U0413 is a U‑series network diagnostic trouble code indicating that a control module received data that the module deemed invalid or implausible from another node on the vehicle network. The U prefix signals a network/communication class issue; the code points to data integrity or plausibility rather than a single confirmed hardware failure. Exact interpretation can vary by make, model, and year, so you should confirm the reporting and source nodes with basic electrical checks and CAN/LIN network testing before deciding on parts or module replacement.
What Does U0413 Mean?
SAE J2012 defines DTC structure and some standardized descriptions, and the SAE J2012-DA digital annex publishes the standardized DTC descriptions referenced by many scan tools and repair procedures. This article follows SAE J2012 formatting and wording conventions when describing U0413.
The code shown here is U0413 without a hyphen suffix (no Failure Type Byte, FTB). An FTB, if present (for example U0413-1A), would identify a subtype or more specific failure characteristic reported by the module. There is no single universal component-level definition for U0413 across all vehicles; the common thread is “invalid or implausible data received,” which can come from timing errors, out-of-range sensor values, missing messages, checksum/CRC failures, or electrical faults affecting message integrity.
Quick Reference
- Type: Network/communication — data plausibility error
- Primary symptom: control module flags received message as invalid
- Common checks: CAN/LIN message presence, bus voltages, termination
- Essential tests: scan tool live data, CAN bus harness wiggle, oscilloscope capture
- Repair focus: wiring/connectors, sensor plausibility, power & ground, node behavior
Real-World Example / Field Notes
In the shop you’ll often see U0413 set when a stability or steering-related control module reports sensor values that contradict other vehicle inputs or exceed expected ranges. Technicians commonly associated this symptom with steering angle sensor messages or vehicle dynamics module outputs, but that association is vehicle-dependent; confirm with a manufacturer network message list or by observing which ECU marked the fault.
Practical checks that frequently find the root cause include inspecting connectors for corrosion or loose pins at sensor harnesses and control modules, measuring key power and ground circuits for solid reference voltages, and verifying CAN bus idle voltages (roughly battery/2) with the ignition on. Intermittent wiring faults or poor grounds often produce sporadic invalid-data faults: wiggle tests on harnesses while monitoring live data can reproduce the failure.
On modern vehicles, a logical next step is to capture CAN traffic using a scan tool with message logging or an oscilloscope to confirm message timing, amplitude, and checksum behavior. Look for missing frames, duplicated frames, or voltage distortions that line up with the fault timestamp. If the sending node has valid power/ground and the bus looks healthy, the issue may be a sensor producing implausible values or a receiving module’s plausibility routine; treat any module-level repair as a last step after exhaustive wiring, power, ground, and bus integrity testing.
U0413 is a U‑code that signals invalid or implausible data received over a vehicle network for a chassis-related message. SAE J2012 defines the DTC format and standardized descriptions; many body and chassis U‑codes do NOT have a single universal component-level meaning and vary by make, model, and year. Treat U0413 as a network message/data integrity issue until tests point to a specific sensor, wiring, or module.
Symptoms of U0413
- Warning Lamp — A stability, traction, or ABS warning lamp may illuminate or stay on.
- Loss of Function — Related chassis systems (ABS/ESC/TCS) may be degraded or disabled.
- Intermittent — Fault can appear and clear intermittently, often with network activity changes.
- Erratic Inputs — Unexpected or jumping sensor values visible in live data.
- Driveability — You may notice stability control interventions or altered braking feel.
- Multiple Messages — A scan tool may show inconsistent or missing CAN/LIN messages for a chassis node.
Common Causes of U0413
Most Common Causes
Faulty or intermittent wiring/connectors between the module that produces the chassis message and the network are a primary cause. Power and ground problems at the originating control module can corrupt transmitted data. A failing sensor that feeds the originating module can also produce implausible values that are sent as invalid. Network bus issues (CAN or LIN) such as high resistance, short to battery/ground, or poor termination often corrupt messages and trigger U0413. Interpretation varies by make/model; verify by network and electrical tests.
Less Common Causes
Internal module processing errors or software bugs can produce invalid messages, but these are less common than wiring or power/ground issues. Interference from aftermarket electronics, improper module reflashes, or a previously damaged module input stage can also be culprits. Only consider internal module repair or replacement after exhaustive external input, power, ground, wiring, and network checks pass.
Diagnosis: Step-by-Step Guide
Tools: quality post‑scan tool with live CAN/LIN data and errors, multimeter, oscilloscope or CAN‑bus waveform probe, wiring diagrams, backprobe pins, insulated pick set, lab‑grade power supply (if bench testing), scan tool with Mode $06 or data‑stream logging, and a good flashlight.
- Connect the scan tool and record freeze frame, network errors, and the exact DTC text; note whether the code includes an FTB (failure type byte) or is shown without one.
- Observe live data for the related chassis messages and the originating module’s status. Look for implausible values, missing messages, or rapid toggling; capture logs for comparison.
- Check for other network U‑codes or module comms faults—confirm the bus is up and multiple nodes respond to the scan tool.
- Visually inspect connectors and harnesses for the modules on that bus segment. Wiggle tests while watching live data can reveal intermittent opens or corroded pins—do not replace parts without reproducing symptoms.
- Measure battery voltage, module supply voltage, and ground at the suspected originating module; verify stable supply under key‑on and cranking conditions. Power/ground anomalies often produce invalid messages.
- Use an oscilloscope or CAN probe to check bus waveforms at several points: abnormal amplitude, missing recessive/dominant levels, or noise indicate physical bus faults. If LIN is used, check LIN wake/pulse integrity.
- Backprobe the sensor inputs to the originating module to confirm sensor plausibility. Compare sensor voltages/signals to expected ranges; an implausible sensor can cause the module to send invalid network data.
- Isolate wiring: if practical, disconnect the suspect module or sensor and observe whether the DTC clears or changes. Swap connectors or perform a short harness continuity check to confirm open/short conditions.
- If wiring, power, ground, and bus waveforms are good but invalid data persists, consult manufacturer service info for known module behavior and consider bench testing or reflashing only after confirmation of external inputs.
Professional tip: always confirm a repair by reproducing the fault condition, clearing codes, and performing a road‑test with live logging to verify the invalid data no longer appears; do not replace control modules until wiring, power, ground, and network tests are conclusively passed.
Possible Fixes & Repair Costs
Low: $40–$150 — Typical low-cost fixes include connector cleaning, pin repair, or fixing a chafed wire. These are justified when continuity, voltage, or intermittent-wiggle tests show an open, high-resistance, or intermittent connection on a suspected network harness or sensor circuit. Use a multimeter and visual inspection to confirm before replacing parts.
Typical: $200–$800 — More involved repairs cover wiring harness section replacement, terminal replacement, or targeted sensor replacement after bench or live-signal plausibility tests fail. Justify replacement when scope traces or an oscilloscope show invalid or no data on the CAN/LIN line and power/ground at the device test good.
High: $700–$2,200+ — High costs reflect module replacement or vehicle-network rework and calibration. Only consider this after exhaustive wiring, connector, power, ground, and bus-message testing prove external causes are absent. When a module shows no valid input despite correct supply and network messages from other nodes, a possible internal processing or input-stage issue may be suspected and quoted accordingly.
Factors affecting cost: labor rates, accessibility of harness runs, need for specialized diagnostic time, and whether any reprogramming or subsystem calibration is needed by the dealer. Always document test results that led to each repair decision to avoid unnecessary component changes.
Can I Still Drive With U0413?
You can often drive short distances with U0413 present, but safety and system behavior depend on the specific system affected and your vehicle. U0413 is a network data invalid message; it may disable features that rely on the invalid message such as stability control, traction control, or advanced driver aids. Verify which systems report degraded performance using a scan tool and Mode 6 or live-data before deciding to drive long distances.
What Happens If You Ignore U0413?
Ignoring U0413 can lead to degraded or disabled stability, traction, and related safety functions if the invalid message is tied to vehicle dynamics. Intermittent faults may also progress, causing unpredictable behavior or additional communication errors. Address the fault promptly with basic electrical and network checks to prevent compounding issues.
Related Codes
- U0419 – Invalid Data Received From Steering Effort Control Module
- U0418 – Invalid Data Received From Brake System Control Module
- U0417 – Invalid Data Received From Park Brake Control Module
- U0416 – Invalid Data Received From Vehicle Dynamics Control Module
- U0414 – Invalid Data Received From Four-Wheel Drive Clutch Control Module
- U0412 – Invalid Data Received From Battery Energy Control Module A
- U0411 – Invalid Data Received From Drive Motor Control Module
- U0409 – Invalid Data Received From Alternative Fuel Control Module
- U0408 – Invalid Data Received From Throttle Actuator Control Module
- U0407 – Invalid Data Received From Glow Plug Control Module
Key Takeaways
- SAE-defined code: U0413 is a network message reported as invalid per SAE J2012-DA; interpretation varies by vehicle.
- Test-driven: Always verify wiring, power, ground, and CAN/LIN message integrity before swapping modules.
- Module caution: Consider internal module issues only after external inputs test good.
- Safety: The code can affect stability/driver-assist systems—confirm degraded systems before driving long distances.
Vehicles Commonly Affected by U0413
U0413 is frequently reported on modern vehicles from manufacturers with complex vehicle-dynamics and networked stability systems, commonly seen on European and North American cars and some SUVs. These platforms often use multiple electronic control units communicating on CAN/LIN buses, which increases chances of message invalidation. Interpretation and exact affected modules vary by make, model, and year — confirm with vehicle-specific network traces and wiring diagrams.
FAQ
Can I clear U0413 and hope it stays off?
Clearing the code will erase stored trouble history but does not fix the underlying cause. If the fault is intermittent, it may not reappear immediately; however the vehicle’s diagnostic monitors may retest and set the code again. Use a scan tool to record freeze-frame and live-data before and after clearing, then perform targeted electrical and network checks to confirm the issue is resolved rather than hidden.
Is U0413 likely caused by a bad sensor?
It can be caused by a sensor producing invalid data, but that is only one possibility. Prioritize checking power, ground, connector integrity, and bus message plausibility. If power and network messages to the sensor test good and the sensor’s live output is implausible compared to other nodes, sensor replacement becomes reasonable. Always confirm with comparative sensor data or bench testing where possible.
How long does diagnosing and repairing U0413 usually take?
Diagnosis time ranges from under an hour for simple connector or wiring fixes to several hours when network tracing or harness replacement is required. Expect longer times if the fault is intermittent and requires road testing with data logging, or if a module replacement and validation are necessary after external checks. Documentation of all measurements speeds approvals and repairs.
Can a poor ground trigger U0413?
Yes. A poor ground can corrupt a node’s ability to produce valid messages, creating invalid data on the bus. Check chassis and module grounds for low resistance and tight connections first. If live-data shows voltage shifts, noise, or missing packets tied to grounding events or connector movement, repair the ground and retest before considering sensor or module replacement.
What diagnostic tools does a technician use for U0413?
Techs typically use an OBD-II scan tool with live-data and Mode 6, a digital multimeter, back-probing leads, an oscilloscope for bus/signal traces, a breakout box or CAN/LIN sniffer, and basic hand tools. These tools enable voltage, continuity, resistance, and message-plausibility checks. The choice of tool depends on test results; for example, an oscilloscope is critical if you see corrupted or noisy CAN frames during initial checks.