Navigating the complexities of modern vehicle diagnostics often involves encountering cryptic error codes. For Volkswagen (VW) and Audi owners using VCDS (VAG-COM Diagnostic System), one such code that might surface is J428, specifically related to the Control Module for Distance Control. This article delves into the intricacies of the J428 error code, drawing insights from a real-world diagnostic scan to provide a comprehensive understanding for car enthusiasts and DIY mechanics.
Recently, a user shared a VCDS scan from a 2013 Audi A4, seeking assistance in deciphering a few persistent error codes. While some issues were successfully addressed through coding adjustments, certain faults remained, prompting a deeper investigation. Among these, the 01319 – Control Module for Distance Control (J428) error stood out, alongside other notable codes.
Let’s analyze the scan log to understand the context of the J428 error and related diagnostic findings.
Sunday,14,June,2020,13:18:20:43136 VCDS -- Windows Based VAG/VAS Emulator Running on Windows 10 x64
VCDS Version: 20.4.1.0 (x64) HEX-V2 CB: 0.4508.4 Data version: 20200331 DS317.0 www.Ross-Tech.com
VIN: WAUZZZ8K6DA248709 License Plate: Chassis Type: 8K-AU48 (8R0)
Scan: 01 02 03 05 08 09 0E 15 16 17 19 42 44 46 52 53 56 5F 62 72
VIN: WAUZZZ8K6DA248709 Mileage: 122010km-75813miles
01-Engine -- Status: OK 0000
02-Auto Trans -- Status: OK 0000
03-ABS Brakes -- Status: OK 0000
04-Steering Angle -- Status: OK 0000
05-Acc/Start Auth. -- Status: OK 0000
08-Auto HVAC -- Status: OK 0000
09-Cent. Elect. -- Status: Malfunction 0010
0E-Media Player 1 -- Status: OK 0000
15-Airbags -- Status: OK 0000
16-Steering wheel -- Status: OK 0000
17-Instruments -- Status: Malfunction 0010
19-CAN Gateway -- Status: OK 0000
42-Door Elect, Driver -- Status: OK 0000
44-Steering Assist -- Status: OK 0000
46-Central Conv. -- Status: OK 0000
52-Door Elect, Pass. -- Status: OK 0000
53-Parking Brake -- Status: OK 0000
56-Radio -- Status: OK 0000
5F-Information Electr. -- Status: Malfunction 0010
62-Door, Rear Left -- Status: OK 0000
72-Door, Rear Right -- Status: OK 0000
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Address 01: Engine (J623-CJCA) Labels:. 03L-906-018-CGL.clb
Part No SW: 03L 906 018 HT HW: 03L 906 018 JL
Component: R4 2.0l TDI H25 9977 Revision: 45H25---
Coding: 12034012242401080000 Shop #: WSC 12345 123 61029
ASAM Dataset: EV_ECM20TDI01103L906018HT 003008 ROD: EV_ECM20TDI01103L906018HT.rod
VCID: 03538A2ACB9F90134E9-8056 No fault code found.
Readiness: 0 0 0 0 1
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Address 02: Auto Trans (J217) Labels:| 0AW-927-156.clb
Part No SW: 8K9 927 155 A HW: 0AW 927 156 K
Component: 0AW 20TDI RdW H05 0001 Revision: --H05--- Serial number: 0000000219
Coding: 000002 Shop #: WSC 06335 000 00000
ASAM Dataset: EV_TCMVL381 A02432 ROD: EV_TCMVL381.rod
VCID: 3A2D37CEFCD511DB5DF-806E No fault code found.
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Address 03: ABS Brakes (J104) Labels:. 8K0-907-379-V1.clb
Part No SW: 8K0 907 379 CG HW: 8K0 907 379 CG
Component: ESP8 front H09 0100 Revision: -------- Serial number: --------------
Coding: 171544 Shop #: WSC 06335 000 00000
VCID: 00598526DA098B0B53B-8054 No fault code found.
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Address 05: Acc/Start Auth. (J393) Labels:. 8K0-907-064-05.clb
Part No SW: 8K0 907 064 GE HW: 8K0 907 064 FE
Component: BCM2 2.0 H12 0633 Revision: 00002001 Coding: 01B24040000000000000
Shop #: WSC 12345 123 61029 VCID: 79AFE8C2B9D3DAC3145-802C
Subsystem 1 - Part No SW: 8K0 959 754 H HW: 8K0 959 754 H Component: FBSAUDIB8 IDG H71 0083 Serial number: 0513000030951021
Subsystem 2 - Part No SW: 8K0 905 852 E HW: 8K0 905 852 E Component: J764 ELV MLB H40 0046 Serial number: 2313000070039001
No fault code found.
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Address 08: Auto HVAC (J255) Labels: Redir Fail!
Part No SW: 8K2 820 043 AH HW: 8K2 820 043 AH
Component: KLIMA 3 ZONEN H04 0123 Revision: D0000000 Serial number: 01260420131899
Coding: 342402E000 Shop #: WSC 12345 123 61029
VCID: 6FBBD69AF7978473BA1-803A No fault code found.
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Address 09: Cent. Elect. (J519) Labels:. 8K0-907-063.clb
Part No SW: 8K0 907 063 DG HW: 8K0 907 063 DG
Component: BCM1 1.0 H16 0103 Revision: 07016001 Serial number: 00000599900301
Coding: 2700C0398720AFE2948142800000010D43DD470827090241000008004400020100000024000000
Shop #: WSC 12345 123 61029 VCID: 77ABEEFA8FC7CCB3621-8022
Subsystem 1 - Part No SW: 8K2 955 119 A HW: 8T2 955 119 Labels: 1KX-955-119.CLB
Component: WWS 260413 H06 0080 Serial number: SWF13040260063 Coding: 00FD11
Subsystem 2 - Part No SW: 8U0 955 559 B HW: 8U0 955 559 B Labels: 8U0-955-559.CLB
Component: G397_RLFS H06 0002 Serial number: 21243658 Coding: 02005D
Subsystem 3 - Part No SW: 8K0 941 531 AS HW: 8K0 941 531 AS Component: E1 - LDS H03 0031 Serial number: 00000000002004134648
Subsystem 4 - Part No SW: 4H0 907 658 HW: 4H0 907 658 Component: AQ_Hum_Sensor H03 0003 Serial number: 9E08C4A6000000000001
1 Fault Found:
01319 - Control Module for Distance Control (J428)
004 - No Signal/Communication
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 01100100
Fault Priority: 6
Fault Frequency: 1
Reset counter: 171
Mileage: 122011 km
Time Indication: 0
Date: 2020.06.14
Time: 13:12:57
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Address 0E: Media Player 1 (R41) Labels: Redir Fail!
Part No SW: 8X0 035 110 C HW: 8X0 035 110
Component: CDC-MP3-Pana H41 0490 Revision: 00000008 VCID: 2D070C923D1BB663C8D-8078
No fault code found.
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Address 15: Airbags (J234) Labels:| 8K0-959-655.clb
Part No SW: 8K0 959 655 N HW: 8K0 959 655 N
Component: AirbagVW-AU10 H45 0610 Revision: 003KFD99WT56 Coding: 30534435363030303030554A3052384B3053
Shop #: WSC 33830 001 1048576 ASAM Dataset: EV_AirbaECUVWAUDI010 003010 ROD: EV_AirbaECUVWAUDI010_003_AU48.rod
VCID: 48C95D06B239734BDBB-801C
Crash sensor for side airbag: driver side:
Serial number: 6334MSME7B156671H
Crash sensor for side airbag: front passenger side:
Serial number: 6344MSME7B1624308
Crash sensor for side airbag: rear: driver side:
Serial number: 6352QSME20300F5CE
Crash sensor for side airbag: rear: passenger side:
Serial number: 6362QSME2E3051429
Crash sensor for front airbag: driver side:
Serial number: 63732SME13302F54W
Crash sensor for front airbag: front passenger side:
Serial number: 63832SME0F300966$
No fault code found.
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Address 16: Steering wheel (J527) Labels:. 8K0-953-568.clb
Part No SW: 8R0 953 568 Q HW: 8R0 953 568 Q
Component: Lenks.Modul H02 0171 Revision: 00000000 Serial number: 20130502000221
Coding: 000037 Shop #: WSC 06335 000 00000
VCID: 4FFB761A57D7A4739A1-801A Component: E221 - MFL H03 0004
No fault code found.
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Address 17: Instruments (J285) Labels:. 8T0-920-xxx-17.clb
Part No SW: 8K0 920 982 E HW: 8K0 920 982 E
Component: KOMBIINSTR. H35 0556 Revision: 00400000 Serial number: UVR34YK4E
Coding: AFDD10000A20A700010403 Shop #: WSC 12345 123 61029
VCID: 363523FEC84DF5BBB97-8062
1 Fault Found:
01044 - Control Module Incorrectly Coded
000 - -
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 01100000
Fault Priority: 4
Fault Frequency: 1
Reset counter: 171
Mileage: 122011 km
Time Indication: 0
Date: 2020.06.14
Time: 13:12:57
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Address 19: CAN Gateway (J533) Labels:. 8T0-907-468.clb
Part No SW: 8R0 907 468 N HW: 8R0 907 468 C
Component: GW-BEM 4CAN-M H11 0056 Revision: 1Y070028 Serial number: 2841Y13417009F
Coding: 80CF07FF00 Shop #: WSC 12345 123 61029
VCID: 4ACD670EACB5815BCDF-801E
Subsystem 1 - Part No SW: 8T0 915 181 HW: 8T0 915 181 Component: J367-BDMHella H03 8041 Serial number: 9621140403
Subsystem 2 - Part No SW: 8K0 959 663 HW: 8K0 959 663 Component: J532_DCDCStab H17 0042 Serial number: 13114000840011200181
No fault code found.
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Address 42: Door Elect, Driver (J386) Labels:. 8K0-959-793.clb
Part No SW: 8K0 959 793 S HW: 8K0 959 793 Q
Component: TSG FA H02 0506 Revision: Serial number: 0000058498377
Coding: 011702004C01410001 Shop #: WSC 12345 123 61029
VCID: 50F975664AE9BB8B83B-8004 No fault code found.
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Address 44: Steering Assist (J500) Labels:| 8K0-909-144.clb
Part No SW: 8K0 909 144 F HW: 8K0 909 144 B
Component: RCEPS H37 0507 Revision: 00001000 Serial number: 0026432783
Coding: 100000010001 Shop #: WSC 12345 123 61029
ASAM Dataset: EV_RCEPSAU48X 008014 ROD: EV_RCEPSAU48X_008.rod
VCID: 343119F6DEB1E7AB873-8060 No fault code found.
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Address 46: Central Conv. (J393) Labels:. 8K0-907-064-46.clb
Part No SW: 8K0 907 064 GE HW: 8K0 907 064 FE
Component: BCM2 2.0 H12 0633 Revision: 00002001 Serial number: 0305974411
Coding: 013F162220B900808320023280000000 Shop #: WSC 12345 123 61029
VCID: 79AFE8C2B9D3DAC3145-802C
Subsystem 1 - Part No: 8K0 951 177 Component: DWA-Sensor H02 0040
Subsystem 2 - Part No: 1K0 951 605 C Component: LIN BACKUP HO H05 1501
No fault code found.
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Address 52: Door Elect, Pass. (J387) Labels:. 8K0-959-792.clb
Part No SW: 8K0 959 792 S HW: 8K0 959 792 Q
Component: TSG BF H02 0506 Revision: Serial number: 0000059278804
Coding: 011702205C01410001 Shop #: WSC 12345 123 61029
VCID: 4FFB761A57D7A4739A1-801A No fault code found.
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Address 53: Parking Brake (----) Labels: 8K0-907-801-V2.clb
Part No SW: 8K0 907 801 L HW: 8K0 907 801 J
Component: EPB-4 H01 0003 Revision: -------- Serial number: 30000000045206
ASAM Dataset: EV_ParkiBrake 001027 ROD: EV_ParkiBrake_AU48.rod
VCID: 38292DC6C2D903CBABB-806C No fault code found.
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Address 56: Radio (R) Labels: Redir Fail!
Part No SW: 4G0 035 056 J HW: 4G0 035 056
Component: Radio U STD H60 0133 Revision: AB001007 Serial number: 230DY0D2759562
Coding: 010003020100000001 Shop #: WSC 06335 000 00000
VCID: 2809FD8612F9934B3BB-807C No fault code found.
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Address 5F: Information Electr. (J794) Labels:. 4E0-035-6xx-5F.clb
Part No SW: 8R2 035 666 L HW: 8R2 035 666 C
Component: H-BN-EU H45 1036 Revision: -------- Serial number: 206DS0D7526142
Coding: 0F0101010106C1FD07008F3E1E200403000200000200000200 Shop #: WSC 12345 123 61029
VCID: 42DD4F2E9485591B05F-8016
Subsystem 1 - Part No: 8R0 060 884 GS Component: EUR 2020 3001
Subsystem 2 - Part No SW: 8R0 919 604 A HW: 8R0 919 604 A Component: DU7 High H42 0104 Serial number: A130DK0D2714432
Subsystem 3 - Part No SW: 8T0 919 611 K HW: 8T0 919 611 B Component: E0380 Bedient H02 0030 Serial number: 00000001488130
Subsystem 4 - Part No: 8R0 060 961 E Component: CD-Database 4949
1 Fault Found:
00862 - Antenna for GPS Navigation (R50/R52)
011 - Open Circuit
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 01101011
Fault Priority: 5
Fault Frequency: 1
Reset counter: 171
Mileage: 122011 km
Time Indication: 0
Date: 2020.06.14
Time: 13:14:49
Freeze Frame:
Voltage: 11.30 V
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Address 62: Door, Rear Left (J388) Labels:. 8K0-959-795.clb
Part No SW: 8K0 959 795 G HW: 8K0 959 795 D
Component: TSG HL H01 0506 Revision: Serial number: 0000059339418
Coding: 011402204001210001 Shop #: WSC 12345 123 61029
VCID: 46D5533EB8AD653B297-8012 No fault code found.
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Address 72: Door, Rear Right (J389) Labels:. 8K0-959-795.clb
Part No SW: 8K0 959 795 G HW: 8K0 959 795 D
Component: TSG HR H01 0506 Revision: Serial number: 0000059339639
Coding: 011402204001210001 Shop #: WSC 12345 123 61029
VCID: 46D5533EB8AD653B297-8012 No fault code found.
End----(Elapsed Time: 01:41, VBatt start/end: 11.5V/11.5V. VIgn 11.5V)-----Understanding the J428 Error Code in VW Vehicles
The 01319/J428 fault code, as indicated in the VCDS scan, points to “Control Module for Distance Control (J428): No Signal/Communication.” This signifies a communication breakdown with the module responsible for distance control functionalities in the vehicle. Distance control systems, often part of Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) or similar driver-assistance features, rely on radar or sensor technology to maintain a safe following distance from vehicles ahead.
When the J428 error arises, it suggests that the central control system is unable to communicate effectively with the Distance Control Module. This lack of communication can stem from various sources, impacting the functionality of related safety and convenience features.
Common Symptoms of a J428 Error:
- ACC Malfunction: If your VW or Audi is equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control, you may notice it becoming disabled or functioning erratically.
- Warning Lights: Dashboard warning lights related to driver assistance systems might illuminate.
- Limited Driver Assistance Features: Features that rely on distance monitoring, such as forward collision warning or automatic emergency braking (depending on vehicle configuration), may be compromised.
Potential Causes of the J428 Fault:
- Wiring and Connections: A frequent culprit in communication errors is faulty wiring. This can include damaged wires, loose connectors, or corrosion within the wiring harness leading to the J428 module.
- Module Malfunction: The Distance Control Module itself (J428) could be faulty. Component failure within the module can disrupt its ability to communicate.
- CAN Bus Issues: The Controller Area Network (CAN) bus is the communication network within the vehicle. Problems within the CAN bus system, such as interference or module failures on the bus, can disrupt communication to the J428 module.
- Software or Coding Glitches: Although less common for a sudden onset, software glitches or incorrect coding of the Distance Control Module or related control units could theoretically lead to communication problems.
Analyzing the VCDS Scan for Clues
Looking at the provided VCDS scan, we can see the 01319 – Control Module for Distance Control (J428) error specifically within Address 09: Cent. Elect. (J519), the Central Electronics module. This module serves as a central hub for various electrical functions, and communication issues here can have broad implications.
Alongside the J428 error, another fault is flagged in Address 17: Instruments (J285): 01044 – Control Module Incorrectly Coded. This “Incorrectly Coded” error in the Instruments module could be indirectly related to the J428 issue. It’s possible that coding discrepancies in the instrument cluster are affecting its communication with or interpretation of data from the Central Electronics or Distance Control Module.
Furthermore, the scan reveals 00862 – Antenna for GPS Navigation (R50/R52) 011 – Open Circuit in Address 5F: Information Electr. (J794). While seemingly unrelated to distance control, electrical system issues can sometimes manifest in unexpected ways. It’s worth noting this GPS antenna fault as a potential indicator of broader electrical system concerns.
Troubleshooting Steps for J428 and Related Errors
Addressing the J428 error and the related faults requires a systematic diagnostic approach. Here are initial troubleshooting steps:
- Visual Inspection of Wiring and Connections: Begin by carefully inspecting the wiring and connectors associated with the Distance Control Module. Look for any signs of damage, looseness, or corrosion. Pay particular attention to the wiring harness in the front of the vehicle, where the radar sensor for distance control is typically located.
- Check Fuses: Verify the fuses related to the Distance Control System and Central Electronics. A blown fuse can interrupt power supply and lead to communication errors. Consult the vehicle’s wiring diagrams for fuse locations.
- Ross-Tech Wiki: Refer to the Ross-Tech Wiki for detailed information on the 01319 fault code. The Wiki often provides specific troubleshooting steps and common causes based on vehicle model and system configuration.
- VCDS Coding Verification: Using VCDS, check the coding of the Central Electronics module (Address 09) and the Instruments module (Address 17). Ensure the coding is correct and matches the vehicle’s specifications. Incorrect coding, as indicated by the 01044 error, needs to be addressed.
- CAN Bus Diagnostics: If wiring and coding checks don’t resolve the issue, consider more advanced CAN bus diagnostics. This might involve using an oscilloscope or specialized CAN bus diagnostic tools to identify communication faults on the network.
Expert Assistance: If troubleshooting steps prove inconclusive, seeking professional diagnostic assistance from a qualified VW/Audi technician is recommended. They possess specialized tools and expertise to pinpoint complex electrical and communication faults.
Conclusion: Addressing VW J428 Errors for Optimal Vehicle Functionality
The VW error code J428, indicating a communication fault with the Distance Control Module, signals a potential disruption in driver-assistance systems. Analyzing VCDS scans, like the example provided, helps to contextualize the error within a broader diagnostic picture.
Troubleshooting J428 often involves meticulous checks of wiring, connections, and coding. Addressing related errors, such as the “Control Module Incorrectly Coded” fault, may also be crucial. By systematically investigating these areas, and potentially seeking expert help, VW and Audi owners can effectively resolve J428 errors and restore the intended functionality of their vehicle’s advanced systems.
