U0422

Invalid Data Received From Body Control Module

U0422 is a generic OBD-II network diagnostic trouble code: Invalid Data Received From Body Control Module. It is logged by the engine control unit when the network monitor detects that a specific fault threshold has been exceeded — typically resulting in the malfunction-indicator lamp (MIL / check-engine light) being illuminated.

Code
U0422
Group
Network
System
Network
Severity
Warning (MIL on)
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What U0422 means

U0422 is defined as "Invalid Data Received From Body Control Module (BCM)." It is set when one or more control modules on the vehicle's network — typically the PCM, TCM, or other body-network consumers — receive CAN messages from the BCM whose data content fails plausibility checks or falls outside the expected value range. The distinction from a communication-loss code (U0140) is important: the BCM is communicating, but what it is saying is being evaluated as internally inconsistent or contradictory by the receiving module. The BCM coordinates a wide range of body functions including exterior and interior lighting, power door locks, keyless entry, windows, wipers, and in some applications immobilizer security cross-checks, so invalid BCM data can affect any of these systems.

Common causes include CAN bus wiring faults (short to ground, broken shield, high-impedance connector) that corrupt the data stream before it reaches the receiving module, BCM power supply instability from a weak battery or corroded ground strap causing the module to transmit abnormal values, and BCM software corruption from a failed or incomplete firmware flash that leaves the module broadcasting degraded data. Physical BCM damage from water intrusion or solder joint deterioration is a less frequent but confirmed cause. On some platforms, a mismatch between BCM software calibration and the vehicle configuration (e.g., after an incomplete programming event) can trigger U0422.

Diagnosis should begin with a bi-directional OBD-II scan capturing all U-codes network-wide, followed by battery and charging system verification, BCM power and ground checks, and CAN bus wiring inspection before any software or module replacement is considered.

Common causes

Most-frequently reported root causes when U0422 is logged.

  • 1
    CAN bus wiring fault (short to ground, broken shield, or high-impedance connection) corrupting BCM data frames.
  • 2
    Weak battery or failing alternator causing supply voltage instability that results in the BCM transmitting abnormal data.
  • 3
    Corroded or loose BCM ground strap causing ground-offset induced data errors.
  • 4
    Failed or incomplete BCM firmware flash resulting in corrupted software transmitting invalid data.
  • 5
    Water intrusion into the BCM module causing internal hardware degradation.
  • 6
    BCM software version mismatch or configuration error after an incomplete programming event.
  • 7
    Corroded or damaged connector pins at the BCM harness plug.

Symptoms drivers notice

General warning lamp or BCM-related warning indicator illuminated on the instrument cluster.
Exterior or interior lighting flickering, failing to respond, or behaving erratically.
Power door locks unresponsive to remote key fob or interior lock switches.
Power windows or sunroof moving erratically, stopping mid-stroke, or reversing without input.
Keyless entry and remote start functions intermittently failing.
Immobilizer or security system faults appearing if BCM participates in key authentication cross-checks.

How to diagnose U0422

A typical diagnostic flow when this code is present.

  1. 1
    Perform a full multi-module DTC scan and record all stored U-codes and body system codes to determine whether the fault is bus-wide or isolated to the BCM.
  2. 2
    Test battery voltage and charging system output; a weak battery or low voltage is a frequent trigger for BCM data errors.
  3. 3
    Verify BCM power supply voltage at the BCM connector with ignition ON; it should read within 0.5 V of battery voltage.
  4. 4
    Inspect and test all BCM ground connections for continuity and voltage drop; clean and tighten corroded ground eyelets.
  5. 5
    Visually inspect the BCM wiring harness and connector for chafed insulation, water ingress, or corroded pins; perform a pin-drag test on all BCM connector terminals.
  6. 6
    Use a scan tool with CAN bus monitoring capability to observe BCM data traffic during body function operation and identify any out-of-range parameters.
  7. 7
    Check the BCM software version against the OEM's current release; perform a re-flash or re-programming if a version mismatch or corrupted calibration is identified.

Related network codes

Frequently asked questions

Can a dead or weak battery cause U0422?

Yes. Low supply voltage is one of the most common triggers for U0422. When battery voltage drops below the BCM's operating threshold — particularly during cranking or with a heavily discharged battery — the BCM can transmit garbled or out-of-range data, causing receiving modules to set U0422. Always test the battery and charging system before diagnosing bus or module faults.

Will U0422 affect the engine or transmission?

It can. On some platforms the PCM uses BCM-sourced data for accessory load management, fuel trim adjustments, or immobilizer key validation. Invalid BCM data can cause the PCM or TCM to log secondary codes, trigger fail-safes, or in security-linked architectures, prevent the engine from starting.

Does U0422 always require BCM replacement?

No. Many U0422 cases are resolved by fixing wiring, cleaning ground connections, or correcting battery voltage. BCM replacement is warranted only after confirming that the module's power supply, grounds, and bus wiring are all within specification and that a software re-flash has not resolved the fault.

How is U0422 different from U0140?

U0140 means the BCM has gone completely silent on the network — no messages are being received at all. U0422 means the BCM is actively transmitting, but the data content of those messages is being rejected as implausible by other modules. U0422 therefore implies the BCM is partially functional but producing incorrect outputs.

Disabling U0422 in software

RaceTune can permanently disable U0422 — and any other OBD-II diagnostic trouble code — on every ECU family we support. The monitor is disabled inside the ECU itself, so the fault stops being logged: the warning light stays off and the engine never enters limp mode for this code. The change is tied to your exact software version.

Permanent
The monitor is disabled in the ECU itself — not just cleared. It cannot return.
Tailored to your file
Each patch is matched to your specific software version — never a one-size-fits-all file.
Reversible
The original file is always preserved. Reflash the stock to return the ECU to factory state.

Software modifications affect emissions compliance and are not road-legal in many jurisdictions. RaceTune service files are intended for motorsport, off-road, and export use.

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