U0553 code meaning
Invalid Data Received From Lighting Control Module — Rear B
What U0553 means
Rear lighting control module B is a second controller for the rear lamps. U0553 is set when its messages are received but their content is implausible. No manufacturer documents U0553 publicly, yet the partner code U0252 hints at what the module often is: GM's list for the Saab 9-5 calls U0252 the trailer interface control module, and Ford links U0252 and U0137 on 2021–2024 F-150, Expedition, Navigator and the 2024 Ranger to a trailer module that dropped off the CAN bus, fixed by disconnecting and reprogramming it. On 2023–2025 Super Duty trucks, a badly tightened ground G201 set U0252 among other codes. U0484 is the same fault for rear module A. Trailer or rear lamp functions may fail; no MIL.
U0553 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.3 to 2 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of U0553
- Trailer lamps or trailer brake function reported as faulty
- Individual rear lamps not working
- Several warning messages after battery or ground work
Common causes of U0553
- Most likelyTrailer or rear lighting module software hung or outdated (Ford remedy is reprogramming)
- PossibleLoose or badly tightened ground connection
- PossibleCorrosion or short at the trailer socket feeding back into the module
- Less likelyRear lighting control module B internally faulty
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Rear lighting module b
What each part of U0553 means
| U | Network system: communication between the control modules (CAN bus). |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 53 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note U0553 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 U0553
What does U0553 mean?
U0553 means "Invalid Data Received From Lighting Control Module — Rear B". Rear lighting control module B is a second controller for the rear lamps. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with U0553?
U0553 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will U0553 fail an emissions test?
U0553 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 U0553 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.3 to 2 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will U0553 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.