The Audible Alert Control Module has stopped transmitting on the vehicle data bus, so other control units no longer receive its messages. Chimes and warning buzzers may not sound. Typical causes are loss of power or ground at the module, an open or shorted CAN/LIN bus wire, a connector fault, or an internal module failure.
Medium severity. Can I keep driving?It depends on which control module has dropped out. If it affects the engine, brakes, or steering, do not continue your trip: call for roadside assistance.
Symptoms
- Multiple warning lights may illuminate
- Affected modules may go into limp mode or shut down
- Specific functions inoperative depending on module
- Diagnostic tools may show communication faults
Most likely causes
- Chime module unpowered
- CAN wiring to chime module broken
- Gateway module routing CAN messages incorrectly
What to check, in order
Start with the simplest. You can tick off each step.
Good to know
- Repair difficulty: medium
What each character of U0160 means
- U: Communication network
- 0: Generic code: same on every make
- 1: Subsystem depends on the code range
- 60: Specific fault in that system
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep driving with code U0160?
It depends on which control module has dropped out. If it affects the engine, brakes, or steering, do not continue your trip: call for roadside assistance.
What causes code U0160?
The most common causes are: chime module unpowered; cAN wiring to chime module broken; gateway module routing CAN messages incorrectly.
Sources
Values and procedures vary by manufacturer. If it affects brakes, steering, fuel or high voltage, see a professional. Updated: 2026-11-04. How we build these pages.