U0138 Lost Communication With All Terrain Control Module

Posted on  by

The Body Control Module (BCM) could be considered a central organizational module for your vehicle. It streamlines the manufacturing and troubleshooting aspects of electronic modules by housing the modules into one, central unit instead of each function having its own device. It also coordinates the operating functions of many non-engine related ancillary items as well as security features. If your BCM begins to malfunction, you will notice a negative effect on the operation of the various parts that the Body Control Module commands and it’s likely that you’ll experience one or more of the following symptoms:

The Intermittent Operation of Electronic Components

The problem: A chassis control module defect may cause an electrical short that might cause the vehicle to stall or not start. While General Motors said the problem can occur with about 1% of the.

Electronic components such as Exterior and Interior Lamps, Chime Warning, Courtesy Lamps, Dome Lamps, Door Ajar Status, Fog Lamps, Wiper Controls, Low and High Beam Head Lamps, Horn, Park Lamps, Central Locking, Horn Chirp, Instrumentation Lighting and Gauges, Speedometer, Odometer, Radio, Power Door Locks, Power Windows, Radio functions etc. In certain instances, these items may not operate at all.

Security Function Errors

Security functions including Remote Keyless Entry (RKE), Vehicle Anti-Theft Security System (VTSS), Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS), (PASSKEY), issues typically are related to Body Control Module failure.

  • U0138 Lost Communication With All Terrain Control Module. OBD Code: System: Subsystem: U0138 – (ASE) Network Communication Fuel and Air Metering Trouble Code Description: Lost Communication With All Terrain Control Module. Location: Analysis: Possible Causes: Tech description: Categories OBDii Network Codes Tags U0138.
  • U0121: lost communication with ABS module U0122: lost communication with vehicle dynamics control module. It seems to follow trend ie a couple of days ago, i first got 'HDC fault, system not available' but no code followed by all signs up and these two codes (U0121 & U0122) today. The same cycle happened twice before also.
  • U0141 Chrysler Lost Communication With Instrument Panel Module. U0138 Chrysler Lost Communication With All Terrain Control Module. Eddie Ferrell on P068A Mercedes-Benz Engine Control Module (ECM) / Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Power Relay De.

U0138 Lost Communication With All Terrain Control Module Pdf

Check Engine Light (CEL) or Other Instrumentation Cluster Warning Lights

A malfunctioning BCM will activate dashboard instrumentation cluster error and warning lights. These lights may flash off and on if the BCM is not able to read the sensors correctly. Your vehicle performance may also be affected as the BCM communicates with other control modules in the vehicle.

Battery Drain (Parasitic drain)

Communication

Parasitic drain is due to components in your vehicle continuing to run after the key is turned off. Some parasitic drain is normal – your battery delivers enough energy to keep things like your clock, your radio presets and your security alarm operational. Sometimes, parasitic drain exceeds what is normal, and can cause car battery drain.

No Start Condition

Because of the BCM’s communications with other modules and components you may experience a no crank or no start condition.

In many cases, your BCM will alert you to issues with symptoms, warning lights or both. The key is to heed these warning signs, take prompt action and seek help. Avoiding these warning signs or delaying taking action could cause further vehicle damage, or even a system-wide failure. BCM problems can also mask issues with other modules in your vehicle.

ModuleExperts brings more than 100 years of combined experience in module diagnostics and repairs on all types of control modules including BCM’s. In many instances, ModuleExperts can repair your BCM. In the event your BCM is beyond repair, we maintain an extensive inventory of new and remanufactured control modules to get you up and running quickly. Our A+ BBB rating proves our commitment to first-class customer service and satisfaction. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help service your control module needs.

  1. Ford »
  2. Explorer »
  3. 2012 »
  4. electrical »
  • switch makes
  • switch models
  • switch years
Print this page
  • December 3: Ford EcoBoost Problems Lead To Class Action Lawsuitnews | 9 days ago
  • November 30: Ford Recalls F-650 and F-750 Trucks With 7.3L Enginesrecalls | 12 days ago
  • November 27: DENSO Fuel Pump Recall Expandedrecalls | 15 days ago
  • November 19: Ford Explorer Carbon Monoxide Lawsuit Settlementnews | 23 days ago
  • November 15: Ford F-150 Transmission Lawsuit Dismissednews | 27 days ago

2012 Ford Explorer (Page 1 of 3)

Find something helpful? Spread the word.Share on FacebookRetweet this pageEmail this page

2012 Ford Explorer Owner Comments (Page 1 of 3)

problem #44

Explorer

  • miles
The power electric power steering assist, the power steering, my blinkers, all went out when my gear box did. For the second time. Ford has recalls on these parts but not for my VIN number. Terrain

- Coolidge, GA, USA

problem #43

Explorer

  • miles
Water is leaking from the roof that causes electrical issues. Bad design by Ford in which seal seams not properly installed, which cause leaks inside vehicle.

- Lawrenceville, GA, USA

problem #42

Explorer

  • 140,000 miles
My truck burst into flames 🔥 and burn to the ground while parked in the drive way

- Cleveland, OH, USA

problem #41

Explorer

  • 500 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

When engine is started, the airbag lights go off but come back on and stays on. This started a month ago and the warning light still switches on when the car is started

- Fulshear, TX, USA

problem #40

Explorer

  • 126,499 miles
Power steering default activates which cause you to use extreme force to navigate the wheel and there is a popping noise in front of vehicle. All while driving and sitting still.

- Vaiden, MS, USA

Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...

problem #39

Explorer

  • 150,000 miles
Lost communication with the climate control system. The windows lock up, and the car blows constant heat through defrost. No hazards can be used as the entire control panel is out. Very unsafe without hazards, let alone full blown heat when its already. 105 outside with the heat index.

- Kalamazoo, MI, USA

problem #38

Explorer

  • 118,875 miles
The control panel that shows the rear backing and then switches to controlling temperature, radio, seats, etc has failed. There is no backing assist or any controls for interior functions. The feature stopped when in motion and hasn¿T come back on since.

- Polk, OH, USA

problem #37

Explorer

  • miles
The car has water leaks, I started having problems with electrical function and fear of fire or contact in my car.

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

problem #36

Explorer

  • 90,000 miles
This is a safety issue - air bags could malfunction at anytime due to miscommunication within the system. Air bags can deploy at anytime or can fail to deploy when necessary. Air bag light turns on and stays on. According to Ford dealer this is a known issue but has not yet been recalled. Seat belt buckle replaced, air bag diagnostic module replaced, program control module air bag reprogramed. Light continues to turn on. Has a wire harness issue L/F door module SRS - wiring loom needs to be replaced.

- Agoura Hills, CA, USA

problem #35

Explorer

  • 1 miles
Power steering fault. The power steering just stopped work while I was driving with now warming until it was completely inoperable. I nearly crashed it to an on coming car in the parking lot of my gym. I notice there was a recall for this make and model but when I did a VIN search my truck was not registering a recall.

- Mountainside, NJ, USA

problem #34

Explorer

  • 69,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Front passenger seat pretensioner has failed causing the airbag light to come on. A technical service bulletin has been created on Ford's end blaming the connect. See tsb 12-5-11. It tells the mechanic to inject dielectric grease as a fix.

- Syracuse, UT, USA

problem #33

Explorer

  • 62,000 miles
2012 Ford Explorer XLT 4W. The terrain management system fault light came on and car went immediately into limp mode on a major road.there was no warning and was almost rear ended. Took to dealer Oct.1 and they kept it two days. The dealer said they could not find a code. Dealer said it is fixed by updating and calibrating the ABS system. It was not fixed.. Oct 13 same light went on and car immediately into limp mode on expressway. Nearly caused accident because car immediately slowed down and would not go more than 5mph in limp mode. You loose complete control of the transmission and throttle. There are 53+ cases with this problem on the internet just this year. Https://www.carcomplaints.com/Ford/Explorer/2016/engine/wrench_light_on.shtml this happens suddenly while driving and without warning. The car immediately begins to shutter and vibrate and immediate begins to slow down to 5mph. This is a dangerous situation and should be investigated. You have no control over the speed of the car or the transmission.. please google (terrain management system fault light) and see that there are many more Ford cars are affected by this problem there are 3 youtubes showing this problem. They cars are not safe to drive. Anyone who had a terrain management system light that goes on while driving will experience the same dangerous situation

- West Bloomfield, MI, USA

problem #32

Explorer

  • 74,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. While driving 7 mph, a grinding metal sound was heard and the vehicle stopped. The contact shut off the vehicle and restarted it, but it would not engage into gear. The contact had the vehicle towed to his personal auto mechanic and was informed that the passenger side axle mount fractured. The technician replaced the passenger side axle mount. While test driving the vehicle after the repair, the contact noticed that the instrument panel lighting, including the wrench icon, the service advance track indicator, and the cross traffic system fault indicator illuminated. The mechanic stated that the vehicle would have to be taken to the dealer to be reprogrammed so the instrument panel lighting would dim. The contact took the vehicle to helfman Ford (12220 southwest fwy, stafford, tx 77477) to be reprogrammed. There were no recall for the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 74,000.

- Sugar Land, TX, USA

problem #31

Explorer

  • 100,000 miles
U0138 After starting the car while parked the 'service advance trac' warning came on. After driving approx. 100 feet the warning went away. There was a slight hardness in the steering at this time. That went away when the warning went away. This occurred on Nov. 10, 2017. The second problem occurred on Nov. 23, 2017. While parked overnight and all day in our garage I started the car and the 'power steering assist fault' warning came on. I could not turn the steering wheel at all. I turned off the engine and within 10 to 15 seconds I started the car again. No warning came on and the power steering worked O.K. I started the car again this morning and no warning or problem.

- Twain Harte, CA, USA

problem #30

Explorer

  • 155,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. While driving various speeds with the accelerator pedal depressed, the vehicle stalled and the oil pressure and power train wrench warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was unable to start on the first attempt. The failure recurred over three times. The contact noticed the failure after she depressed the accelerator pedal after a complete stop. The local dealer (gulf coast Ford, N, 3000 state hwy 288, angleton, tx, 77515) was contacted scheduled an appointment for two days later. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 155,000.

- W Columbia, TX, USA

problem #29

Explorer

  • 82,900 miles
I was driving on an intersection that dashboard lights started flickering and the car indicated check manual and orange wrench came out... and all of the sudden car stop & I tried starting it but it would it was in the middle of nowhere... I was on 342 N. san fernando rd., los angeles, ca 90031 around 2:00

- Baldwin Park, CA, USA

problem #28

Explorer

  • 45,000 miles
Bad smell with heat or ac on at higher speeds headaches and lightheadedness felt at times. A seperate issue altogether windows and door locks have failed to work a couple times leaving me stuck inside car until it decides to work. Dealer has had suposed part on back order for 2 months.

- West Jefferson, OH, USA

problem

U0138 Lost Communication With All Terrain Control Module Grade 8

#27

Explorer

  • 40,000 miles
My vehicles air turns on on it's own as you drive. This is not the ac nor heater. As you drive you can hear your air vents turn on and you smell a foul smell and the air pushing through the vents is muggy sticky air that makes your skin feel clammy. This has been reported to the dealership before and had been 'repaired' however, the air continues to push through the vents whether you have the switch set to on or not.

- Inglewood, CA, USA

problem #26

Explorer

  • 131,400 miles
Drove about 2 miles in the morning while turning onto the interstate ramp the steering locked up would not go over 30mph, SUV started to smoke while the temperature gauge never changed inside of the vehicle. Lucky to not have caused a major accident. After having vehicle towed, per the mechanic the computer system is fried, motor valves melted, and all spark plugs need to be replaced. This SUV is only a 2012 and should not have this major of problems when it has been well taken care of. Ford really needs to look further into this so this does not happen to someone else.

- Henryville, IN, USA

problem #25

Explorer 4WD 6-cyl

  • 152,600 miles

U0138 Lost Communication With All Terrain Control Module Arduino

Takata recall I purchased this vehicle in January 2016, on October 22, 2016 while driving in elberton Georgia my car alerted me that the power steering needed to be serviced. About 2 miles down the road my turn signal wouldn't stay on when being used to turn. A few hours later when ready to head home I could not get my car to steer without major effort on my part. I am a mother of 3 and I refuse to put my kids in an unsafe vehicle. The issue has to do with the power steering control module and I was informed by Ford that they would not fix the issue at no charge because the recall 14S06 has expired and I had exceeded the mileage warranty by almost 3000 miles. I don't feel that I am responsible for the charges to get this issue fixed being as I was not aware of the recall. I'm not happy that I'm expected to cover charges on something I wasn't aware was a problem with my vehicle until the service alert appeared. This is my 1st Ford vehicle and I absolutely love it, however, if this is the customer service that I am going to receive I will not ever buy another Ford vehicle and I will not recommend anyone to purchase from Ford. I have been without a vehicle for 2 days as of right now, which makes it very difficult to get my kids to daycare/school and get to work. My husband has had to ask about changing his schedule in order to help me since I don't have a vehicle. Sincerely, unhappy mother of 3

U0138 Lost Communication With All Terrain Control Module Diagram

- Winterville, GA, USA

Read the next 20 complaints »

Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...