U1216 – SCP (J1850) Invalid or Missing Data for External Lamp Outage

The ODBII code U1216 SCP (J1850) indicates that there is invalid or missing data related to an external lamp outage, typically referring to issues with the vehicle’s lighting system communication.

The severity of ODBII code U1216 SCP (J1850) Invalid or Missing Data for External Lamp Outage is generally considered moderate.

Common Causes For: U1215 U1215: “Communication Network Malfunction”

• Faulty external lamp(s)
• Damaged wiring or connectors
• Malfunctioning body control module (BCM)
• Poor ground connections
• Corroded or loose terminals
• Failed or malfunctioning communication network
• Software issues or bugs in the vehicle’s control modules
• Faulty or disconnected sensors related to the external lamps

Common misdiagnosis for U1216 SCP (J1850) Invalid or Missing Data for External Lamp Outage

• Faulty body control module (BCM)
• Defective wiring or connectors
• Malfunctioning headlight or taillight bulbs
• Issues with the instrument cluster
• Problems with the vehicle’s battery or charging system
• Incorrectly programmed or updated software in the BCM
• Faulty ground connections
• Issues with the CAN bus communication system

Common Troubleshooting Steps

When dealing with OBD-II code U1216, which indicates “Invalid or Missing Data for External Lamp Outage” on a vehicle using the SCP (J1850) communication protocol, there are several common troubleshooting steps you can follow 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. Addressing related codes can help in diagnosing the issue more effectively.
• Inspect the Vehicle’s Wiring and Connectors: **Visual Inspection: Look for any damaged, frayed, or corroded wiring and connectors related to the external lamps (headlights, taillights, etc.).
• **Connector Integrity: Ensure that all connectors are securely attached and free of corrosion.
• Test the External Lamps: **Functionality Check: Verify that all external lamps are functioning correctly. Replace any burnt-out bulbs.
• **Voltage and Ground: Use a multimeter to check for proper voltage and ground at the lamp connectors.
• Check the Body Control Module (BCM): The BCM is often responsible for monitoring the status of external lamps. Ensure that the BCM is functioning correctly.
• **Software Updates: Check if there are any software updates available for the BCM that may address known issues.
• Inspect the SCP Communication Network: **Wiring and Connections: Check the wiring and connections for the SCP network for any signs of damage or corrosion.
• **Network Integrity: Use a scan tool to monitor the communication on the SCP network. Look for any irregularities or communication failures.
• Perform a System Reset: Clear the trouble codes using the OBD-II scanner and see if the code returns after a short drive cycle. Sometimes, a reset can clear temporary issues.
• Check for Ground Issues: Ensure that all ground connections related to the BCM and external lamps are secure and free of corrosion.
• Consult Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs): Look for any TSBs related to the U1216 code or external lamp issues 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 diagnostic tools and experience with your vehicle.Conclusion By following these troubleshooting steps, you can systematically identify and resolve the issue related to the U1216 code. Always ensure safety precautions are taken when working on vehicle electrical systems.