U3560 code meaning
Cathode Backpressure Valve Position Sensor Circuit
Network system Generic code U35xx codes Check engine light
What U3560 means
U3560 is set when the signal of the position sensor on the cathode backpressure valve is missing, shorted or outside its electrical range. Outlet valves of this kind are often throttle flaps whose angle is reported back, as a Hydrogenics patent shows for the cathode and purge valves of a stack. The reading matters beyond the valve: in a GM patent the controller turns the valve position into an expected air-side pressure and compares it with the measured one to reveal leaks or blockages in the air path, so without a believable angle that check loses its footing. No manufacturer publishes U3560. The controller may carry on regulating from pressure alone or park the flap in a safe position; a warning and limited output are likely. Faults in powering the same valve are logged as U355F.
U3560 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyWorkshop only
- Typical labor0.5 to 3 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of U3560
- Fuel cell system warning, MIL on
- Reduced power
- Further air path codes stored at the same time
Common causes of U3560
- Most likelyOpen, short or moisture in the position sensor wiring or connector
- PossiblePosition sensor faulty (often only available with the valve unit)
- Less likelySensor 5 V supply or ground missing
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Cathode backpressure valve position sensorSensor wiring
What each part of U3560 means
| U | Network system: communication between the control modules (CAN bus). |
| 3 | Reserved range, usually generic. |
| 60 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note U3560 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 U3560
What does U3560 mean?
U3560 means "Cathode Backpressure Valve Position Sensor Circuit". U3560 is set when the signal of the position sensor on the cathode backpressure valve is missing, shorted or outside its electrical range. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with U3560?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With U3560 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will U3560 fail an emissions test?
U3560 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 U3560 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 3 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will U3560 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.