U012604

DTC U012604 indicates a CAN bus communication interruption or data frame reception timeout between the Steering Angle Sensor (SAS) and the ABS/ESP control unit — Qin Plus

Braking System

DTC U012604 indicates a CAN bus communication interruption or data frame reception timeout between the Steering Angle Sensor (SAS) and the ABS/ESP control unit.

From a network communication perspective, the ESP module logs this fault if it fails to detect a valid CAN message (whose ID typically contains steering angle, angular velocity, and fault status signals) from the SAS within the preset monitoring period (typically 100-200ms).

The SAS is the core sensor of the vehicle stability control (ESC/ESP) system, providing driver steering intent information.

Communication failure prevents the ESP from calculating the yaw moment correction, triggering system downgrade protection.

ESC/ABS functions may completely deactivate or enter limp mode.

This failure simultaneously affects ADAS functions relying on the steering angle signal, such as the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB), Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), and lane keeping.

This powertrain CAN (PT-CAN) or chassis CAN (Ch-CAN) network communication fault is typically sporadic and intermittent.

Loose wiring connections, electromagnetic interference, or intermittent module lockups commonly cause this issue.

3
Cases Logged
BYD DTC AI Analysis

BYD S7 intermittent ESP warning light and multi-module communication fault

Customer reported the ESP warning light illuminates intermittently with no set pattern, sometimes suddenly lighting up while driving without affecting vehicle behaviour. Connected a scan tool and retrieved U010004 (EMS timeout, historical fault) and U012604 (SAS CAN communication timeout, historical fault) from the ESP module, plus U1701 (TCU-ECM communication failure) from the TCU. The engine system showed no current DTCs. This is an intermittent historical fault that is difficult to reproduce after clearing. Check the steering angle sensor power and ground circuits for stability, check the SAS module for intermittent faults, and verify CAN network wiring integrity, particularly for fatigue fractures in the harness near the steering column caused by steering movement.
Original source ↗
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Loose connection at the CAN bus splice point caused complete network failure on the all-new generation BYD Tang petrol.

Vehicle developed intermittent no-start faults (two occurrences, six months apart). During failure, the electric cooling fan ran continuously, the instrument cluster displayed "Check Vehicle Network System", the P gear indicator flashed continuously, and warnings appeared for the engine, ESP and brake systems. VDS scan revealed multiple module communication faults: ESP logged U012604 (SAS CAN communication timeout), U100304 (EPB communication timeout) and U014604 (gateway communication timeout); the ECM logged U0164 (AC controller communication timeout); EPB logged U010187 (TCU communication timeout), U010087 (ECM communication fault) and U012287 (ESP communication fault). CAN line voltage and resistance measured normal, ruling out water intrusion from window film installation and dash cam interference. The fault reoccurred when tugging the instrument panel wiring harness, leading to the CAN splice connector above the accelerator pedal. Stripping back the harness revealed one CAN wire at the CAN-H splice connector was not crimped into its terminal, causing poor contact. Re-stripped the CAN-H splice connector, properly crimped the missed wire and secured all connections. Fault resolved.
Original source ↗
BYD DTC AI Analysis

BYD Tang DM: Intermittent Full Dashboard Illumination and Power Steering Failure

While driving, all warning lights on the instrument cluster intermittently light up, the speedometer drops out, and steering loses power assist (goes heavy). Restarting does not clear the fault, but functions may recover after sitting parked. VDS scans show ECM, TCU, instrument cluster, drive controller, BUS, EPS, ESP, and other modules simultaneously reporting communication errors. This is a CAN network paralysis fault, the same category as the network communication fault in Case 2. U012604 (ESP subsystem communication loss) typically accompanies this fault. Repair: Inspect the CAN bus backbone lines, gateway controller, and module power and ground connections. Check harness junction points inside the instrument panel and wiring around the steering column for wear. Replace damaged harness sections and retest the network topology.
Original source ↗
Data confidence: Community This information is for reference only. Always consult a qualified technician for diagnosis and repair. Do not attempt high-voltage system repairs yourself.