Network, generic

U0256 Lost Communication With Front Controls Interface Module A

Check engine lightUsually off
EmissionsNot relevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modeNo

Module A of the front controls interface collects radio and climate key presses in the middle of the dash and passes them to the network. At Ford this is the FCIM; for the 2011 Saab 9-5 GM labels U0256 as the infotainment faceplate control module. Ford cites the code directly: on 2023 Super Duty trucks a wrong measurement sequence during the body control module self-test could leave U0256:87 and several other codes in history status; if the BCM has no other codes, the MIL is off and the truck drives normally, they are to be ignored (SSM 51578). That the panel itself can go silent is shown by 2015-2017 F-150 trucks, where heavy CAN traffic froze the FCIM so A/C, radio and window switch control failed until a battery reset (SSM 46902). A real loss disables its keys; panel B is U025D.

Likely causes

Panel locked up by heavy network traffic, cleared by battery reset or new software
History entry left by a body controller self-test without a real fault (Ford :87)
Loose connector or missing supply at the panel after dashboard work
Internal failure of the control panel

Symptoms

  • Radio and climate keys on the center panel without function
  • Several warning lamps or messages at once, intermittent operation
  • Code only as history entry in the body controller, no complaint

Repair estimate

DifficultyMediumWorkshop job
Parts and labour€0–800
Time0.2–2 h

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

Parts involved

front controls interface module avehicle bus wiring

Related codes

U0557U025DU0257U0255

References: static.nhtsa.gov, static.nhtsa.gov, saabwisonline.com.