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Common codes
P0420P0300P0171P0455P0442P0128P0401P0113

U0401: Invalid data received from ECM / PCM

Drive carefully. Get it checked within a week or two.

Can I drive with U0401?

Yes, but drive carefully and get it checked soon. Transmission or ABS received an error flag from the engine computer; vehicle remains drivable.

What does U0401 mean?

U0401 stands for Invalid Data Received From ECM/PCM.

Symptoms you may notice

  • Multiple warning lights on dashboard simultaneously (ABS, CEL, Airbag)
  • Speedometer or instrument cluster needles bouncing or freezing
  • Transmission may shift harshly or default to safe limp gear

How much does it cost to fix?

Repair costs for code U0401 depend on the specific underlying root cause, ranging from simple DIY checks to component replacement. The table below lists the most common causes and rough price ranges in USD:

  • Engine computer has stored active diagnostic trouble codes
    $40-$200 common
  • Temporary bus voltage fluctuation
    $0-$40 possible
  • Sensor signal out of calibration
    $50-$150 possible
  • Intermittent CAN harness connection
    $40-$100 rare

What to do next

  1. Read trouble codes stored in the engine computer (ECM).
  2. Repair the primary engine problem (misfire, vacuum leak, sensor).
  3. Clear all vehicle fault codes.
Last updated: October 2026

Related codes

U0100 U0402 P0700 C0561
General guidance only, not a professional diagnosis. If the check-engine light is flashing, or the car is running rough, overheating or losing power, stop driving and get help.

About this code

Code U0401 means the receiving module got a message from the engine computer, but the message contained an invalid flag or corrupted value. It is typically a secondary symptom of a standard engine code like P0300 or P0171.