U0140 on 2011-2015 Chrysler 200: Lost Communication With Body Control Module Fixes

What's Unique About the 2011-2015 Chrysler 200

For the 2011-2015 Chrysler 200, this code is frequently linked to software glitches in the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), particularly on first-generation (2011-2014) models. Chrysler has issued multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) indicating that a PCM software update can resolve U0140, often when it appears with other seemingly unrelated codes. TSB #18-071-16 is a prime example, specifically calling for a PCM reflash on 2011 models to correct this issue. This suggests that before replacing any hardware, ensuring the vehicle's main computer has the latest software is a critical, manufacturer-recommended first step.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Tap your situation to follow the diagnostic path that matches what you're seeing on this vehicle.

Generation note: This range covers two generations of the Chrysler 200: the first generation (JS) from 2011-2014 and the second generation (UF) starting in 2015. The TSBs specifically mentioning PCM software updates as a fix primarily apply to the first generation. The 2015 model has a different BCM design, which is integrated into the interior fuse box (also known as the Power Distribution Center).

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check engine light is on
• Malfunctioning power windows or door locks
• Erratic or non-working interior and exterior lights
• Wipers operating incorrectly or not at all
• Vehicle may not start, or may stall
• Multiple other warning lights (ABS, traction control, airbag) may illuminate simultaneously
• Poor or slow acceleration
• Instrument panel gauges behaving erratically
• Remote keyless entry fails to work

Most Likely Causes

1. Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Software Update Needed 🔴 High Probability Multiple TSBs (#18-022-17 REV. A, #18-050-16 REV. A, #1810216, #18-071-16) confirm that software glitches can cause this code, often in conjunction with others. TSB 18-071-16 specifically targets the 2011 Chrysler 200 for a PCM reflash to fix U0140.
   How to confirm: A Chrysler dealer or a shop with a subscription to Chrysler's diagnostic software (wiTECH) can check the current software version against the latest available version.
   Typical fix: Reprogramming the PCM with the latest software. This is often referred to as a 'flash update'.
   Est. part cost: $0
2. Poor Battery Voltage or Bad Ground Connection 🟡 Medium Probability All modern electronic modules are sensitive to low voltage. A weak battery, failing alternator, or corroded ground strap can disrupt communication between modules. Some owners have fixed persistent electrical issues, including no-start problems, by adding a supplementary ground wire from the battery negative terminal to the transmission case or chassis.
   How to confirm: Test the battery voltage with a multimeter; it should be above 12.4V with the engine off. Check the main ground connections from the battery to the chassis and from the engine block to the frame for corrosion or looseness.
   Typical fix: Clean or tighten ground connections. Replace the battery if it fails a load test. Adding a 4-gauge ground wire is a popular DIY fix.
   Est. part cost: $10-$250
3. Damaged Wiring or Loose Connectors 🟡 Medium Probability The CAN bus wiring that connects the modules can become chafed, corroded, or disconnected, interrupting the signal between the PCM and BCM. Rodent damage to wiring harnesses is also a possible cause.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the wiring harnesses going to the PCM (under the hood near the battery) and the BCM (under the dash on the driver's side, often integrated with the fuse panel). Look for corrosion in the connectors, especially for signs of water intrusion.
   Typical fix: Repairing the damaged section of wire or cleaning/re-seating the connectors. This may involve splicing in new pigtail connectors.
   Est. part cost: $5-$100
4. Failed Body Control Module (BCM) ⚪ Low Probability While less common than software or wiring issues, the BCM itself can fail due to internal faults, component fatigue, or water intrusion. On 2015+ models, the BCM is integrated with the interior fuse panel, making it a single, more complex unit to replace.
   How to confirm: This is typically diagnosed by exclusion. If all wiring, grounds, and software are confirmed to be good, and a scan tool still cannot communicate with the BCM, the module is likely faulty.
   Typical fix: Replacing the Body Control Module. The new module will require programming to the vehicle's VIN and specific options, which must be done by a dealer or a specialized shop.
   Est. part cost: $150-$450

Rare But Worth Checking

• Failed Powertrain Control Module (PCM): It's rare for the PCM to be the source of the failure, but if it has internal faults, it may not be able to communicate with any other modules. This usually presents with multiple other communication codes and potential misfire codes.
• Faulty Aftermarket Accessory: Improperly installed remote starters, alarms, or audio equipment can interfere with the CAN bus network and cause communication errors. These devices can introduce noise or draw excessive power, disrupting module communication.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Check for Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for your specific year and model. A PCM software update is a very likely fix, especially for 2011-2014 models.
2. Using a multimeter, test the battery and charging system. Voltage should be above 12.4V with the engine off and between 13.2-14.5V with the engine running. Low voltage is a primary cause of communication codes.
3. Inspect all fuses related to the BCM and PCM. On the 2015+ models, the BCM is part of the interior fuse panel. Check for any blown fuses, which could indicate a short circuit.
4. Inspect the main battery ground (negative cable to chassis) and chassis-to-engine ground straps for tightness and corrosion. Clean as necessary. Consider adding a supplemental ground wire as a preventative measure.
5. Visually inspect the wiring harness and connectors at the PCM (under the hood) and the BCM (under the driver's side dash, near the kick panel) for any signs of damage, chafing, water intrusion, or corrosion.
6. If an aftermarket accessory like a remote starter or alarm is installed, try disconnecting it to see if communication is restored.
7. If all of the above check out, consult a dealer or qualified shop to check the PCM software version and perform an update if one is available. Ensure they use a battery charger during the flash process to maintain stable voltage.
8. If the software is up to date and the code persists, advanced diagnostics on the CAN bus network are needed. This involves checking for 60-ohm resistance across the CAN high and CAN low pins to verify the integrity of the network and its terminating resistors. This step is best left to a professional.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Body Control Module (BCM) (OEM #68235282AF (supersedes 68145625AE for some 2015 models)) — Replaced only after all other possibilities (software, wiring, grounds) have been exhausted. The BCM is the module that has lost communication.

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0441 — Mentioned together in TSB #18-022-17 REV. A and #1810216, suggesting a common software-related root cause.
• P0116 — Mentioned together in TSB #18-022-17 REV. A and #18-080-16, pointing to a potential PCM software issue.
• P2610 — Listed with U0140 in TSB #18-050-16 REV. A, indicating a group of codes that can be resolved by a PCM update.
• P0335 — Listed with U0140 in TSB #18-050-16 REV. A, indicating a group of codes that can be resolved by a PCM update.
• U0101 — Lost communication with TCM. This often appears alongside other communication codes when there is a network-wide issue, such as a bad ground or wiring problem.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• 18-022-17 REV. A: Mentions U0140 as one of several potential DTCs that can be fixed with a PCM software update for 2015 models.
• 18-050-16 REV. A: Lists U0140 as a possible DTC set in the PCM for 2013 models that a software update can fix.
• 1810216: Notes U0140 as a potential DTC for 2012 models, solvable by a PCM flash.
• 18-080-16: Cites U0140 for the 2012 model year specifically, related to a PCM software update.
• 18-071-16: Involves reprogramming the PCM with updated software to address various DTCs, including U0140, on 2011 Chrysler 200, Dodge Avenger, and Dodge Journey models.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• A known issue on 2011-2014 models is that outdated PCM software can cause U0140 to set, often along with other codes. TSB #18-071-16 specifically calls out reprogramming the PCM for 2011 models.
• Multiple TSBs for 2011-2015 models (e.g., #18-022-17 REV. A, #18-050-16 REV. A) list U0140 as one of several codes that may be resolved with a PCM software update.
• Owners have reported that adding an additional 4-gauge ground wire from the battery negative post to a solid point on the transmission housing or chassis can resolve a variety of intermittent electrical problems, including no-start conditions sometimes associated with U0140.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• CAN Bus Network Resistance — expected: Approximately 60 Ohms. Failure: A reading of 120 Ohms indicates one of the two terminating resistors is not being seen by the meter. A reading significantly lower than 60 Ohms (e.g., 45 Ohms) could indicate a third, unintended resistor on the network (like a faulty module or improper aftermarket wiring). An open circuit (OL) indicates a break in the wiring.
• CAN Bus Voltage (Key-On, Engine-Off) — expected: CAN High (Pin 6) and CAN Low (Pin 14) should both have a bias voltage of approximately 2.5V. During communication, CAN High will pulse up to ~3.5V and CAN Low will pulse down to ~1.5V.. Failure: Voltages that are stuck high, low, or near 0V indicate a short to power or ground on the bus. These measurements are best observed with an oscilloscope.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• wiTECH (Chrysler Dealer Tool): Vehicle Topology — This is the primary screen to use when diagnosing a communication code like U0140. It displays a visual map of all vehicle modules. Modules that are not communicating are typically highlighted in red, immediately showing the technician that the BCM is offline.
• wiTECH (Chrysler Dealer Tool): Network Test — After identifying a non-communicating module in the topology view, a network test can be run. This function sends test messages to specific modules to confirm if the wiring path is intact and if the module can respond, helping to differentiate between a wiring fault and an internal module failure.
• wiTECH (Chrysler Dealer Tool): Restore Vehicle Configuration — This function is required after replacing a Body Control Module. It programs the new BCM with the vehicle's specific equipment and options (e.g., sunroof, premium audio, etc.) based on its VIN. A BCM will not function correctly without this step.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• CAN-C Bus Wires — Throughout the vehicle, connecting major modules like the PCM, BCM, and ABS. At the Data Link Connector (OBD-II port), they are at Pin 6 (CAN-C High) and Pin 14 (CAN-C Low).. These are the direct communication lines between the PCM and BCM. The typical wire colors are White/Light Blue for CAN-C High and White/Orange for CAN-C Low. Damage to these wires will sever communication.
• G302 / G306 — Located in the right (passenger side) kick panel area.. This is a major body ground point. A loose or corroded connection here can cause intermittent or total failure of modules located nearby, including potentially the BCM or related components, leading to communication codes.
• G300 — Located in the driver's side A-pillar or kick panel area, under the dash.. This is a primary ground point for many interior electronics. Since the BCM is located under the driver's dash, a poor connection at G300 is a highly probable cause for BCM power issues and resulting communication faults like U0140.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• CarComplaints.com user 'mjc' (2015 Chrysler 200 C V6) — After a transmission repair, the car jerked, and multiple warning lights came on with messages to service various systems. The dealer found numerous 'lost communication' codes.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Initial computer scan was inconclusive, requiring a priority ticket with Chrysler.
  ✅ What actually fixed it Chrysler technical support recommended replacing the Body Control Module (BCM) due to a suspected internal failure. The BCM was replaced and the issue was resolved.
• iATN (International Automotive Technicians Network) post (Chrysler vehicle with CAN-C bus architecture similar to the 200) — No crank, all dash lights illuminated, key fobs not working. Scan tool showed no communication with any modules on the main CAN-C bus (PCM, ABS, etc.).
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Unplugging the PCM and ABS modules did not restore communication.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The technician isolated the network by unplugging harness connectors and found that disconnecting a specific branch restored communication. The fault was traced to a poorly installed, water-damaged aftermarket alarm that was piggybacked onto the CAN bus wires at the Wireless Control Module (WCM), shorting out the entire network.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 68145625AE, 68145625AG, etc. → 68235282AF (example for some 2015 models) — Internal revisions by the manufacturer to improve reliability or address known faults.
  Heads up: For the 2015+ models, the BCM is integrated into the fuse box and is highly specific to the vehicle's options (VIN-locked). A replacement module, even with a correct part number, must be programmed by a dealer or specialist service to match the car's configuration.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2011-2014 (JS Platform): The Body Control Module (BCM) is a standalone black box module, typically located under the driver's side of the dashboard, near the steering column or kick panel. TSBs for software updates are most common for these years.
• 2015-2017 (UF Platform): The Body Control Module (BCM) is no longer a separate module. Its functions are integrated directly into the main interior fuse box assembly (sometimes called the Junction Block or Power Distribution Center). Replacement requires swapping the entire fuse box unit and programming it to the vehicle's VIN.