U1510 on 2014-2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: Causes and Fixes for Communication Faults

What's Unique About the 2014-2016 Chevrolet SILVERADO 1500

For this generation of Silverado (and its K2XX platform mates like the GMC Sierra), the U1510 code is very frequently linked to two well-documented issues. The first is a poor ground connection at location G218, a manufacturing flaw where dash insulation gets trapped under the ground terminal, causing a cascade of seemingly unrelated electrical problems and communication codes. The second is a high-failure-rate active grille shutter assembly, which contains a module that communicates over the LIN bus and is known to fail.

Diagnostic Flowchart

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

Generation note: The 2014-2016 model years fall within the third generation (K2XX) of the Chevrolet Silverado, which ran from 2014 to 2019. The issues described, particularly the G218 ground fault and active grille shutter failures, are common across this entire generation and its platform mates. A minor front-end facelift occurred for the 2016 model year, but the underlying active grille shutter system and its common failure points remained largely the same as the 2014-2015 models.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light is on
• Service Stabilitrak message
• Reduced power steering assist or jerking/kicking feedback in the steering wheel
• Instrument panel, radio, or HVAC display goes blank intermittently
• Engine may stall, especially at low speeds while turning
• Alarm sounds randomly when locking doors
• Wipers operate erratically or park in the wrong position
• "Service Trailer Brake System" message may appear
• Active grille shutters do not open or close (often stuck open)
• Remote start feature is disabled

Most Likely Causes

1. Poor Body Control Module (BCM) Ground at G218 🔴 High Probability A widespread manufacturing defect documented in GM Technical Service Bulletin PIT5405C. The dash insulator mat can get trapped between the ground terminal and the body stud from the factory, creating a poor connection that worsens over time due to vibration and temperature changes.
   How to confirm: Locate the G218 ground stud on the driver's side, under the dash near the A-pillar speaker and above the hood release lever. Pull back the carpet and foam insulation. Visually inspect if the foam is pinched under the ground terminal's eyelet. The 10mm nut may feel tight, but the connection is still poor due to the trapped insulation.
   Typical fix: Disconnect the negative battery terminal. Remove the 10mm nut and the ground eyelet. Use a utility knife or shears to trim away the interfering foam insulation mat. Scrape the body surface and the eyelet terminal clean to ensure bare metal contact. Securely retighten the nut and reconnect the battery.
   Est. part cost: $0-$5
2. Failed Active Grille Shutter Assembly 🔴 High Probability The actuator motor or the integrated control module within the shutter assembly is a very common failure point. This module communicates via the LIN bus, and when its internal logic fails, it stops responding to the ECM, triggering a U1510 code.
   How to confirm: Use a capable scan tool to command the shutters to open and close; if they don't respond, the assembly is likely faulty. Visually inspect for damage, obstruction (like a bird's nest), or if the shutters are stuck. At the shutter assembly connector, use a multimeter to check for 12V+ power (Violet/Blue wire), good ground (Black wire), and a fluctuating data signal on the LIN bus wire (Green/Violet wire) with the key on. If power and ground are good but the data line is flat or stuck at a constant voltage, 🎬 See how to diagnose the U1510 active grille shutter code. the shutter assembly has failed.
   Typical fix: The entire active grille shutter assembly must be replaced as a single unit. The actuator motor is not sold separately. This involves removing the front grille for access. 🎬 Watch: How to replace the grille shutter assembly on GM trucks.
   Est. part cost: $220-$450

Rare But Worth Checking

• Loose or Corroded Battery Cable Connections: TSB PIT5405C also advises checking all main battery connections, including at the battery posts, fuse block, and the engine block ground strap. Low or unstable system voltage can cause widespread communication errors. Ensure terminals are clean and torqued to spec.
• Damaged Wiring Harness: While less common than the G218 ground or shutter failure, damage to the LIN bus wire (typically a green/violet wire) between the ECM/BCM and the active grille shutter can cause this code. Look for chafing or breaks, especially near the front of the vehicle where it's exposed. TSB 21-NA-077 notes to inspect connector X132 for broken wiring or water intrusion.
• Blown Fuse: The active grille shutter is powered by a fuse in the underhood fuse block (X50A). For 2014-2016 models, this is typically fuse F47. Always check this fuse before replacing expensive parts.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Scan for all DTCs in all modules. Note which module set the U1510 code (e.g., ECM, BCM). If many other 'U' codes are present, suspect a systemic voltage/ground issue.
2. IMMEDIATELY INSPECT THE G218 GROUND. This is the most common and cheapest fix. It's located under the driver's side dash, near the A-pillar, above the hood release.
3. Pull back the carpet and foam insulation. Check if the foam mat is caught under the ground terminal eyelet.
4. Disconnect the battery. Remove the 10mm nut, trim the insulation away, clean the contacts to bare metal, and re-secure the ground tightly. Clear codes, reconnect the battery, and see if the issue returns.
5. If the code persists, focus on the Active Grille Shutter. Check the 'Aero Shutter' fuse (F47 in the underhood fuse block).
6. Visually inspect the shutter through the grille for damage or foreign objects like nests or road debris.
7. Using a bidirectional scan tool, command the active grille shutters to open and close. If they do not respond, proceed to test the wiring.
8. At the grille shutter connector (X317), with the key on, verify battery voltage on the Violet/Blue wire (Pin 1), a solid ground on the Black wire (Pin 4), and a fluctuating voltage signal (LIN bus) on the Green/Violet wire (Pin 3).
9. If power and ground are present but the shutter does not work and the data line signal is absent or flat (stuck at 12V), the shutter assembly has failed and needs replacement.
10. If other U-codes are present, thoroughly inspect all battery cable connections for tightness and corrosion, including the main fuse block and engine/body grounds per TSB PIT5405C.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Active Grille Shutter Assembly (OEM #84113869 (supersedes 23392173), 84651500, 84363184) — This is the most common part replacement for U1510 when the G218 ground is not the cause. The internal actuator module fails, requiring replacement of the whole assembly.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco (OEM), Dorman, Replacement/Kool-Vue
  OEM price range: $350-$450
  Aftermarket price range: $220-$350

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• U0073 — Control Module Communication Bus 'A' Off - Often set alongside U1510 due to the G218 ground issue.
• U0140 — Lost Communication With Body Control Module - Directly related to the G218 BCM ground fault.
• U0415 — Invalid Data Received From Anti-Lock Brake System Control Module - Another common code caused by the unstable voltage from the G218 ground issue.
• C0544 — Steering Wheel Angle Sensor Circuit Malfunction - Often appears with power steering problems caused by the G218 ground fault.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• PIT5405C: The definitive TSB for this issue. It lists numerous electrical symptoms (stalling, blank screens, etc.) and a long list of DTCs (including U1510) caused by a poor BCM ground at G218, a shorting starter cable, or loose battery connections.
• PIT5405B / PIT5405A / PIT5405: Earlier revisions of the same TSB, indicating this has been a known issue for a long time.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• A widespread manufacturing issue where the dash insulator mat interferes with the BCM ground at G218 is documented in TSB PIT5405C, causing a host of electrical faults including U1510.
• Owners report that the active grille shutter assembly is prone to failure from both the internal electronics and from physical damage or obstruction, such as from birds' nests or debris.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• LIN Bus Voltage (Green/Violet wire at shutter connector) — expected: A fluctuating voltage approximately 1 volt less than battery voltage (e.g., 10-11V if battery is at 12V). A healthy LIN bus waveform toggles between ~1V and ~11-12V.. Failure: A steady, non-fluctuating voltage equal to battery voltage (e.g., 12-14V) indicates the shutter module has failed and is shorting the data line internally.
• Power Supply at Shutter Connector (Violet/Blue wire) — expected: Full battery voltage (12V+ with key on).. Failure: 0V or significantly low voltage indicates a wiring or fuse issue upstream.
• Ground at Shutter Connector (Black wire) — expected: Near 0V, with good continuity to chassis ground.. Failure: Any significant voltage reading indicates a poor ground connection.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• GM GDS2 or equivalent professional scan tool: Active Grille Air Shutter functional test / output control — This bidirectional command is used to command the shutters to open and close. If the shutters do not respond to the command despite having good power and ground, it strongly confirms a failed shutter assembly.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• G218 — Under the driver's side dash, near the A-pillar and above the hood release lever.. This is the primary ground for the Body Control Module (BCM). A manufacturing flaw often leaves insulation under this ground, causing high resistance and a multitude of communication codes, including U1510.
• Active Grille Shutter Connector (X317) — Behind the front grille, on the passenger side of the shutter assembly. It is a grey connector with a red locking tab.. This is the connection point for testing power, ground, and the LIN data signal directly at the suspect component.
• Underhood Fuse Block (X50A) — On the driver's side of the engine compartment.. This fuse block contains the fuse (typically F47, a 10A fuse) that provides power to the active grille shutter assembly.
• Engine Harness Connector (X132) — Engine harness to Active Grille Air Shutter jumper harness connector.. TSB 21-NA-077 advises inspecting this connector for broken wiring, corrosion, or water intrusion as a potential cause for shutter communication failure.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• Reddit user /u/DAT2824 (2017 Chevrolet Silverado 5.3L) — Check Engine Light with code U1510. Shutters were observed to be working (opening and closing). Engine was also running cool (around 165°F) with fans staying on.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) One shop quoted for shutter replacement, another quoted for a thermostat replacement. The user was unsure which was correct.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The user confirmed in a follow-up comment that replacing the active grille shutter assembly fixed the U1510 code and the Check Engine Light. The running cool issue was likely a separate thermostat problem (P0128), which is also common.
• Reddit user /u/[deleted] (2018 Silverado) — Check Engine Light with U1510, which disabled the remote start feature.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Initial diagnosis and forum research pointed towards the active shutter.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The user posted an update stating: "replaced shutter and CEL has not been on since."

OEM Part Supersession History

• 23392173 → 84113869, 84651500, 84363184 — Standard part updates and revisions by the manufacturer.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2014-2015 vs 2016-2018: The front grille and bumper styling were updated for the 2016 model year. While the active grille shutter part numbers and function remained the same, the procedure for removing the grille to access the shutter assembly differs slightly due to different clip and bolt locations.
• 2014-2016 vs 2017-2019: The fuse location for the active grille shutters may differ. A video guide indicates that for 2014-2016 models, a specific fuse layout is used in the underhood block, which changes for 2017-2019 models.