U1171 – SCP (J1850) Invalid or Missing Data for Cellular Phone / Paging System

The ODBII code U1171 SCP (J1850) indicates that there is invalid or missing data related to the cellular phone or paging system in the vehicle’s communication network.

The severity of ODBII code U1171 is generally considered moderate.

Common Causes For: U1170 U1170: “Module Communication Failure”

• Faulty or damaged wiring/connectors
• Malfunctioning cellular phone or paging system
• Poor or no signal reception
• Software or firmware issues
• Corrupted data communication
• Incompatible or outdated hardware
• Battery or power supply issues
• Faulty control module

Common misdiagnosis for U1171 SCP (J1850) Invalid or Missing Data for Cellular Phone / Paging System

• Faulty cellular module
• Wiring issues or shorts
• Poor signal reception
• Software glitches or updates needed
• Incorrectly configured settings
• Faulty or damaged antenna
• Battery or power supply issues
• Corrupted data or communication errors

Common Troubleshooting Steps

When dealing with OBD-II code U1171, which indicates “Invalid or Missing Data for Cellular Phone / Paging System,” there are several common troubleshooting steps you can take to diagnose and potentially resolve the issue. Here’s a structured approach:

• Check for Additional Codes: Use an OBD-II scanner to check for any other trouble codes that may be present. Sometimes, multiple codes can provide more context for the issue.
• Inspect Wiring and Connectors: **Visual Inspection: Check the wiring and connectors related to the cellular phone/paging system for any signs of damage, corrosion, or loose connections.
• **Connector Pins: Ensure that the pins in the connectors are not bent or corroded.
• Check the Cellular Phone/Paging System: **Functionality: Verify that the cellular phone or paging system is functioning correctly. If it’s an aftermarket system, ensure it’s compatible with the vehicle.
• **Reset the System: If applicable, try resetting the cellular phone/paging system to see if that resolves the issue.
• Inspect the Vehicle’s Network: **CAN Bus Communication: Ensure that the Controller Area Network (CAN) bus is functioning properly. Check for any issues with other modules that may affect communication.
• **Module Communication: Use a scan tool to check if other modules are communicating correctly. If other modules are also having communication issues, it may indicate a broader network problem.
• Check for Software Updates: **Module Updates: Check if there are any software updates available for the vehicle’s modules. Sometimes, manufacturers release updates to fix known issues.
• Battery and Ground Connections: **Battery Voltage: Ensure the vehicle’s battery is fully charged and in good condition. Low voltage can cause communication issues.
• **Ground Connections: Check the ground connections for the modules involved. Poor grounding can lead to communication errors.
• Perform a Hard Reset: Disconnect the vehicle’s battery for a few minutes to reset the vehicle’s systems. Reconnect and see if the code reappears.
• Consult Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs): Look for any TSBs related to the U1171 code for your specific vehicle make and model. Manufacturers may have specific fixes or recommendations.
• Professional Diagnosis: If the issue persists after performing the above steps, consider seeking help from a professional mechanic or dealership. They may have specialized tools and knowledge to diagnose the problem more effectively.
• Document Findings: Keep a record of any changes made, codes cleared, and observations during the troubleshooting process. This information can be helpful for further diagnosis if needed. By following these steps, you should be able to identify the root cause of the U1171 code and take appropriate action to resolve the issue.