Has anyone had such a mistake in the 2009 Ford S-Max 2.0 TDCI? Error in the ABS - U0401 Incorrect data obtained from engine/transmission control module - Information about the event - Discontinuous I will add that the error sometimes appears while driving - the traction lights up and loses power...

You need to connect to the motor controller. Fuel or boost pressure problem. After removing the error in the ABS will go out.

There is no error in the motor controller. As for the traction control light, it goes off after restarting. If it was a problem with the boost pressure, then there should be some error stored in the engine, and it's clean.

Or maybe the Focus has FAP off and the error table in the ECU is turned off, I have a lot of such cases. Disconnect anything and see if it shows an engine driver error.

I had such a problem in a Ford Kuga, it helped to upload newer software to the ECU.

I have the same problem. How did you solve it?

It was a problem with the turbo, blocking geometry. If the traction comes on and the engine loses power, you need to connect the computer and check the error in the engine controller. The error will only be visible when this problem occurs. After turning off the engine and turning it back on, the error will no longer be there and will remain only in ABS U0401. This error will always appear because the engine is working incorrectly and enters the so-called. emergency mode and indicates that the data from the engine controller is incorrect. I struggled a bit with this too, starting with the whole bundle. After cleaning the geometry in an ultrasonic cleaner, the problem has not returned to this day.

For me, this is exactly what happens when I disconnect, for example, a flow meter, it does not show an error. So how do you turn the ECU error tables back on? Please answer @Launch78, because I see that you are in the topic.

Ids and Controller Reprogramming function. For this you need the Calibration File, after such a procedure you have the ECU as it left the factory.

Hello Ford Mondeo MK4 1.8TDCI. Once it threw errors P2263, the car entered emergency mode max 30 km / h, fuel consumption 50 liters, additionally the traction control light came on. I removed the errors, they did not return, but the U0401 error remained and returns after removal. I checked the flow meter, MAP sensor.

[Solved] 2009 Ford S-Max 2.0 TDCI ABS Error U0401: Traction Loss & Power Issues - Solutions?

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#1 17456383 23 Sep 2018 17:07

bucek21 bucek21

Level 15

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Post #1
17456383 23 Sep 2018 17:07

Has anyone had such a mistake in the 2009 Ford S-Max 2.0 TDCI?

Error in the ABS
- U0401 Incorrect data obtained from engine/transmission control module
- Information about the event
- Discontinuous

I will add that the error sometimes appears while driving - the traction lights up and loses power until the engine is restarted.
I searched the forum a bit and couldn't find anything specific.

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#2 17456417 23 Sep 2018 17:21

decybel91 decybel91

Level 43

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Post #2
17456417 23 Sep 2018 17:21

You need to connect to the motor controller. Fuel or boost pressure problem. After removing the error in the ABS will go out.
#3 17456457 23 Sep 2018 17:33

bucek21 bucek21

Level 15

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Post #3
17456457 23 Sep 2018 17:33

There is no error in the motor controller.
As for the traction control light, it goes off after restarting.
If it was a problem with the boost pressure, then there should be some error stored in the engine, and it's clean.
#4 17456489 23 Sep 2018 17:41

decybel91 decybel91

Level 43

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Post #4
17456489 23 Sep 2018 17:41

Plug in as soon as the light comes on.
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#5 17457712 24 Sep 2018 09:12

Launch78 Launch78

Level 18

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Post #5
17457712 24 Sep 2018 09:12

Or maybe the Focus has FAP off and the error table in the ECU is turned off, I have a lot of such cases. Disconnect anything and see if it shows an engine driver error.
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#6 17459240 24 Sep 2018 20:53

fructon fructon

Level 33

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Post #6
17459240 24 Sep 2018 20:53

I had such a problem in a Ford Kuga, it helped to upload newer software to the ECU.
#7 18478012 18 Feb 2020 10:08

paradox17 paradox17

Level 1

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Post #7
18478012 18 Feb 2020 10:08

I have the same problem.
How did you solve it?
#8 18561321 26 Mar 2020 09:30

bucek21 bucek21

Level 15

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Post #8
18561321 26 Mar 2020 09:30

It was a problem with the turbo, blocking geometry. If the traction comes on and the engine loses power, you need to connect the computer and check the error in the engine controller.
The error will only be visible when this problem occurs. After turning off the engine and turning it back on, the error will no longer be there and will remain only in ABS U0401.
This error will always appear because the engine is working incorrectly and enters the so-called. emergency mode and indicates that the data from the engine controller is incorrect. I struggled a bit with this too, starting with the whole bundle. After cleaning the geometry in an ultrasonic cleaner, the problem has not returned to this day.
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#9 18750558 10 Jun 2020 11:54

piter1602 piter1602

Level 1

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Post #9
18750558 10 Jun 2020 11:54

Launch78 wrote:
Or maybe the Focus has FAP off and the error table in the ECU is turned off, I have a lot of such cases. Disconnect anything and see if it shows an engine driver error.

For me, this is exactly what happens when I disconnect, for example, a flow meter, it does not show an error. So how do you turn the ECU error tables back on? Please answer @Launch78, because I see that you are in the topic.
#10 18750881 10 Jun 2020 14:20

MobilTruck MobilTruck

Level 31

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Post #10
18750881 10 Jun 2020 14:20

piter1602 wrote:
So how do you turn the ECU error tables back on?

Ids and "Controller Reprogramming" function. For this you need the "Calibration File", after such a procedure you have the ECU as it left the factory.
#11 20455287 23 Feb 2023 23:25

wri0rex wri0rex

Level 4

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Post #11
20455287 23 Feb 2023 23:25

Hello
Ford Mondeo MK4 1.8TDCI. Once it threw errors P2263, the car entered emergency mode max 30 km / h, fuel consumption 50 liters, additionally the traction control light came on. I removed the errors, they did not return, but the U0401 error remained and returns after removal. I checked the flow meter, MAP sensor.
#12 20456804 24 Feb 2023 20:58

decybel91 decybel91

Level 43

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Post #12
20456804 24 Feb 2023 20:58

You've fixed the bug, but has the bug been fixed? P2263, turbo pear, sensor on it, vacuum and turbine vacuum valve.
#13 20456811 24 Feb 2023 21:00

wri0rex wri0rex

Level 4

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Post #13
20456811 24 Feb 2023 21:00

There's no pear there. You have a driver and a stepper motor.
#14 20551547 23 Apr 2023 00:09

xPiterosx xPiterosx

Level 6

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Post #14
20551547 23 Apr 2023 00:09

>>20455287
And how did you find the culprit? because I have exactly the same only that the 2.0 TDCI engine. I will add that if I make a long route, this error does not pop up, but when I do short routes, it will throw these errors after some time. I think that the EGR valve is not clogged, because I heard that when the EGR is clogged, it can show various errors.
#15 20621373 18 Jun 2023 07:48

wri0rex wri0rex

Level 4

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Post #15
20621373 18 Jun 2023 07:48

I cleaned the exhaust manifold, intake manifold, EGR and how I had it dismantled, I removed the turbine and cleaned the variable geometry. It's cool for now.
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Topic summary

✨ The discussion revolves around a recurring ABS error (U0401) in a 2009 Ford S-Max 2.0 TDCI, characterized by traction loss and power issues while driving. Users suggest connecting to the engine control unit (ECU) to diagnose potential fuel or boost pressure problems. Some experiences indicate that the error may not always correlate with engine issues, as it can disappear after restarting the engine. Solutions proposed include updating the ECU software, checking the turbo's geometry, and cleaning components like the EGR valve and intake manifold. Users emphasize the importance of monitoring error codes when the traction control light activates, as the underlying issue may only be visible during specific conditions.

FAQ

TL;DR: ABS U0401 with traction/power loss on S‑Max 2.0 TDCi? Use a 3‑step check; log engine DTCs during the event. "The error will only be visible when this problem occurs." Root cause often is sticking turbo VGT; cleaning restored performance and stopped U0401 persisting in ABS logs. [Elektroda, bucek21, post #18561321]

Why it matters: This FAQ helps Ford S‑Max/Mondeo/Kuga TDCi owners and techs quickly pinpoint U0401 causes and fix traction/power loss.

Quick Facts

U0401 in ABS = invalid data from ECM/TCM; may log as “Discontinuous.” [Elektroda, bucek21, post #17456383]
Traction lamp + limp mode can clear on restart; ABS keeps U0401 while engine DTC vanishes. [Elektroda, bucek21, post #18561321]
P2263 reported with U0401; limp mode limited speed to approx. 30 km/h in Mondeo MK4. [Elektroda, wri0rex, post #20455287]
Cleaning variable‑geometry turbo vanes (VGT), incl. ultrasonic, solved U0401/traction issues. [Elektroda, bucek21, post #18561321]
Ford IDS “Controller Reprogramming” with a Calibration File restores factory ECU behavior and DTC tables. [Elektroda, MobilTruck, post #18750881]

What does ABS code U0401 mean on a 2009 Ford S‑Max 2.0 TDCi?

U0401 means the ABS received invalid data from the engine or transmission controller. In the scan tool, it may appear as “Incorrect data received from engine/transmission control module,” sometimes tagged as a discontinuous event. It points you back to the powertrain as the origin. [Elektroda, bucek21, post #17456383]

Why does the traction light come on and the car lose power until I restart?

The engine enters limp mode due to a powertrain fault, so traction lights up. After a restart, traction goes out and power returns, but ABS keeps U0401. "The error will only be visible when this problem occurs." Scan the ECU during the fault to see the true code. [Elektroda, bucek21, post #18561321]

How do I capture the real engine fault if no code shows after a restart?

Connect a scanner immediately when the traction light appears. Do not cycle the ignition before reading codes. This preserves the engine DTC and freeze‑frame so you can diagnose accurately. "Plug in as soon as the light comes on." [Elektroda, decybel91, post #17456489]

Could a stuck turbo variable geometry cause U0401 and limp mode?

Yes. Sticking VGT skews boost control data, which triggers limp mode and U0401 in ABS. Cleaning the turbo’s variable geometry, even via ultrasonic cleaning, restored normal operation and stopped repeat U0401 reports for the owner. [Elektroda, bucek21, post #18561321]

What 3‑step workflow should I follow when U0401 pops up while driving?

Pull over safely, engine running; don’t switch off.
Connect a scan tool and read the engine ECU first.
Save DTCs and data for boost, MAF, and EGR during the event.
This sequence captures the transient engine fault before it clears. [Elektroda, decybel91, post #17456489]

Does U0401 relate to P2263 Turbo/Supercharger System Performance?

Yes. If P2263 sets, the boost system has a control or pressure issue. Expect limp mode and a traction lamp. Inspect the turbo actuator, its sensor, vacuum plumbing, and the boost control valve as applicable. Fixing P2263 typically clears the ABS U0401. [Elektroda, decybel91, post #20456804]

My engine has an electronic turbo actuator (no vacuum ‘pear’). What should I check?

Your turbo uses a driver and stepper motor. Verify actuator operation and wiring, then inspect the VGT for sticking. Electronic control faults or stuck vanes can still cause limp mode and feed invalid data that triggers U0401. [Elektroda, wri0rex, post #20456811]

What does it mean if unplugging the MAF shows no engine DTC?

That behavior suggests someone disabled the ECU’s fault tables, commonly after a DPF/FAP removal. With error tables off, unplugged sensors may not log engine codes, while ABS still records U0401 from invalid data. [Elektroda, Launch78, post #17457712]

How do I re‑enable factory DTC reporting if it was disabled?

Use Ford IDS and the Controller Reprogramming function with the correct Calibration File. This returns the ECU to stock behavior, restoring normal fault detection and logging. "After such a procedure you have the ECU as it left the factory." [Elektroda, MobilTruck, post #18750881]

Can an ECU software update alone fix these U0401/traction symptoms?

Yes, it can. One Ford Kuga case resolved after updating the ECU software. If hardware checks out, consider a calibration update with Ford IDS to correct control logic issues. [Elektroda, fructon, post #17459240]

Is this issue seen beyond S‑Max, like Mondeo or Kuga?

Yes. A Mondeo MK4 1.8 TDCi reported P2263 with U0401, limp mode limiting speed to about 30 km/h, and a traction lamp. Similar driveline logic applies across related TDCi platforms. [Elektroda, wri0rex, post #20455287]

How long did the turbo cleaning fix last for owners?

One owner reports the issue never returned after cleaning the turbo’s variable geometry with an ultrasonic cleaner. That ended the traction/limp episodes and the persistent ABS U0401 logs. [Elektroda, bucek21, post #18561321]