Hyundai C1687
MDPS ECU (or Power Pack Assy). If DTC returns and MDPS operation is normal, continue investigation into wiring issues. For TMa, if C1688 occurs along wit h C1700, replace Power Pac
Quick answer
Hyundai DTC C1687 is identified in verified Hyundai service-bulletin evidence as “CAN time out VSM” in the MDPS/C-MDPS context. The evidence directs diagnosis of the C-MDPS power connector and fuse, ground line, ECU/VSM CAN line, and GDS communication status. If the DTC returns and MDPS is inoperable, the bulletin directs replacement of the C-MDPS ECU or Power Pack assembly; if MDPS operates normally, it directs continued wiring investigation.
This page separates verified manufacturer/regulator evidence from supporting material. Unsupported causes, repairs or safety conclusions are not guessed.
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1. What does C1687 mean?
Hyundai DTC C1687 is identified in verified Hyundai service-bulletin evidence as “CAN time out VSM” in the MDPS/C-MDPS context. The evidence directs diagnosis of the C-MDPS power connector and fuse, ground line, ECU/VSM CAN line, and GDS communication status. If the DTC returns and MDPS is inoperable, the bulletin directs replacement of the C-MDPS ECU or Power Pack assembly; if MDPS operates normally, it directs continued wiring investigation.
2. Technical explanation
Verified Hyundai bulletin evidence labels C1687 as “CAN time out VSM.” MDPS refers to the motor-driven power steering system, and the cited procedure places this code in a C-MDPS diagnostic path. The documented checks are the C-MDPS power connector and fuse, C-MDPS ground line, C-MDPS ECU/VSM CAN line, and communication status with GDS. The bulletin also states to check for C1259; if C1259 is present with these DTCs, replace the column and housing assembly. The provided evidence does not establish an EV high-voltage battery, charging, or propulsion-system fault for C1687.
3. What system is affected?
MDPS/C-MDPS motor-driven power steering and ECU/VSM CAN communication.
4. How serious is this code?
Not yet established by verified evidence.
5. Symptoms you may notice
- A warning lamp illuminated with DTC(s) present is described in Hyundai TSB 22-ST-001H for the R-MDPS diagnostic flowchart.
- MDPS may be inoperable if C1687 returns; this condition is specifically addressed in Hyundai TSBs 20-ST-001H-1 and 20-ST-001H-2.
- Other symptoms are not yet established by verified evidence.
6. Possible causes
- A CAN timeout involving VSM, as identified by the C1687 description in Hyundai TSBs 20-ST-001H-1 and 20-ST-001H-2.
- C-MDPS power-connector or fuse condition requiring inspection.
- C-MDPS ground-line condition requiring inspection.
- C-MDPS ECU/VSM CAN-line condition requiring inspection.
- Communication-status issue requiring assessment with GDS.
- If MDPS remains normal when the DTC returns, Hyundai directs continued investigation into wiring issues.
7. Can I still drive the vehicle?
Not yet established by verified evidence. The verified bulletin distinguishes a condition in which MDPS is inoperable, but it does not provide a drive/no-drive determination.
8. Can I charge the vehicle?
Not yet established by verified evidence. The supplied evidence does not identify C1687 as a charging-system diagnostic code.
9. What you can safely do
- Do not attempt high-voltage repairs; no high-voltage repair procedure is established by the supplied evidence.
- Have a qualified Hyundai service provider diagnose the MDPS/C-MDPS system using the documented bulletin procedure.
- Record whether the MDPS is operating normally or is inoperable when C1687 returns.
- Provide all stored DTCs to the service provider, including whether C1259, C1688, or C1700 are present.
10. Step-by-step troubleshooting
- Check the C-MDPS power connector and fuse.
- Check the C-MDPS ground line.
- Check the C-MDPS ECU/VSM CAN line.
- Check communication status with GDS.
- Check for C1259. The bulletin states that if C1259 is present with these DTCs, replace the column and housing assembly.
- If C1687 returns and MDPS is inoperable, Hyundai directs replacement of the C-MDPS ECU or Power Pack assembly.
- If C1687 returns and MDPS operation is normal, Hyundai directs continued investigation into wiring issues.
11. When to contact service
Contact a Hyundai dealer or qualified Hyundai service provider for MDPS/C-MDPS diagnosis, particularly if the code returns or MDPS is inoperable.
12. What the service center may check
- Inspect C-MDPS power connector and fuse.
- Inspect C-MDPS ground line.
- Inspect C-MDPS ECU/VSM CAN line.
- Assess GDS communication status.
- Check for C1259 with the relevant DTCs.
- For the R-MDPS flowchart in TSB 22-ST-001H, check R-MDPS connectors and wiring, erase DTC(s), and re-check.
13. Possible repair or resolution
- If C1687 returns and MDPS is inoperable, Hyundai TSBs 20-ST-001H-1 and 20-ST-001H-2 direct replacement of the C-MDPS ECU or Power Pack assembly.
- If C1687 returns and MDPS operation is normal, Hyundai directs continued investigation into wiring issues.
- If C1259 is present with the applicable DTCs, Hyundai directs replacement of the column and housing assembly.
- TSB 22-ST-001H lists C1687 in a power-pack-related R-MDPS DTC group and directs Power Pack assembly replacement after its stated connector/wiring check, DTC erasure, and re-check process.
14. Affected vehicles
- Hyundai Kona · 2016–2021 · US
- Hyundai Kona · 2016–2020 · US
- Hyundai Sonata · 2016–2017 · US
- Hyundai Sonata · 2016–2021 · US
- Hyundai Sonata · 2016–2020 · US
15. Related TSBs / service bulletins
- Hyundai TSB 22-ST-001H, published January 6, 2022: R-MDPS diagnostic repair flowchart. It lists C1687 as power-pack-related and describes checking R-MDPS connectors and wiring, erasing DTCs, re-checking, and replacing the Power Pack assembly in the documented flow.
- Hyundai TSB 20-ST-001H-2, published September 9, 2020: identifies C1687 as “CAN time out VSM” and provides C-MDPS diagnostic and replacement guidance.
- Hyundai TSB 20-ST-001H-1, published August 10, 2020: identifies C1687 as “CAN time out VSM” and provides the same cited C-MDPS diagnostic and replacement guidance.
16. Recall information
- Not yet established by verified evidence.
17. Official manufacturer information
Verified official NHTSA-hosted Hyundai manufacturer communications: 22-ST-001H (https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2022/MC-10207815-0001.pdf); 20-ST-001H-2 (https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2020/MC-10180981-0001.pdf); 20-ST-001H-1 (https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2020/MC-10179244-0001.pdf).
19. Frequently asked questions
What does Hyundai C1687 mean?
Verified Hyundai bulletin evidence identifies C1687 as “CAN time out VSM” in the C-MDPS/MDPS diagnostic context.
What does Hyundai direct technicians to inspect for C1687?
The documented checks are the C-MDPS power connector and fuse, ground line, ECU/VSM CAN line, and communication status with GDS.
What if C1687 returns and power steering is inoperable?
Hyundai TSBs 20-ST-001H-1 and 20-ST-001H-2 direct replacement of the C-MDPS ECU or Power Pack assembly.
What if C1687 returns but MDPS operates normally?
Hyundai directs continued investigation into wiring issues.
Does C1687 establish a charging or high-voltage battery problem?
No such connection is established by the supplied verified evidence.