Hello all, I'm considering purchasing an 02 C5 a4. I read the sticky about help buying and checked the DIC codes.

My question - it had several codes, a lot seemed to be related to communication issues. I cleared them all, drove for 7 or so miles, and none came back. I was wondering if this is anything to be concerned about? Or if just a fluke (like maybe battery was low at some time and caused it to freak out?) Everything seemed to work.

I do know the TCS/ABS has an issue C1214 - but that sounded like a simple fix.

Other codes:
B0432H
B2592H
B2593H
U1255H
U1016H
U1040H
U1096H
U1064H
U1160H
B2282H
B2284H
B2262H
U1064H
B2283H
B2285H
B2263H
B2265H
U1064H
B0851H
B2860H
U1300H
U1255H
C2100H
C2105H
C2110H
C2115H
U1255H
U1096H

Thanks!

 

When I bought mine it had zero codes. I think I would have been scared off if it had that many. It might be nothing though. Others should know more.

 

For the car's age, there are a lot of various electronic functions that occur during start-up. A good amount of these cause various codes to be thrown, and I have come across a lot of C5s with stored DIC codes that deal with communications anomalies. A lot of them are probably because the owner hasn’t cleared the DIC codes in forever and a day. Be aware that a lot of the codes will not throw a check engine or service vehicle soon message on the DIC so the driver often will not even know that codes are actually being thrown. They often only cause an issue if it prevents a function of the car from occurring (such as a security issue).

Your “U” codes near the beginning are mostly what are the communications codes. The service manual states that for most of the “U” communications code with an “H” on the end require no immediate repairs and they are results of normal software functions. The only concern should be if they are current codes (and they would likely prevent the vehicle from starting). Clear them from the DIC and see if they return.

Since the car is a 2003 with an automatic there would be no recalls for the lock plate. The issue with the TCS/ABS can likely be resolved with the “ABS Fixer” method if it’s throwing the ABS and traction control light on the gauges with “service vehicle soon” warning. The lights being active on the gauges will not affect operation of the vehicle other than not having ABS or traction control.

I would not be concerned if the vehicle is operating properly. The ABS Fixer issue is fairly cheap to resolve as the car is a 2003 model if you’re wanting a car without warning lights illuminating.

 

They are all "H" meaning history, meaning they have been resolved

I wouldn't worry about it

 

Thanks guys. Good to know the H means history. And U is normal software functions.

Appreciate the help!

 

History (H) Does not mean they have been resolved!!!
All it means is the ignition switch has been cycled off and turned back on.
Most codes change to H after that has happened

 

Okay maybe I was given bad advice then, I was under the impression that codes with "H" are "old codes" that were thrown and not being thrown anymore......hence they are "history" and not an active or current problem

 

Hmm... I guess I might have to drive it more miles and check while running then

 

Yep, can't imagine where I possibly could have come up with it

 

IF I were you I would drive the car some more and pull the codes before shutting it off

 

While shopping for my Z, I never found a car without some codes. I reset mine and should check today (engine running) and see what if anything came back. (Then it If so, a chat with 8VETTE7 may be appropriate!)
However the the biggest and most common bs I was told usually was:
A. H codes don't matter
B. If you clear the codes you won't pass emissions..

 

I was having several codes pop up along w/the infamous c1214 for quite some time along with "service active handling" etc. and was ready to pull the EBCM and ship it off for repair. I kept the car on a CTEK charger and had no charging/alternator issues so I thought all was OK with that. The battery was a Delco 60 month and was 2 months shy of the 5 yr mark( thus the charger)-and it was undersized 75 as well. I replaced it with an Advance/Auto AGM Gold size 78 battery and it's been two months and NO codes.( I upgraded my stereo with a sub and amp which may have instigated some codes due to voltage drops as well.)
Check the battery first and replace it with one with a high reserve capacity if it is suspect--that may fix many issues that you are experiencing.