U0446 code meaning
Invalid Data Received From Body Control Module E
What U0446 means
U0446 refers to body control module E, the last letter in the series that starts with U0431 for module A. It is logged by a receiving controller when module E is present on the bus but delivers values or protection fields that cannot be trusted; if E stops sending, U0145 is stored instead. No manufacturer documents U0446 publicly. A body control module in general reads switches and drives comfort and lighting loads, so a fifth unit would handle only a narrow share of these. Before replacing any part, check whether other modules report E as well, compare software levels and inspect power, ground and the network branch leading to it. If only a single receiver complains, its own software is the more likely culprit, as Ford found for body module C on the 2023 F-150 (TSB 24-2116).
U0446 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyWorkshop only
- Typical labor0.3 to 2 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of U0446
- Individual body or comfort functions inoperative
- Code present in one or several receiving modules
Common causes of U0446
- PossibleSoftware of the single reporting module misreads the data of module E
- PossibleFault in the network branch or connector leading to module E
- Less likelyLow supply voltage or poor ground at body control module E
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Body control module eCAN bus wiring
What each part of U0446 means
| U | Network system: communication between the control modules (CAN bus). |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 46 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note U0446 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 U0446
What does U0446 mean?
U0446 means "Invalid Data Received From Body Control Module E". U0446 refers to body control module E, the last letter in the series that starts with U0431 for module A. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with U0446?
U0446 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will U0446 fail an emissions test?
U0446 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 U0446 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 0.3 to 2 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will U0446 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.