U0244 code meaning
Lost Communication With Running Board Control Module A
What U0244 means
Power running boards fold out when a door opens and stow when doors close or the vehicle starts moving; Ford's running board control module (RBM) runs the motors. Ford documents U0244 directly: on 2027 Expedition and Navigator the boards intermittently refuse to move and the cluster shows a running board fault message; the driver seat module (DSM) holds C1008:15 or C1009:15 while other modules record U0208 and U0244. The cause is DSM software, and the DSM may not even answer a network test until the seat switch is pressed. Five minutes parked with doors shut restores operation for a while, and an over-the-air update was announced (SSM 55168). Older RBMs fall back from Auto to Off after a low-voltage event (SSM 50154). Boards may stay out or in. B is U0251, data errors from A U0545.
U0244 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.3 to 3 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of U0244
- Power running board fault message in the cluster
- Boards stay extended or retracted
- Seat heating, cooling or memory affected at the same time (Ford 2027)
Common causes of U0244
- Most likelySoftware fault in the module hosting the running board function (Ford 2027: driver seat module)
- PossibleLow or fully discharged battery that left the module offline
- PossibleDamaged or corroded wiring and connectors exposed under the body
- Less likelyRunning board module internally faulty
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Running board module aCAN bus
What each part of U0244 means
| U | Network system: communication between the control modules (CAN bus). |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 44 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note U0244 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about U0244
What does U0244 mean?
U0244 means "Lost Communication With Running Board Control Module A". Power running boards fold out when a door opens and stow when doors close or the vehicle starts moving; Ford's running board control module (RBM) runs the motors. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with U0244?
U0244 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will U0244 fail an emissions test?
U0244 is not an emissions code, so on its own it usually does not fail an emissions test. Other stored codes or a lit check engine light still can.
How hard is U0244 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.3 to 3 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will U0244 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.