CAN bus). |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 73 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note U0273 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 U0273
What does U0273 mean?
U0273 means "Lost Communication With Lighting Driver Control Module A". A lighting driver control module sits in or on a headlamp and powers its LED groups on command from a higher-level lamp or body controller. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with U0273?
U0273 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will U0273 fail an emissions test?
U0273 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 U0273 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.3 to 3 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will U0273 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.