U0137 — Lost Communication With Trailer Brake Control Module
vehicle network
Is it safe to drive?
Drive with caution The base brakes usually still work, so careful driving is possible — but ABS and stability control are disabled, which lengthens stopping distances on slippery roads. Fix promptly and avoid harsh driving.
How to diagnose with an OBD scanner
- Read the code and freeze frame Connect an OBD2 scanner, confirm U0137 is stored, and save the freeze frame data — it shows engine conditions when the fault was detected.
- Check for companion codes and TSBs Related codes often reveal the real root cause. Also check manufacturer technical service bulletins (TSB) for your make and model — many U0xxx issues have factory fixes or software updates. Search by VIN on the manufacturer site or nhtsa.gov.
- Inspect wiring and connectors Visually inspect the wiring harness and connectors related to the ABS / stability control for damage, corrosion, chafing or poor contact.
- Subsystem check Read all four wheel speed PIDs while driving slowly — the faulty sensor drops out or reads implausibly.
- Subsystem check Inspect the sensor and tone ring for metal debris and damage near the hub.
- Verify the repair Clear the code, complete a full drive cycle including the conditions from the freeze frame, and confirm U0137 does not return.
Approximate repair cost
Repair cost depends on which component actually failed. Typical scenarios for U0137 (parts and labor, USD, independent shop rates): Replace a wheel speed sensor: $120–$350; ABS module repair or replacement: $400–$1,200; Repair sensor wiring: $80–$250. Overall, fixing U0137 usually costs between $80 and $1,200. An accurate diagnosis before buying parts saves money — the most expensive scenario is rarely the first one to check.
Common questions
What does OBD2 code U0137 mean?
Lost Communication With Trailer Brake Control Module (U0137): a vehicle network fault affecting the ABS / stability control. Short, gentle driving to a shop is usually possible. Most often caused by damaged tone (reluctor) ring on the hub, blown fuse or low voltage to the ABS module, damaged sensor wiring or corroded connector.
Is it safe to drive with U0137?
The base brakes usually still work, so careful driving is possible — but ABS and stability control are disabled, which lengthens stopping distances on slippery roads. Fix promptly and avoid harsh driving.
Will U0137 clear itself?
Sometimes U0137 clears after a few drive cycles if the fault was intermittent — for example a loose connector or a tank of bad fuel. The underlying cause usually remains, so the code tends to return. Clear it once; if it comes back, diagnose rather than erase it repeatedly.
What is the most common cause of U0137?
The most common causes are: damaged tone (reluctor) ring on the hub, blown fuse or low voltage to the ABS module, damaged sensor wiring or corroded connector.
How much does it cost to fix U0137?
Replace a wheel speed sensor — $120–$350; ABS module repair or replacement — $400–$1,200; Repair sensor wiring — $80–$250. Exact cost depends on the root cause, your vehicle and local labor rates — a proper diagnosis is the cheapest first step.
What does U0137 mean?
U0137 (Lost Communication With Trailer Brake Control Module) is stored when self-diagnostics detect abnormal readings or behaviour of the ABS / stability control. It belongs to the vehicle network category.
To set U0137, the control module compares live readings of the ABS / stability control against calibrated limits, usually over several drive cycles. Alongside the code it stores a freeze frame — a snapshot of rpm, load, coolant temperature and vehicle speed at the moment of failure. Reading that snapshot first saves diagnostic time.
Common symptoms of U0137
- speedometer or cruise control issues
- brake pedal pulsation changes
- stability control disabled message
- ABS not operating during hard braking
- ABS or ESC warning light on
What causes U0137?
- damaged sensor wiring or corroded connector
- faulty ABS module or pump motor
- blown fuse or low voltage to the ABS module
- failed wheel speed sensor
How to diagnose U0137
- Connect an OBD2 scanner, confirm U0137 is stored, and save the freeze frame data — it shows engine conditions when the fault was detected.
- Related codes often reveal the real root cause. Also check manufacturer technical service bulletins (TSB) for your make and model — many U0xxx issues have factory fixes or software updates. Search by VIN on the manufacturer site or nhtsa.gov.
- Visually inspect the wiring harness and connectors related to the ABS / stability control for damage, corrosion, chafing or poor contact.
- Read all four wheel speed PIDs while driving slowly — the faulty sensor drops out or reads implausibly.
- Inspect the sensor and tone ring for metal debris and damage near the hub.
- Clear the code, complete a full drive cycle including the conditions from the freeze frame, and confirm U0137 does not return.
How to fix U0137
Start with the cheapest and most common causes before replacing expensive parts:
- Replace a wheel speed sensor — $120–$350
- ABS module repair or replacement — $400–$1,200
- Repair sensor wiring — $80–$250
How much does it cost to fix U0137?
Repair cost depends on which component actually failed. Typical scenarios for U0137 (parts and labor, USD, independent shop rates):
- Replace a wheel speed sensor: $120–$350
- ABS module repair or replacement: $400–$1,200
- Repair sensor wiring: $80–$250
Overall, fixing U0137 usually costs between $80 and $1,200. An accurate diagnosis before buying parts saves money — the most expensive scenario is rarely the first one to check.
Can you drive with U0137?
The base brakes usually still work, so careful driving is possible — but ABS and stability control are disabled, which lengthens stopping distances on slippery roads. Fix promptly and avoid harsh driving.