Network, generic

U0238 Lost Communication With Digital Audio Control Module D

Check engine lightUsually off
EmissionsNot relevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modeNo

U0238 is set when digital audio control module D stops sending. In Ford and Lincoln vehicles this is the digital signal processor for audio that drives the amplified speaker set, and the code is mostly logged by the ACM, the audio control module. SSM 52999 covers 2023-2024 Escape with Bang and Olufsen sound: intermittent silence with U0238 in ACM or APIM, cured by DSP reprogramming. SSM 54751 for 2024-2026 Nautilus with 28 speakers and 2025-2026 Navigator has the technician pull the DSP fuse for a minute, notes that a new or reflashed DSP will not help, and expected a fix by Q2 2026. Earlier SSM 49737 (Mach-E 2021) lists it with U0237. U0539 covers invalid data from D. Audio drops out; no MIL.

Likely causes

DSP software fault (Ford SSM 52999)
DSP fuse open or with poor blade contact
Audio DSP module faulty

Symptoms

  • Intermittent or permanent loss of audio
  • Premium sound system without output

Repair estimate

DifficultyMediumWorkshop job
Parts and labour€0–900
Time0.3–2 h

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

Parts involved

digital audio control modulecan bus wiring

Related codes

U0237U0539U0193U0194

References: static.nhtsa.gov, static.nhtsa.gov, static.nhtsa.gov.