The Automatic Lighting Control Module has stopped transmitting on the vehicle data bus, so other control units no longer receive its messages. Automatic exterior lighting (auto headlamps) stops working. 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
- Headlamp control module unpowered
- CAN wiring to headlamp 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 U0180 means
- U: Communication network
- 0: Generic code: same on every make
- 1: Subsystem depends on the code range
- 80: Specific fault in that system
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep driving with code U0180?
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 U0180?
The most common causes are: headlamp control module unpowered; cAN wiring to headlamp 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.