U11C3 on 2020-2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE (GLE 350, GLE 450 4MATIC, GLE 450d, GLE 580, AMG GLE 53) — ESM Lost Communication With TCM On DPT CAN
1 vehicles · 1 makes · $800-$4,500 repair
How to diagnose and fix U11C3: most-reported vehicles
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Mercedes-Benz GLE · 2020–2025
GLE models equipped with the EQ Boost 48-volt mild-hybrid system (GLE 450, GLE 450d, GLE 580 and AMG variants on the W167 platform, plus the GLE 350 from the 2024 model year) commonly trigger a '48V Battery Malfunction' or 'Hybrid System Error' warning. The integrated starter-generator (ISG) and 48V lithium-ion battery, along with the DC/DC converter, are known weak points. Owners report sudden loss of drive power on the motorway, disabled stop/start, weak acceleration and repeated stalling, sometimes resolving only after the car is powered down for 10-15 minutes. A February 2021 Mercedes TSB (reissued December 2021, with a follow-up in March 2022) acknowledged that software, hardware, cooling or false-positive detection faults can cause the 48V battery to disconnect itself. Many owners report multiple unsuccessful dealer visits and weeks of downtime, with the fault often persisting under warranty.
Common Symptoms
- 48V Battery Malfunction warning
- Hybrid System Error message
- sudden loss of power while driving
- weak acceleration
- stop/start disabled
- engine stalls and restarts after waiting
- noisy auxiliary fan
How to Fix
Have the dealer perform Xentry diagnostics and apply the latest 48V/ISG control-unit software update first, as many cases are false-positive disconnects fixed in software. Persistent faults require replacement of the 48V battery, the integrated starter-generator (ISG/alternator unit), or the DC/DC converter. Check the 48V ground cable connection (subject of a separate recall) before condemning the battery. Repairs are typically covered under the powertrain/hybrid warranty; out of warranty an ISG replacement is a major job.
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Sources for this issue (3)
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U11C3 code reference
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Frequently asked questions
What does U11C3 mean?
U11C3 stands for "ESM Lost Communication With TCM On DPT CAN." U11C3 is a Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/RAM (Stellantis) manufacturer-specific network code indicating the Electronic Shift Module (ESM) has lost communication with the Transmission Control Module (TCM) over the DPT (Dedicated Powertrain) CAN bus. It sets when the ESM cannot exchange messages with the TCM for more than roughly 300 ms. Because the shifter and transmission can no longer reliably communicate, it can cause shifting problems, no-start or no-shift conditions, and limp/default behavior.
What are the most common causes of U11C3?
The most common causes of U11C3 are: Faulty or corroded wiring/connectors between the ESM and TCM on the CAN DPT bus, Open, short, or high-resistance in the CAN bus circuit (CAN-high/CAN-low) or loss of bus terminating resistance, Failed or internally faulty Transmission Control Module (TCM), Failed or faulty Electronic Shift Module (ESM), Poor power or ground supply to the TCM or ESM, Damaged connector pins (bent, pushed-out, spread, or corroded terminals). The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix U11C3?
Repair costs for U11C3 range from $800 to $4,500, depending on the vehicle and root cause.
Which vehicles are affected by U11C3?
Au7o has documented U11C3 across 1 vehicle models from 1 manufacturers: Mercedes-Benz.
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Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.