U0294
Lost Communication with Powertrain Control Module B
A second powertrain control module (e.g. on dual-engine, twin-turbo bank-specific or range-extender vehicles) has dropped off the network. Engine power is reduced or limp-home mode is forced.
- Check engine light: Yes
- Emissions related: No
- Repair difficulty: hard
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
Common causes
Ordered by how often each turns out to be the cause.
- PCM B unpoweredCommon
- Gateway module routing CAN messages incorrectlyLess likely
- CAN terminating resistor (120 Ω) drifted out of specLess likely
Parts involved
- Powertrain Control Module
- CAN Bus Wiring
U0294 is a generic OBD-II code defined by SAE J2012. Exact wording and diagnostic procedure vary by manufacturer and model. Code definitions are drawn from the public-domain OBDex dataset; the workshop notes are our own.