U0416 is a network-level diagnostic indication that a chassis-related control module has received data that it considers invalid or implausible. Per SAE J2012 formats this is a U-type network communication fault and does not, by itself, identify a single failed sensor or module. Interpretation varies by make, model, and year; you must confirm the root cause with basic electrical tests and Controller Area Network (CAN) signalling checks. Start with wiring, connector, power/ground, and message plausibility checks before concluding module or sensor failure.
What Does U0416 Mean?
SAE J2012 defines the code structure and classification for U0416 as a network communication fault indicating “Invalid Data Received” for a chassis-related message. This article follows SAE J2012 formatting and notes that standardized DTC descriptions are published in the SAE J2012-DA digital annex.
The code shown here is presented without a hyphen FTB (Failure Type Byte). If an FTB were present (for example “-1A”), it would act as a subtype giving additional context about the failure mode. U0416 is distinct because it flags implausible or corrupted message content rather than a simple lost-message timeout; exact message source and meaning can vary by vehicle and must be confirmed with on-vehicle network and electrical testing.
Quick Reference
- Type: U — Network communication; invalid/implausible data received
- Scope: Chassis-related message on CAN or other vehicle network
- FTB: Not shown here; an FTB would indicate a subtype if present
- Common checks: wiring/connectors, power & ground, CAN bus integrity, module plausibility
- Diagnosis approach: test-driven — confirm signal and message data before replacing modules
Real-World Example / Field Notes
Technicians often see U0416 appear alongside intermittent drivability or stability-system warnings. In practice, a quick scan of the vehicle can show related network errors or multiple modules reporting inconsistent values. One possible cause commonly associated with this code is a poor pin contact in a multi-pin connector that injects noise or corrupts a message. Another commonly associated situation is a module rebooting or timing out and resending partial data that other modules reject as implausible.
In several shops, replacing a wheel-speed sensor was unnecessary after inspection revealed frayed CAN wires near a suspension harness splice. Conversely, some vehicles required a module reprogram or replacement, but only after external wiring, battery voltage stability, and CAN message content were confirmed good. Always capture a CAN bus log or live-data trace to show the invalid payload before deciding on high-cost repairs.
Symptoms of U0416
- Warning lamp Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) or vehicle stability warning illuminated, or a dash message indicating a control or communication fault.
- Loss of function Reduced or altered operation of traction or stability assist features under certain driving conditions.
- Erratic sensor data Inconsistent or implausible vehicle speed, wheel speed, or brake-pressure readouts on a diagnostic scan tool.
- Intermittent behavior Fault appears and clears intermittently, often correlated with vibration, steering input, or moisture exposure.
- Driveability Possible degraded braking feel or ESC intervention that seems out of proportion to vehicle motion.
Common Causes of U0416
Most Common Causes
U0416 indicates an invalid or implausible message related to vehicle dynamics on the Controller Area Network (CAN). Interpretation varies by make and model; many vehicles map U0416 to an invalid motion-related message. Commonly associated causes include damaged wiring or corroded connectors on the sensor or module message path, poor power or ground to a sending or receiving module, and bus-layer faults such as missing termination or intermittent CAN low/high levels. These failures most often affect the plausibility of the data rather than a single confirmed component.
Less Common Causes
Less frequent causes include intermittent internal processing or input‑stage issues inside a control module after external inputs test good, failed sensors that intermittently report impossible values, or misconfigured module programming that changes expected message formats. Vehicle-specific variations mean OEM diagnostic data and wiring diagrams are required to narrow the cause.
Diagnosis: Step-by-Step Guide
Tools: OBD-II scanner with live CAN-data and Mode 06 capability, digital multimeter, oscilloscope or CAN bus analyzer, factory wiring diagrams or aftermarket equivalent, backprobe pins and harness-release tools, dielectric grease/cleaning kit, basic hand tools, and an insulated test light for quick checks.
- Connect a capable scan tool and record the freeze-frame and live data for the event. Note timestamps and any Failure Type Byte (FTB) suffix reported by the tool.
- Scan for other network or sensor faults that could provide context. Prioritize CAN-bus errors or module offline conditions that appear with U0416.
- Identify the sending and receiving modules listed by the scan data or OEM documentation. Do not assume a specific corner or sensor—confirm which module is reporting or requesting the message on this vehicle.
- With ignition on, check key power and ground circuits at the involved modules using a DMM. Verify stable battery voltage and low-resistance grounds; intermittent or high-resistance grounds are common culprits.
- Inspect physical wiring and connectors for corrosion, broken strands, pin push-out, or water intrusion. Wiggle harnesses while watching live data for intermittent changes to reproduce the fault.
- Use an oscilloscope or CAN analyzer to capture CAN high/low voltages and message traffic. Verify proper idle levels, termination, and that the message ID and payload change plausibly with vehicle motion.
- Backprobe sensor or module signal lines to confirm the sensor’s raw output and compare it to the module’s interpreted data. Look for plausibility: values that cannot occur physically indicate bad data, wiring, or a faulty transmitter.
- If wiring, power, ground, and bus signals test good, consult OEM data for module I/O pin tests and message routing. If external inputs are all confirmed good, consider a module input-stage or internal processing issue as a possible cause.
- Clear codes, perform a controlled road or bench test while monitoring the live data, and confirm the fault either reappears or remains cleared before replacing hardware.
Professional tip: Never replace a control module based solely on U0416. Exhaustively test bus integrity, power/ground, and connector continuity first; only after all external inputs and wiring prove good should you consider internal module processing or input-stage failure and plan for replacement or advanced bench testing.
Confirm wiring, power/ground, and Controller Area Network (CAN) checks before assuming a control module issue. U0416 points to invalid or implausible networked vehicle-dynamics data — a message-level communication problem between modules. Interpretation varies by make/model/year; always verify with basic electrical and network testing (voltage, continuity, resistance, CAN bus traffic) to locate whether the root cause is wiring, sensor plausibility, or a module input-stage condition.
Possible Fixes & Repair Costs
Low ($50–$150): Repairing a loose connector, cleaning corrosion, or re-seating a harness when continuity checks show intermittent contact or high resistance. You justify this when wiggle tests or backprobing show open/poor connections and repair restores stable voltage or data frames on the bus. Typical ($150–$600): Repairing wiring runs, replacing a damaged sensor commonly associated with the vehicle-dynamics network, or replacing a faulty junction connector. Use these when pin-to-pin resistance and voltage tests fail, or a dedicated sensor shows implausible analog signals during scope checks. High ($500–$2,000+): Extensive harness replacement, module replacement, or labor-intensive access jobs. Only consider module replacement as a last resort after verifying power, ground, bus messages, and input sensors test good; document all tests that isolate the module to possible internal processing or input-stage issues. Factors affecting cost include labor hours, access difficulty, OEM part price, and whether programming/re-flash is required by the manufacturer. Always match the chosen repair to the specific failing test: wiring faults need wiring fixes, failed sensor tests need sensor replacement, and confirmed internal module faults justify module service.
Can I Still Drive With U0416?
You can often drive short distances with U0416, but safety systems that rely on vehicle-dynamics data (stability control, traction control, advanced braking) may be degraded or operate in a fallback mode. Road feel may change, and warning lights or limited functionality could appear. If the fault intermittently affects communication, unexpected behavior can occur. Prioritize safe driving: avoid high-speed or demanding maneuvers and have the vehicle diagnosed promptly with a scanner and basic electrical checks.
What Happens If You Ignore U0416?
Ignoring U0416 can leave stability and safety systems operating with incorrect or missing data, increasing the risk of degraded handling or unexpected intervention. Secondary failures or expanded network errors can also develop over time.
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
- U0414 – Invalid Data Received From Four-Wheel Drive Clutch Control Module
- U0413 – Invalid Data Received From Battery Energy Control Module B
- 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
- System-level U0416 denotes invalid vehicle-dynamics network data, not a guaranteed failed part.
- Test-first approach: verify wiring, power/ground, and CAN traffic before replacing modules.
- Interpretation varies by make/model/year; confirm with basic electrical and network tests.
- Module replacement is only justified after all external inputs and bus checks pass.
Vehicles Commonly Affected by U0416
U0416 is commonly seen on vehicles from manufacturers that use distributed vehicle-dynamics architectures and multi-module CAN networks, often reported on some Ford, General Motors, and Toyota platforms. These designs rely on separate modules for braking, steering, and stability, which increases network message dependency. Complex networks and multiple sensors increase the chance that wiring, connectors, or message integrity issues will trigger this fault in a variety of makes and models.
FAQ
Can a loose connector cause U0416?
Yes. A loose, corroded, or bent-pin connector can corrupt or interrupt messages on the CAN/LIN segments that carry vehicle-dynamics data. Basic checks include visual inspection, wiggle testing while monitoring live data or bus traffic, and measuring continuity/resistance. If re-seating the connector or cleaning terminals restores steady voltage and valid messages, that repair is justified. Always confirm restoration of correct data frames before clearing the code.
Is module replacement usually required for U0416?
Not usually. Module replacement is only appropriate after all external causes—power, ground, wiring continuity, connector integrity, sensor plausibility, and bus traffic—have been verified good. If those tests pass and the suspected module shows no incoming valid messages or exhibits erratic internal behavior on diagnostics, you can then consider a possible internal processing or input-stage issue. Document all tests supporting the decision before replacing the module.
Can low battery or charging issues trigger U0416?
Yes. Low battery voltage, poor charging, or intermittent power can corrupt module operation and CAN messaging, producing invalid data errors like U0416. Perform battery state-of-charge and charging system tests, and check for voltage drops at relevant module power and ground pins during cranking and at idle. If voltage margins are outside manufacturer-recommended ranges and message integrity improves with stabilised voltage, power system repair is justified.
How do I confirm U0416 with a scan tool and electrical tests?
Use a capable scanner to read freeze frame, live data, and Mode 6/06 or manufacturer-specific bus diagnostics. Monitor the suspected signal sources and CAN frames while performing wiggle tests and sensor plausibility checks. Follow with multimeter continuity, resistance, and voltage checks on related circuits. A scope can validate analog sensor waveforms and CAN differential signals. Confirming lost or implausible messages plus failed electrical tests localizes the fault.
Will clearing the code make U0416 stay away?
Clearing U0416 may temporarily remove the warning, but if the root cause remains, the code will return. Use clearing only after corrective actions and verification tests. If the fault is intermittent, log data and drive cycles to reproduce the condition. Persistent return of the code after repairs indicates incomplete fixes or multiple failure points, necessitating further measured diagnosis rather than repeated clearing.