Code
U1602
Generic
U — Network/User
Invalid Data Received From Control Module
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Faulty sending or receiving control module (internal processor/software)
- Corroded, loose or damaged connector or spliced wiring on the network
- Short, open or high-resistance on data/ground/termination circuits
- Incorrect or incompatible software/calibration in one or more modules
- Missing or incorrect bus termination or harness modification
- Intermittent battery/charging voltage or weak ground causing data corruption
Symptoms
- MIL or warning messages for affected systems
- Loss of function of one or more networked systems (e.g., ABS, transmission, HVAC, instrument cluster)
- Intermittent or permanent communication errors on scan tool
- Erratic instrument cluster values or frozen gauges
- Other modules reporting dependent faults or fallback modes
What to check
- Read all stored and pending U- and P- codes from all modules; note freeze frame and timestamp data
- Identify which module reported the invalid data and all related modules on the same bus
- Visually inspect wiring, connectors, and grounds for the affected module(s) and any junctions or gateways
- Check battery voltage and charging system for stability (while cranking and at idle)
- Verify vehicle history: recent module replacement, software update, aftermarket installs, or collision repairs
- Use an appropriate scan tool to request/monitor the suspect module’s messages and see if it responds to diagnostic requests
Signal parameters
- Bus type (CAN, CAN-FD, LIN, FlexRay) and associated baud rate (e.g., 500 kbps, 250 kbps)
- Message ID(s) expected from the sender and timestamps/cycle time (ms)
- Data length (DLC) and expected data payload structure for the message
- Frequency and regularity of frames (cycle time and jitter)
- Count of CRC/FEC errors, faulty/error frames, and bus error counters
- CAN_H and CAN_L voltages in recessive and dominant states and differential voltage behavior
Diagnostic algorithm
- Retrieve all modules’ codes and note which module logged U1602 and any associated codes. Identify the network (CAN/LIN) and message IDs involved.
- Inspect connectors, pins, and wiring harnesses for corrosion, bent pins, or damage at the reporting module and common junctions. Repair as necessary.
- Verify battery and ground integrity. Ensure battery voltage stable (while cranking and idling) and grounds are clean/tight.
- With correct vehicle wiring diagrams, check continuity and resistance of the data wires and shield/ground back to the gateway/module. Look for shorts to power/ground.
- Using a capable scan tool or OEM diagnostic tester, monitor raw bus traffic. Confirm whether the sending module is transmitting valid frames (correct ID, DLC, expected payload pattern) or sending malformed frames.
- Use an oscilloscope or CAN/LIN analyzer to inspect CAN_H/CAN_L physical layer for noise, missing recessive/dominant transitions, reflections or excessive error frames.
- If bus wiring and physical layer are good, verify module software/calibration levels for compatibility. Reflash or update software if mismatched per manufacturer procedure.
- If a specific module is identified as the source after steps above, verify power/ground/inputs to that module. Replace the module only after confirming failure and ruling out wiring and software causes.
- Clear codes and retest the system. Drive-cycle as required and re-scan to confirm the fault is resolved.
- If intermittent, trace and reproduce conditions (temperature, vibration, accessory connection) and consider harness repair or shielding for EMI sources.
Likely causes
- Wiring/connectors at module or junction are damaged or corroded
- Module firmware/software mismatch after module replacement or update
- Failed control module transmitting corrupted packets
- Bus termination or wiring shorted to power or ground causing corrupted frames
Fault status
Status
Invalid or corrupted data received from a control module on the vehicle network; communication integrity issue between modules.
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 1.0-3.0 hours
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