Network code
U0073: Control module communication bus off
How much to fix U0073? Typically $170–$1,125.
Wide range: this job varies a lot. Itemize your quote for a better answer.
How this range is built
| Part of the job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Parts | $5 | $150 |
| Labor: 1.5 to 6 hours × $110 to $150 an hour | $165 | $900 |
| Fees: shop supplies, disposal, diagnostics | $0 | $60 |
| Total, rounded | $170 | $1,125 |
The hourly rate is the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 average pay for this trade in the US, $27.13 an hour, times 4 to 5.5 to cover what a shop bills (overhead, tools, insurance, profit). Parts are a band from budget aftermarket to the manufacturer part. Full method.
Not a repair shop, estimates only. Typical range, estimate. Not a quote. Your car, parts and shop change the number.
This is the range for the most common fix, can bus wiring repair. Which repair your car needs depends on a proper diagnosis.
The car's main data network, called the CAN bus, has shut down or is not working. That usually means a wiring, power or module problem on the network, though the exact meaning varies by make, so check the scan tool or manual. When it fails, many warning lights come on at once.
- Safe to drive?
- Short trips only
- Most common cause
- Short in CAN wiring
The car may stall or lose features. Stop if it loses power. Get it checked soon.
Get quotes from local shops
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What you may notice
- Many warning lights at once
- Gauges dead
- No-start
- Features not working
Common causes, most likely first
- Short in CAN wiring
- Weak battery or ground
- Failed module on the network
- Corroded connector
- Water damage
Check this first
Check the battery and look for recent work, aftermarket accessories, or water that could have damaged wiring.
Other repairs that sometimes fix U0073
| Repair | Typical range, US |
|---|---|
| ECU / engine control module replacement | $410 to $2,250 |
| Battery replacement | $150 to $470 |
| Diagnostic scan (check engine light) | $55 to $250 |
Before you pay
- Ask the shop what test showed this part is the cause, not just that the code appeared.
- Ask for parts and labor listed separately, and for the hours.
- Ask for a written OK before any extra work. Many states require written authorization before repairs.
Got a quote already? Check it against the range. Want to see if your car has a recall tied to this problem? Check recalls by VIN.
Need to read a code yourself? OBD-II scanners on eBay (affiliate link, disclosure).
U0073 questions
Why do so many lights come on?
When the network fails, every module loses contact with the others, so each sets its own warning. Many lights at once is a sign of a network or power problem and not of many separate failures.
Could an accessory cause it?
Yes. Poor aftermarket wiring, such as an alarm, a remote starter or a dash camera, can disrupt the network. If you recently had one installed, tell the shop so they check it first.
Is it a big repair?
It depends. Wiring faults can take time to find, so the cost depends on how long the diagnosis takes. Ask the shop for a diagnostic estimate before agreeing to chase it.
How much does it cost to fix U0073?
The most common fix, can bus wiring repair, has a typical range of $170 to $1,125 across the US. It is an estimate built from parts prices and local labor wages, not a quote. Your car and shop change it.
Typical range in 10 metro areas
Only the labor rate changes between cities. Same parts, same hours.
| Area | Typical range, estimate |
|---|---|
| Boston area, Massachusetts | $190 to $1,275 |
| New York City area | $180 to $1,200 |
| Los Angeles area, California | $180 to $1,250 |
| Chicago area, Illinois | $170 to $1,150 |
| Houston area, Texas | $160 to $1,100 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth area, Texas | $160 to $1,100 |
| Phoenix area, Arizona | $170 to $1,125 |
| Atlanta area, Georgia | $170 to $1,150 |
| Miami area, Florida | $160 to $1,125 |
| Seattle area, Washington | $190 to $1,250 |
Related codes
- U0100: Lost communication with engine computer
- U0121: Lost communication with ABS module
- B1342: Control module fault (airbag or body)
More network codes
Code meaning written in our own words. Some codes mean different things on different makes, so check your scan tool or manual. Not a repair shop, estimates only.