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U2620 — Invalid Encryption Key Length

Detailed page for trouble code U2620.

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Code

U2620

Generic U — Network/User

Invalid Encryption Key Length

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Page language: EN

Causes

  • Control module configured to use a different encryption key size than other nodes
  • Corrupt or truncated encryption key stored in an ECU or secure element
  • Incomplete or failed programming / calibration update
  • Diagnostic tool or tester using incorrect security parameters
  • Aftermarket or replacement module with incompatible security settings
  • Message framing or network corruption causing incorrect length field

Symptoms

  • Secure diagnostic sessions fail or cannot be established
  • Feature(s) requiring authenticated communication are inoperative
  • Intermittent or permanent communication faults with affected module
  • Service tool reports authentication or security errors
  • Related U-codes or communication DTCs stored (loss of secure comm)

What to check

  • Read and record full DTC text and any freeze-frame or extended data
  • Verify software/calibration part numbers of involved ECUs and gateway
  • Confirm diagnostic tool supports the vehicle's security protocol and has latest software
  • Capture raw network traffic (CAN/CAN-FD/DoIP) during authentication to view key-length field
  • Check for recent programming, module replacement, or aftermarket devices
  • Inspect wiring, connectors, and ground integrity for the affected modules

Signal parameters

  • Security/authentication message: reported key length field (bytes or bits)
  • Expected key length per ECU calibration or security manager
  • Authentication result/status (success/failure codes)
  • Message ID / source and destination ECU IDs
  • Session type (diagnostic, transport/session initiation)
  • Timestamp and message sequence/rolling counter

Diagnostic algorithm

  1. Record the DTC, any freeze frame and related U-codes. Note module IDs and software versions.
  2. Attempt to recreate the fault: start a secure diagnostic session and capture raw network frames with a CAN/CAN-FD/DoIP logger to confirm the reported key length value.
  3. Compare the captured key length field with the expected key length from service documentation or ECU calibration.
  4. Verify diagnostic tool settings and update tool firmware; retry authentication using a known-good OEM tool if available.
  5. Check recent service history for programming, module replacement or aftermarket installation; if present, confirm correct programming procedure was used.
  6. If key length differs due to software mismatch, update/reflash the affected ECU(s) to the correct calibration/software per manufacturer procedure.
  7. If data in ECU NVM appears corrupted, perform recommended reprogram/recover sequence (follow OEM security access and reflash procedures).
  8. If message truncation or bus errors were observed, diagnose network health (termination, wiring, ground, CAN transceivers) and repair as needed, then retest authentication.
  9. After corrective action, clear codes and verify stable secure communications over multiple ignition cycles and drive conditions.
  10. If the module still reports an invalid key length after correct software and healthy bus, consult manufacturer security documentation and consider module replacement or return to supplier.

Likely causes

  • Software/calibration mismatch between master security manager and subordinate ECU (expected key length differs)
  • Failed or interrupted ECU reflash left an invalid key in NVM
  • Third-party module installed that doesn't support vehicle security key size
  • Diagnostic tool set to wrong security protocol (bit length/algorithm) when requesting access
  • Network noise or bus errors truncated the security message length field

Fault status

⚠️ Status
Invalid Encryption Key Length — Received key length (reported) does not match expected key length for secure session; authentication aborted.
🟡 Repair difficulty: Medium
⏱️ Diagnostic time: 0.5-2.0 hours

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