Carlexica

U0402: Invalid Data Received From TCM

A generic network and communication trouble code, same meaning on every brand.

Fix within weeks

Yes with care - expect degraded shifting until resolved.

$100 - $450
typical repair range
30
NHTSA complaints mention this code
71,520
median mileage when reported, mi

Symptoms

  • Harsh or limited shifting
  • Warning lights from several systems
  • Cruise control disabled

Likely causes, most common first

  1. Transmission module sending implausible data
  2. Transmission sensor fault upstream
  3. Software mismatch
  4. Bus wiring degradation

Read U0402 yourself before paying for diagnosis

A basic Bluetooth OBD-II scanner ($20-40) plugs into the port under the dashboard and shows this code with live sensor data on your phone - useful both for confirming the fix and for talking to a shop from an informed position.

What is going on and how it gets diagnosed

U0402 mirrors U0401 for the transmission computer: its broadcasts are arriving but failing another module's plausibility check. The same detective logic applies - scan the transmission module itself for its own trouble codes, because a speed sensor or temperature sensor fault there is usually the root, and this code is the echo.

Worth knowing about used-car purchases: mismatched module software - a salvage-yard transmission computer from a slightly different variant - produces exactly this code with no physical fault anywhere. A car whose invalid-data codes date from just after a big repair carries its history in the freeze frames.

Repair options and cost

Transmission sensor diagnosis$120 - $450
Software update$100 - $300
Wiring repair$100 - $350

Typical US independent-shop ranges, parts and labor. Dealers run higher; regional labor rates vary.

Owner reports mentioning U0402

“I was driving and came to a stop at a light, let off the brake and then my truck came up with a wrench light and wouldn't read the transmission gear, cab tool pulled these codes u0402, p0706, p0707, p1702, p1921 all pointing at towards the 6R80 transmission for this lead frame/sensor failure. It will work after the truck sits off for a little while but once you start driving for a few miles it goes back into limp mode. I've seen you are looking into this as a recall an would love to see others get help with this issue before it's to late like me now unfortunately”2015 Ford F-150 · Apr 2026
“Vehicle has experienced multiple incidents of sudden loss of propulsion, including at highway speeds. Engine revs when accelerator is applied but vehicle does not accelerate, as if in neutral. Multiple warning lights illuminate, including "Service Transmission." I narrowly avoided a rear-end collision. Diagnostic codes recorded include U0402 (invalid data from transmission control module) and U1003 (CAN communication fault). Vehicle has required towing for one incident and multiple service visits with no permanent fix. This is a safety concern 11/3/25 Loss of propulsion at highways speeds 11/28/25 Loss of propulsion 1/10/26 loss of propulsion at highway speeds”2025 Ram 1500 · Jan 2026
“Transmission won't shift out of second gear,and a code showed up U0402 in order for it to shift gear you have to disconnected the battery cable wait a few minutes then connect the battery back this will reset the computer then it will shift gear, while driving at 45 the truck suddenly stop making it feel like the transmission was about to fall out Now the EPS system while driving the steering wheel lock up, when I took it to dealership it sat in the shop about 45 minutes to and hour and they said ok you ready to go don't give me a copy of what was supposed to be done”2016 Ram 1500 · Aug 2025
Show 7 more owner reports
“Hi, There are numbers of recalls and 3 of the recalls came back. I got engine light with the codes U0402 Implausible Data Received From TCM U0164 Lost Communication With HVAC Control Module TCM BCM and PCM needs to be reprogrammed or replaced. Also car is accelerating while cruise control is set. Fca satisfaction notice - R01 Fca recall - S55 Nhtsa recall - 16V - 529 Fca recall - U63 Nhtsa recall - 18V - 332 These 3 recalls need to be redone. Thanks”2015 Jeep Cherokee · Oct 2024
“I was driving down the road and the vehicle just stopped. Then when I started it, it would only go 5 miles a hour. Almost caused me to get into a wreck with my 3 yr. Old granddaughter with me. I had a code reader put on it and it reads u0402-implausible data received from tcm.”2009 Dodge Caliber · Jul 2020 · 122,637 mi
“Jan. 5 2020: service engine appeared while driving. I drove 2 miles from work to home and my jeep would not accelerate up my angled driveway. I was pressing the accelerator but the vehicle was slowly going backward. I coasted backward to a level area and put the vehicle in park. I put it in drive and then was able to climb my driveway as normal. Jeep was notified. Obd code was u0402 (implausible data received from tcm) and (p1dd2 torque request signal from tcm denied). Jeep and chrystler state there are no recalls at this time.”2018 Jeep Renegade · Jan 2020 · 7,000 mi
“The vehicle was diagnosed by 2 different repair shops with the follow codes: u1504, p0610, p1500, u0420, c0051, c212a, u0402, c1246. Ultimately, the pdc (power distribution center) is not working. There have already been several recalls on this issue with this vehicle and the recall dates do not reach our vehicles manufactured date by a month. The dealership is refusing to cooperate and help with notifying you of this issue that is affecting more consumers than you are under the impression. Please respond to this in a timely manor. My husbands vehicle will not be usable until this is settled.”2015 Chrysler 200 · Aug 2019 · 100,000 mi
“Car bought new on 2014. On 2018 car started to show engine light to illuminate on and off. Jeep technician comply with recalls, and did not change transmission despite DTC U0402 was there all the time, and car was under warranty. Now, Delaware Motor Vehicle does not want to renew my tag because DTC U0402 is related to increase of emissions. Cost of changing transmission is $11,000. Jeep office does not want to authorize the change of transmission despite the problem started when the car was 4 years old. Not fair at all. I am worry to have accidents because of this DTC.”2014 Jeep Cherokee · Sep 2018
“Transmission issue causing a serious safety issue. While braking the vehicle has an acceleration surge. It also does this while coasting and the transmission goes into a downshift. There are also issues with it shifting in several gears. There is a check engine light on u0402. Chrysler dealership tried to program the tcm twice and the light comes right back on.”2014 Jeep Cherokee · Jul 2018 · 145,323 mi
“Check engine light has been illuminating intermittently for the past 7 months. Finally the dealer was able to identify the error code. Implausable data from the transmission control module error code u0402. The dealership is stating the is safe to drive however I question what kind of damage it is doing to my transmission.”2015 Jeep Cherokee · Mar 2016 · 185,000 mi

Cars that report U0402 most often

Based on mentions of this code in NHTSA owner complaints.

2014 Jeep Cherokee6 mentions in complaints2015 Jeep Cherokee4 mentions in complaints2016 Honda HR-V2 mentions in complaints2017 Ram 15001 mentions in complaints2018 Ram 35001 mentions in complaints2023 GMC Sierra 15001 mentions in complaints2015 Jeep Renegade1 mentions in complaints2015 Ford F-1501 mentions in complaints2008 Dodge Caliber1 mentions in complaints2017 Jeep Cherokee1 mentions in complaints2015 Chrysler 2001 mentions in complaints2016 Jeep Renegade1 mentions in complaints

Frequently asked questions

Can I drive with U0402?

Yes with care - expect degraded shifting until resolved.

How much does it cost to fix U0402?

Typical US repair costs range from $100 for the simplest fix (transmission sensor diagnosis) to $450 in the worst case. The right number depends on which cause your car has - see the causes list.

Related codes

The codes closest to U0402. They often appear together, and telling them apart is usually what narrows the diagnosis.

U0401Invalid Data Received From ECM/PCM AU0415Invalid Data Received From Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Control ModuleU0073Control Module Communication Bus A OffU0100Lost Communication With ECM/PCM AU0101Lost Communication With TCMU0121Lost Communication With Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Control Module AU0126Lost Communication With Steering Angle Sensor ModuleU0131Lost Communication With Power Steering Control Module A

Definition per SAE J2012 standard nomenclature. Symptoms, causes and costs are editorial guidance - always confirm with a diagnosis of your specific vehicle.