U112300 Fault Code in VW – What Does it Mean? And How to Fix?

Encountering any fault code while owning and living with a car is not something any of us like or enjoy. If you are not a versed mechanic and you don't have all the right tools, you are hardly ever going to be able to tell what a specific code signifies. Encountering the U112300 fault code in a VW is not something you should take lightly, especially if you are not aware of what's it about.

U112300 code highlights

• Level of urgency:Medium
• Possible culprits:ABS problems, communication problems
• Price for repair:$100 - $350
• If neglected:ABS not working, other glitches
• DIY repairs:Impossible
• Can you drive?Carefully

U112300 Fault Code in VW - What Does it Mean?

The U112300 DTC usually points toward a problem related to the communication between different modules or systems in the vehicle and the car's brain, the ECU. It could stem from a variety of issues ranging from faulty sensors to wiring problems, or even software glitches in the onboard computers. This code is often accompanied by the 'data bus error value received' warning message.

How to Diagnose the Code?

The easiest way to approach diagnosing the U112300 code in a VW is to use an OBD scanner and scan the car. This will either confirm or deny the presence of this code and can even point to some other codes as well. If you don't have a scanner, you can take your car to a local mechanic who should have one or you can buy one online and use it with your phone/laptop.

Causes for this Code to Appear in Your Volkswagen

• Faulty Wiring
• Bad Connections
• Old Software
• Power Supply Problems
• Aftermarket Mods

1) Faulty Wiring

Yes, it sure can. The nature of this problem is that a corroded, damaged, scuffed, or loose wire can easily interrupt the connection between different modules and thus mess up the car's ability to think.

2) Bad Connections

These are the points where wires join or connect to modules. These modules connect various parts of the car's communicative skeleton. A loose or corroded connector can act much like a poor telephone connection, dropping important data packets or distorting communication between modules. More often than not, this is often enough to set off the U112300 code in a VW.

3) Old Software

In today's day and age, VWs rely on software more than ever. There are hardly any areas within a car these days that aren't backed with lines of code. So, if you don't have the newest software but the rest of your car requires newer software to properly function, there could be a miscommunication issue between these two which can prompt up the U112300 code.

4) Failing Sensors

The sensors in your VW are pretty much the eyes and the ears which means that they are intended to watch and listen to how specific parts of the car operate. If they notice something is wrong, they will communicate that to the ECU. However, if any of these fail to send data or miscommunicate, it could trigger the U112300 fault code.

5) Power Supply Problems

For the car to communicate, it needs sufficient and consistent power to all of its essential components. If the power supply becomes intermittent or is too weak, it could cause a domino effect within the car's inner electrical system and thus prompt up many different codes, including the U1123000.

6) Aftermarket Mods

Indeed they can. If you install an aftermarket electrical component to your VW, you are basically tapping into a power delivery and communications system that was not designed for the part you've installed. So, if the part you installed starts drawing too much current or messes with the existing system even by a little, it could cause your VW to prompt up its U112300 fault code.

U112300 Fault Code in VW - How to Fix? - Solutions

1) Faulty Wiring Solutions

Faulty wiring issues are arguably the easiest to take care of since all you have to do is replace the damaged/scuffed/corroded wire for the system to come back up again. However, it would also be a good idea to clean all the terminals and points before putting on new wires. Either way, make sure to disconnect the battery while doing this.

2) Fixing Bad Connections

Continue to check your car's connectors to see how clean and tight they are. If any of them are loose, corroded, or damaged, it would be best to replace them. Once again, make sure to disconnect your VW  battery before attempting any of this.

3) Old Software Fixes

Well, if your software is too old and is causing the car to prompt up the good old U112300 fault code, then it's time to update your software. The best thing to do would be to take your car to a professional who has all the right tools for the job.

4) Solutions for Power Supply Problems

This one is a bit trickier as it involves you checking the car's battery for voltage readings and your alternator for its output and ability to charge the battery. Since dealing with the battery and the alternator is not something an amateur should ever do, it's best to just take your car to a mechanic and let him do the job.

5) Aftermarket Mods Fixes

The easy way to fix this would be to remove the aftermarket part. However, that's really not a solution most of us want. To make such mods compatible, you will have to reoute the power supply as recommended by the manufacturer for aftermarket parts. If you don't know how to do any of this, an experienced mechanic should interfere.

Is It Dangerous to Drive with U112300 Fault Code in VW?

Continuing to drive with the U112300 fault code in a Volkswagen vehicle is not recommended as you can't always tell what the problem is. Moreover, if the fault messes with the car's crucial safety systems such as ABS  or airbags, it may compromise your safety to a degree where it's highly recommended to not drive the car.

Furthermore, your VW may also start suffering from diminished performance, potentially activating a "limp mode" that restricts power to safeguard the engine and the rest of the powertrain from further damage. Continuing to drive without resolving some of these problems can not only be problematic in itself, but it can also lead to much more expensive problems down the line.

In extreme cases, communication glitches associated with the U112300 code could even cause the vehicle to stall or prevent it from starting altogether. Since there is so much variety in this problem, it's best to not drive the car until you are 100% aware the underlying problems aren't dangerous or can lead to further problems/expenses.

How Much Does It Cost to Fix the U112300 Fault Code?

As mentioned previously, there are many reasons why this issue can take place and it's very difficult to know how to approach fixing it and how much that could cost you if you don't know what it is. So, with such variety, we can say that it is likely going to cost you between $50 and $500.

You also need to take into account the diagnostic fee and potential labor involved, all of which means that the final costs are very varied across the board.

How to Clean the U112300 Code?

• Fix the Problem - Your first step should always be to fix the underlying problem that is causing the car to prompt the U12300 code in the first place. Once you do that, you can proceed to the next steps.
• Scan the car - Now it's time to take out your OBD scanner and plug it in to scan the car. Turn the ignition on and start scanning the car for codes. Read the codes and use the 'clean' or 'erase' function within the scanner to confirm you've fixed the underlying issue.
• Restart the Car - After clearing the code, take out the scanner, and turn the car off. Let it sit for a few minutes, restart it, and run a new scan to see if the code has been cleared permanently. If the code reappears, it's best to take your car in for a professional inspection.

Conclusion

If your VW suddenly starts popping the U112300 fault code, you should carry out all of the steps in this article. Start by confirming the presence of the code with an OBD scanner and then proceed to fix the underlying issues that are causing it. Once you manage that, you can clean the code and re-scan it to see if you managed to fix it.

Either way, it would be a good idea to take your car in as you shouldn't try any of this if you are not experienced with fixing cars or taking care of software issues.