U0415: Invalid Data Received From ABS Control Module (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)

What U0415 means

Modern vehicles have many control modules that share information over a data network called the Controller Area Network (CAN) bus. The ABS control module keeps the wheels from locking up under braking and broadcasts wheel speed and brake data that other modules, such as traction control, stability control, the transmission, power steering, cruise control and driver-assistance systems, rely on (KBB, OBD2.com). Because that data matters, other modules check that it makes sense. KBB says U0415 means one or more modules on the CAN bus, usually the PCM or ECM, have detected that the ABS module is sending invalid data, and that it is a generic code that can appear on almost any OBD-II vehicle with ABS. OBD2.com stresses that this is different from U0121, lost communication with the ABS module: with U0415 the ABS module is still talking, but the data it sends is not trusted. So the module that stored U0415 is usually not the faulty part, and the code alone doesn't prove the ABS module is bad (OBD2.com). Note on sources: KBB says the check engine light comes on and the PCM usually disables ABS, while OBD2.com mainly lists the ABS, traction control and stability control warnings and says symptoms depend on which module stored the code and on the manufacturer. KBB names circuit problems as the most common cause, while OBD2.com says to start with any more specific ABS or chassis codes and live wheel speed data. RepairPal gives the definition and a Moderate rating but no further detail.

Severity: can I keep driving?

Stop and fix promptly

Get it diagnosed soon and drive carefully. KBB calls U0415 quite serious, because most vehicles switch off the anti-lock brakes until the fault is fixed, and advises avoiding driving with it. RepairPal rates it Moderate, meaning it may not threaten safety right away but should be checked within a reasonable time. OBD2.com says normal hydraulic braking usually keeps working while ABS, traction or stability control may be off, so drive only as needed to get it checked and allow extra stopping distance, especially on wet or icy roads. If the red brake warning light comes on or the brakes feel different, stop driving and have the brakes inspected right away.

Common symptoms

• ABS warning light, often with traction control or stability control warnings or a 'Service ABS' type message (OBD2.com)
• Check engine light and sometimes other warning lights (KBB)
• Anti-lock brakes switched off, so more wheel slip and less stability when braking, especially on wet or icy roads (KBB, OBD2.com)
• Hill-start assist, cruise control or driver-assistance features unavailable on some vehicles (OBD2.com)
• Speedometer or other speed-related readings behaving abnormally on some vehicles (OBD2.com)

Likely causes

Roughly most to least common, based on the sources below. Your vehicle may differ.

1. Damaged wiring or poor connections, which KBB calls the most common cause, including corroded, loose or water-damaged ABS module connectors (KBB, OBD2.com)
2. Faulty wheel speed sensors or other inputs to the ABS module, or a damaged tone ring or wheel bearing encoder, making the ABS module send data that doesn't make sense (KBB, OBD2.com)
3. Low or unstable system voltage, or poor ABS module power and ground connections (OBD2.com)
4. A problem with the CAN bus data network (OBD2.com)
5. ABS module software, programming or configuration problems, for example after a module replacement or update (KBB, OBD2.com)
6. A defective ABS control module (KBB, OBD2.com)

Diagnostic steps you can do

1. Scan every module, not just the engine computer, and write down all codes and which module stored U0415 before clearing anything (OBD2.com).
2. Diagnose any more specific ABS or chassis codes first, such as a wheel speed sensor code; OBD2.com says U0415 is often a side effect of that fault, and U0121 should be fixed first if it is also stored (OBD2.com).
3. If your scan tool shows live data, compare all four wheel speeds during a slow, safe test drive and look for a wheel that drops to zero, spikes, or disagrees with the others (OBD2.com).
4. Check the battery and charging voltage, especially if several U codes appeared after a weak battery, a jump start or a battery replacement (OBD2.com).
5. Look over the wheel speed sensor wiring and the ABS module connector for corrosion, water, loose pins or damage, particularly after recent wheel bearing, suspension, brake or collision work (KBB, OBD2.com).
6. Check for technical service bulletins (TSBs) and software updates for your vehicle before replacing any module (KBB, OBD2.com).

Typical fixes

• Repair damaged, corroded or loose wiring and connectors in the ABS circuit
• Diagnose and repair the wheel speed sensor, tone ring or wheel bearing fault behind any related ABS code
• Fix a weak battery, charging problem or poor module power and ground connection
• Repair a fault in the CAN bus wiring
• Update the software or reconfigure the ABS module if a bulletin or the dealer calls for it
• Replace the ABS control module only after sensors, wiring, power, network and software are ruled out

Repair costs vary widely by vehicle, region, parts brand and shop, so we don't quote prices. Get a written estimate after diagnosis.

Related codes

• U0401 Invalid Data Received From ECM/PCM A
• U0155 Lost Communication With Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) Control Module
• U0140 Lost Communication With Body Control Module (BCM)
• U0121 Lost Communication With ABS Control Module
• U0109 Lost Communication With Fuel Pump Control Module (FPCM)

Also listed in this guide:

All Network communication codes (U0xxx) →

FAQs

Sources

1. KBB: U0415 Code, Invalid Data Received From Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Control Module (KBB Service Advisor, reviewed by Gary Hardesty)
2. RepairPal: U0415 Invalid Data Received From Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Control (rated Moderate)
3. OBD2.com: U0415 Code, Invalid Data Received From ABS Module