OBD-II trouble code
U0415: Invalid Data Received from Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Control Module
A module is receiving messages from the ABS control module, but the data — wheel speeds or brake status — is implausible or out of range. The link is alive; the content is wrong. Often a wheel speed sensor, calibration, or internal ABS fault.
Quick facts
- System
- Network
- Category
- Network Communication
- Severity
- Medium severity
- Drivable
- Usually safe to drive short-term
- Repair cost range
- $100 – $1,200
- DIY difficulty
- Shop recommended
What does U0415 mean?
U0415 means a module is still receiving messages from the anti-lock brake system (ABS) control module, but the data in those messages is invalid — out of range, implausible, or in conflict with other information. This is not a lost-communication fault; the ABS module is talking, but what it reports doesn't make sense, so the receiving module rejects the data and stores U0415. The ABS module broadcasts important data that other systems rely on, especially the four individual wheel speeds, which the engine, transmission, stability control, and speedometer all use.
Because the issue is bad content rather than a dead link, the causes center on what makes the ABS module send implausible values. A failing or out-of-range wheel speed sensor is one of the most common reasons — a damaged sensor, a contaminated or damaged tone ring, excessive wheel bearing play, or wiring problems can make one wheel's reported speed implausible relative to the others. The ABS module's calibration or internal circuitry can be at fault, particularly after a module was replaced or a tire/wheel change altered the expected signal. Low system voltage can cause modules to report implausible data, and electrical noise or marginal bus wiring can corrupt otherwise-valid messages. There are usually companion ABS codes that name the specific wheel or signal at fault, and those should be read first.
The symptoms typically include the ABS, stability control (ESC/ESP), and traction control warning lights, since those systems disable themselves when they can't trust the wheel speed data — and sometimes the speedometer behaves oddly if it relies on that data. Base braking still works; you keep normal hydraulic brakes, just without ABS and stability assistance. The car remains driveable, but driving without those safety features, especially in poor traction, is a reason to diagnose U0415 promptly rather than ignore it.
Common causes
- Failing or out-of-range wheel speed sensor feeding the ABS module
- Damaged or contaminated tone/reluctor ring at a wheel
- Excessive wheel bearing play affecting a wheel speed signal
- Companion ABS fault producing the invalid value
- ABS module calibration or internal fault
- Low system voltage causing implausible data
- Electrical noise or marginal bus wiring corrupting messages
- Module replaced or wheel/tire change without proper setup
Symptoms
- ABS warning light on
- Stability control (ESC/ESP) and traction control lights on
- Those safety systems disabled
- Possible erratic or incorrect speedometer behavior
- Companion wheel-speed or ABS codes stored alongside U0415
- Base hydraulic braking still works normally
- Symptoms may be tied to a specific wheel or speed
Diagnostic steps
- 1.Read ALL stored codes first — U0415 is often secondary to an ABS or wheel-speed code that names the bad signal.
- 2.Address any companion wheel-speed sensor or ABS codes, since they frequently identify the root cause.
- 3.Compare all four wheel speeds in live data while driving to spot the implausible one.
- 4.Inspect the suspect wheel speed sensor, its tone ring, wiring, and the wheel bearing for play.
- 5.Check system voltage and the battery/charging system; low voltage can cause implausible data.
- 6.Inspect bus wiring and connectors for noise or damage; confirm the failing sensor or ABS module before replacing anything.
Repair cost
$100 – $1,200
Cost depends on what's producing the bad data. A wheel speed sensor is commonly $150-$450 including diagnosis; a damaged tone ring or wheel bearing adds cost ($300-$700+). Correcting low voltage runs $150-$600. ABS module replacement and programming is the expensive case at $600-$1,200+ and should only follow thorough diagnosis. Because U0415 is frequently secondary, fixing the companion wheel-speed fault often clears it.
Estimate your repair
Run the numbers for your vehicle
Open the Repair Cost Estimator with module communication / can bus diagnosis preselected. Adjust labor rate and vehicle category to fit your situation.
DIY vs shop
Leave this one to a qualified shop. It typically involves emissions-critical components, refrigerant handling, or other work that requires manufacturer-grade tooling, training, or certification. DIY attempts often produce a more expensive problem than the original code.