Code
U04A4
Generic
U — Network/User
Invalid Data Received From Particulate Matter Sensor A
Views:
UK: 16
EN: 30
RU: 14
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Open, short, or intermittent wiring to PM sensor A (power, ground, signal)
- Poor connector contact or corrosion at the sensor or harness
- Failed or degraded particulate matter sensor (contamination, internal fault)
- Heater element failure or incorrect heater resistance (if equipped)
- CAN/LIN or dedicated serial communication errors or bus faults
- ECU/module software fault or calibration mismatch
Symptoms
- U04A4 stored in memory; related PM/DPF monitoring warnings
- Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) or DPF/PM warning message on dash
- Reduced engine performance or forced regen behavior (depending on strategy)
- DPF regeneration may not complete or may be inhibited
- Inconsistent or implausible PM readings on a scan tool (e.g., out-of-range values, spikes, NaN)
What to check
- Read all stored and pending codes; record freeze frame and related DTCs
- Check live PID/parameter for PM sensor A; note value, update rate, and plausibility
- Inspect sensor connector for corrosion, bent pins, water intrusion, or damage
- Visually inspect wiring harness for chafing, breaks, or repairs near sensor and ECU
- Verify sensor supply voltage and ground at connector with key on (voltage and continuity)
- Scan for CAN/LIN bus errors, bus load, and check other modules for communication issues
Signal parameters
- Sensor output type: analog voltage (typical 0–5.0 V) or digital/CAN message (varies by vehicle)
- Expected steady-state analog range: ~0.1–4.9 V (specific range depends on sensor design)
- Heater resistance (if equipped): measure ohms against manufacturer spec; open or short indicates fault
- Signal update rate: typically 0.5–10 Hz for CAN PM messages; analog sample rates vary
- CAN/LIN: valid message ID and data length; check for frequent retransmissions or error frames
Diagnostic algorithm
- Retrieve and record all DTCs, freeze frame and live PM sensor data with a capable scan tool.
- Inspect connector and wiring at PM sensor A for corrosion, water ingress, damaged pins, or loose latch; clean and reseat connector.
- With key ON engine OFF, verify sensor supply voltage and ground at the connector against specification. Repair wiring if supply/ground missing or out of range.
- Probe the sensor signal with a multimeter or oscilloscope while observing live data on scan tool. Look for stuck, noisy, intermittent, or out-of-range readings.
- If sensor has a heater, disconnect power and measure heater resistance; compare to spec. Check heater supply and switching by ECU during test regen/command.
- Check CAN/LIN network: verify other modules respond, check for bus faults, and confirm the PM sensor’s CAN ID/messages appear and update. Repair bus faults (terminators, shorts) if present.
- Perform a wiggle test on wiring and connector while monitoring live data to find intermittent faults.
- If wiring and communication are good but sensor output is implausible or fails bench tests, replace PM sensor A and retest.
- After repair, clear codes and perform a road test or required DPF/PM functional tests and ensure code does not return. Verify any required relearn/calibration procedures.
- If problem persists after sensor replacement, consider ECU/software update or module testing/reprogramming per manufacturer guidance.
Likely causes
- Corroded or loose connector at PM sensor A
- Damaged wiring harness (rodent chew, abrasion, pinch)
- Contaminated or saturated sensor from prolonged DPF/PM exposure
- Failed internal electronics inside the PM sensor (common over time)
- Intermittent CAN bus frame(s) or termination problem
Fault status
Status
Control module detected invalid or out-of-range data from Particulate Matter Sensor A.
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 0.5-2 hours
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