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U0196 Lost Communication With Entertainment Control Module - Rear A

Check engine lightUsually off
EmissionsNot relevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modeNo

U0196 refers to rear entertainment control module A, the unit that gives rear passengers their own audio or video source, headphone zones and screen control. GM's Saab U-code lists assign it to the rear audio control module for the 9-5 (2010-2011) and the 9-4X (2011), meaning the rear audio panel with headphone sockets. The front radio or the gateway logs U0196 when that panel's cyclic messages are no longer received at normal voltage, following GM's logic for U0100-U02FF. The NHTSA index lists no bulletin for this code. Rear buttons, headphone output or rear monitors stop working, while the front system usually plays on. U0191 is the TV tuner, U0184 the radio, U0497 invalid data from the rear unit. No MIL.

Likely causes

Rear entertainment unit without power or ground
Bus wiring to the rear unit pinched or connector loose (seat, console, headliner)
History entry after low battery voltage
Rear entertainment control module faulty

Symptoms

  • Rear audio controls or headphone sockets dead
  • Rear screens dark or no source selectable
  • Code stored in radio or gateway

Repair estimate

DifficultyMediumDIY possible
Parts and labour€0–700
Time0.5–2.5 h

Typical range across vehicles; the real cost depends on what the testing finds.

Parts involved

rear seat entertainment modulecan bus wiring

Related codes

U0184U0186U0191U0497

References: saabwisonline.com, saabwisonline.com, saabwisonline.com.