U0431

Invalid Data Received From Body Control Module A

Q: Is it safe to drive with U0431?

Often yes, but the BCM controls many features. Confirm lights, wipers, and turn signals work before driving, and get it diagnosed since faults can spread to other systems.

Q: Can I just clear U0431?

It usually comes back while the BCM sends bad data. A weak battery is a common trigger, so check power before assuming the module has failed.

Communication network Generic OBD-II Medium

What it means

U0431 is a network communication code: a module is receiving data from body control module 'A' (BCM) that is corrupt, missing, or out of range. The 'A' designation identifies a specific BCM on vehicles with more than one. The BCM manages lights, locks, wipers, and many convenience features, so invalid data can cause several of them to misbehave at once. A weak battery or bad ground is a common cause, so start there before condemning the module.

Medium

Can I keep driving? Usually drivable, but body electrical features — lights, wipers, locks, or warnings — may misbehave, so verify safety items before longer trips.

Real-world scan data

Seen in

scans in the past year

Found in

<0.1%

of scans

<0.1%

of scans that found faults

Figures reflect only diagnostic scans recorded through our own apps and tools. Cars are typically scanned because a symptom or warning light prompted it, so these counts describe our scan records — not the incidence of faults in any model, and not the quality, reliability, or safety of any vehicle. No comparison between manufacturers or models is implied. All trademarks belong to their respective owners; no affiliation or endorsement is implied.

Common symptoms

What you'll notice

Warning lights or messages for multiple systems
Erratic exterior/interior lighting, wipers, or turn signals
Power locks, windows, or other convenience features not responding
Other modules reporting communication faults at the same time

Common causes

Most likely first

Internal fault in body control module 'A' (BCM) sending corrupt dataLikely
Wiring or connector faults on the communication bus to the BCMCommon
Low battery voltage or a poor ground upsetting BCM operationCommon
Software mismatch after a BCM replacement or reflashLess often

How to diagnose & fix

Work through it in order

Scan every module and record freeze-frame data; address lost-communication codes first.
Test battery voltage and BCM grounds — weak power commonly corrupts BCM data.
Inspect BCM connectors and bus wiring for corrosion, water intrusion, or backed-out pins.
Check the CAN bus for shorts or opens affecting the BCM.
If power and wiring check out, suspect the BCM; confirm and reflash or replace per manufacturer procedure.

FAQ

Quick answers

Is it safe to drive with U0431?+

Often yes, but the BCM controls many features. Confirm lights, wipers, and turn signals work before driving, and get it diagnosed since faults can spread to other systems.

Can I just clear U0431?+

It usually comes back while the BCM sends bad data. A weak battery is a common trigger, so check power before assuming the module has failed.

Read & clear U0431 yourself

Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.

▶ Get it on Google Play

✓ Verified name — SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6Guidance reviewed by OBD DashX