U0401 — Invalid Data from ECM
What it means: Invalid Data from ECM.
How serious / can you keep driving: Serious. Power derate likely — plan to stop soon.
Check first: Check ECM software version
Don't risk it — look up listed providers near you and give them this code when you call.
Listed providers nearest Sparks, NV
Closest first. Tell them U0401 and what the truck is doing. RoadService.app lists these providers and does not employ them or carry out the repair.
- 0.0 mi away — based in Sparks, NV · (775) 355-6884
- 0.0 mi away — based in Sparks, NV · (775) 356-7200
- 0.0 mi away — based in Sparks, NV · (775) 359-0550
Seen on: Heavy Truck
What U0401 means
Invalid Data from ECM. Common causes: ECM sending invalid CAN data.
How serious is it?
Serious. Power derate likely — plan to stop soon.
Most likely causes
- ECM sending invalid CAN data
- ECM internal fault
- corrupted firmware
First moves (roadside)
- Check ECM software version
- update firmware if available
- replace ECM if persists
FAQ
Invalid Data from ECM. Common causes: ECM sending invalid CAN data.
Serious — Power derate likely — plan to stop soon.
The most common cause is: ECM sending invalid CAN data. Other possibilities include ECM internal fault; corrupted firmware.
Power derate likely — plan to stop soon. When in doubt, get a qualified mobile diesel tech on the truck before continuing.
Related codes
Codes that commonly appear alongside U0401, or share the same subsystem.
- ECU Power Supply — Intermittent / Erratic (SPN 627 FMI 2)
- Battery / Charging Voltage — Low (SPN 168 FMI 18)
- Engine Controller (ECM) — Internal Fault (SPN 629 FMI 12)
- Battery voltage low during crank (SPN 168 FMI 17)
- J1939 proprietary datalink lost (SPN 625 FMI 9)
- J1939 Data Link — Communication Error (SPN 639 FMI 2)
- High Speed CAN Bus Fault (U0001)
- Lost Communication with ECM/PCM (U0100)
Same symptom: Lost communication
Other datalink faults. A U-code is a network problem and is diagnosed at the datalink, not at the module that went quiet.
- Lost Communication with Fuel Injector Control Module (U0105) · Electrical, Charging & Network
- Lost Communication with TCM (U0101) · Electrical, Charging & Network
- Lost Communication with Gear Shift Module (U0103) · Electrical, Charging & Network
- Lost comms with ABS (U0121) · Electrical, Charging & Network
- Lost Communication with Body Control Module (U0140) · Electrical, Charging & Network
- Invalid Data from TCM (U0402) · Electrical, Charging & Network
Find a mechanic or related guides
General diagnostic guidance for diesel engines (Cummins, Detroit, PACCAR, Volvo, Mack and more). Not a substitute for a scan-tool diagnosis on your specific truck.