U0155: Lost Communication With Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) Control Module
A generic network and communication trouble code, same meaning on every brand.
Yes with care - the instrument cluster may not show warnings you need to see.
Symptoms
- Gauges dead or frozen
- Warning lights not working
- Odometer or displays blank
Likely causes, most common first
- Instrument cluster failed
- Bus wiring to the cluster damaged
- Connector behind the dashboard loose
- Power or ground fault at the cluster
Read U0155 yourself before paying for diagnosis
A basic Bluetooth OBD-II scanner ($20-40) plugs into the port under the dashboard and shows this code with live sensor data on your phone - useful both for confirming the fix and for talking to a shop from an informed position.
What is going on and how it gets diagnosed
U0155 means another module has lost contact with the instrument cluster. The cluster is not just a set of dials - on most modern cars it relays messages between systems and stores its own configuration, so losing it affects more than the display.
A practical warning: on many vehicles the cluster is matched to the car and a replacement must be programmed with the correct mileage and vehicle identity. That programming requirement, rather than the part itself, is often the larger part of the bill, and it is worth asking about before agreeing to the work.
Repair options and cost
Typical US independent-shop ranges, parts and labor. Dealers run higher; regional labor rates vary.
Owner reports mentioning U0155
“Electric power system failure causing sudden loss of power steering assist. Safety hazard steering locks up while driving requiring extreme effort to turn creating crash risk. Codes: C2217-00 and U11E8-00 Connections to Recalls: My vehicle exhibits the exact failure mode covered by recalls 16V-167 and 19E-077, but my VIN was not included despite having identical symptoms and diagnostic codes. The problem occurred about a month ago 12/15/2025. There was a warning message on the Dash and Loss of Power steering while driving. We took it to our trusted mechanic and multiply codes came up: C2217-00, U11E8-00, U0155-00, U0415-00 and C2128-00”2017 Ram 1500 · Dec 2025
“Unable to open doors with manual key after U0155 error code (lost comms with Isttument panel control cluster) and "emissions problem. Power may be reduced. Contact dealer" notification. Vehicle was left overnight after codes cleared and will not turn on or open doors. Dealer to investigate.”2024 Honda CR-V · Oct 2024
“Instrument cluster completely blacked out, providing no information on vehicle speed or status of operation. Operation of a vehicle without instrumentation would seem to be a safety risk. Chevy dealer diagnosed problem as IPC error U0155, installed updated software to correct the problem. The repair was not covered by the extended warranty I purchased through General Motors when I bought the car. I think a defect such as this should be the manufacturers responsibility, I believe GM has a service bulletin out for this problem covering several models of their vehicles. This should be upgraded to a recall.”2021 Chevrolet Blazer · May 2024
Show 5 more owner reports
“My transmission oil cooler failed causing issues with the coolant system P2797-00 Auxiliary Transmission Fluid Pump & U0155-00 lost communication with cluster/cabin compartment node B0020-13 Left side seat Airbag deployment squib 1- circuit open Body Control Module front left turn lamp control-Circuit short to Battery B163A-15 & U0155-00 lost communication with cluster/cabin compartment node Ground wire from engine to battery causing misfiring issues with start-stop relay & starter relay that both had to be replaced along with both Batteries.”2018 Jeep Compass · Apr 2024
“Car went crazy one day while behind the wheel everything malfunctioned then car shut off and won't start again. I could of easily got into an accident had there been any other vehicles around. Kids were scared. Codes come up as U0100,U0140,U0101,C0242,B0081-0F,B0081-71,B1370-01,B1370-06,U0155-00,U0170-00,P0856-00.”2008 Cadillac CTS · Jul 2023
“The instrument cluster. I found a bulletin that describes my problem word for word along with multiple complaints online with the same issue. The PRNDL does not indicate the transmission position Multiple service messages on the Driver Information Center and multiple MILs illuminated The radio does not display the temperature No audible feedback or IPC indicator when the turn signals are operating DTC U0155 (Lost Communication with Instrument Cluster)”2019 Chevrolet Tahoe · Feb 2023
“The cluster doesn't light up and the speedometer and tachometer don't work as well. Check engine Code U0155 which one of these parts that could potentially fall under this code had been replaced under warranty.”2019 Honda Fit · Jun 2022
“Code u0164 :data communication with the climate control system has been lost or interrupted. Code u0155 : data communication with the instrument panel system has been lost or interrupted. Received these codes from on stsr took my vehicle to dealership next day they said they found no errors. But, I don't know how now when ever I use xm sirius radio it always says lost connection/signal. Also, vehicle is always hot like the heater is on when it's not on. Has lost in acceleration while driving highway and city streets been doing that for the last month or 2. Also the dashboard seems to not be working no lights come on when fluids are needed.”2016 Chevrolet Cruze · Jun 2018 · 59,000 mi
Cars that report U0155 most often
Based on mentions of this code in NHTSA owner complaints.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with U0155?
Yes with care - the instrument cluster may not show warnings you need to see.
How much does it cost to fix U0155?
Typical US repair costs range from $150 for the simplest fix (connector or wiring repair) to $1,500 in the worst case. The right number depends on which cause your car has - see the causes list.
Related codes
The codes closest to U0155. They often appear together, and telling them apart is usually what narrows the diagnosis.
Definition per SAE J2012 standard nomenclature. Symptoms, causes and costs are editorial guidance - always confirm with a diagnosis of your specific vehicle.