P0600 — Serial Communication Link

P0600: Serial Communication Link — what it means, the affected system and what to check before replacing parts.

Meaning, symptoms, causes and checks

Serial Communication Link. Basic catalogue definition; diagnostic details have not yet been reviewed.

Affected system: Powertrain

Symptoms

  • A malfunction warning may appear when control modules have trouble exchanging data.
  • Depending on the affected modules, starting, idling or engine response may be disturbed.

Possible causes

  • Damaged network wiring, loose plugs or corroded contacts may interrupt the serial link.
  • A module's power supply, ground, internal electronics or software may be involved.

What to check

  • Record the code and other module faults before clearing them.
  • Inspect module power feeds, grounds and accessible communication connectors for damage or corrosion.
  • Use a compatible diagnostic tool to identify non-communicating modules; check the vehicle-specific network diagram and service information before considering module replacement.

Also written as: P0600-00, P060000, PO600 (some scan tools add the fault-type byte, e.g. -00).