U0298 code meaning
Lost Communication With DC/DC Converter Control Module A
What U0298 means
A DC/DC converter adapts one direct voltage to another. Hybrids and EVs use it to charge the 12 V system from the traction battery, while some start-stop cars use it to keep the voltage steady for sensitive electronics during an engine restart. U0298 means converter module A no longer answers on the bus. Ford's 2014 OBD code list contains U0298 without the MIL. How this converter is supervised on start-stop vehicles is visible in its invalid-data partner: GM explains in 20-NA-191, covering CT4 and CT5 of model year 2020, that the ECM switches off auto stop at the first fault and lights the MIL at the second, and FCA lists DC/DC converter A data codes for the 2019 Cherokee V6. Expect start-stop to be withdrawn; on electrified cars the 12 V battery may run flat.
U0298 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 4 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of U0298
- Start-stop no longer active
- 12 V battery discharging, charge warning
- Electronics resetting during engine restarts
Common causes of U0298
- PossibleConverter connector corroded, often from water in the battery area
- PossibleBlown fuse or missing supply at converter A
- PossibleBus wiring to converter A damaged
- PossibleConverter A internally failed
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Dc dc converter module aVehicle bus wiring
What each part of U0298 means
| U | Network system: communication between the control modules (CAN bus). |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 98 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note U0298 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 U0298
What does U0298 mean?
U0298 means "Lost Communication With DC/DC Converter Control Module A". A DC/DC converter adapts one direct voltage to another. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with U0298?
U0298 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will U0298 fail an emissions test?
U0298 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 U0298 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will U0298 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.