U0418 on 2022 Ford Maverick: Invalid Brake Data Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2022-2022 Ford MAVERICK

The 2022 Ford Maverick is built on Ford's C2 platform, sharing its core unibody structure and electronic architecture with the Ford Escape, Bronco Sport, and Lincoln Corsair. A specific software bug in the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) on this platform is known to disrupt network communications, causing the IPMA to set code U0418. This is a well-documented issue, and Ford has issued a technical service bulletin (TSB SSM 51437) with a software update as the definitive fix, making it a unique and known quirk for vehicles built on or before March 23, 2022.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Tap your situation to follow the diagnostic path that matches what you're seeing on this vehicle.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Pre-Collision Assist Not Available warning message
🎬 Watch: How to fix the Pre-Collision Assist warning message
• Cruise Control Not Available warning message
• Collision Warning Malfunction message
• Adaptive Cruise Control Malfunction message
• ABS and/or AdvanceTrac warning lights on the dashboard
• Check Engine Light may be illuminated
• Service AdvanceTrac Message

Most Likely Causes

1. Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) Software Glitch 🔴 High Probability → Shop Power Steering Control Module A specific software bug is documented by Ford in TSB SSM 51437 for this platform (Maverick, Bronco Sport, Escape/Corsair) on vehicles built on or before March 23, 2022.
   How to confirm: A Ford dealer or a qualified shop with the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) can check the vehicle's VIN against TSB SSM 51437 and verify the current PSCM software version.
   Typical fix: Update the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) software to the latest version using the FDRS tool. This is a software reflash procedure that typically takes about one hour of labor.
   Est. part cost: $0
2. Improper Brake Service Procedure 🟡 Medium Probability If the electronic parking brake maintenance mode is not correctly entered and exited during a brake job, it can leave modules in a confused state, triggering communication codes like U0418.
   How to confirm: This code appears immediately after performing rear brake service. 🎬 See how to correctly enter electronic parking brake service mode Using a capable scan tool like FORScan to cycle the 'Enter/Exit Electric Parking Brake Maintenance Mode' service procedure can confirm the issue.
   Typical fix: Use a scan tool (like FORScan) to properly cycle the electronic parking brake maintenance mode, then clear all Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs). One owner on MaverickTruckClub.com reported this exact scenario and fix.
   Est. part cost: $0
3. Wiring or Connector Fault ⚪ Low Probability While less common than the software issue, any vehicle can suffer from damaged wiring or corroded connectors in the CAN bus network, which links the various control modules.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the wiring harnesses to the ABS module (in the engine bay), IPMA (behind the rearview mirror), and PSCM for damage. A technician can use a multimeter to check for continuity and proper resistance (around 60 Ω) on the CAN network wiring.
   Typical fix: Repair the damaged section of the wiring harness or clean/replace the corroded connector.
   Est. part cost: $5-$50

Rare But Worth Checking

• Failing ABS Control Module: → Shop ABS Control Module Extremely unlikely on this vehicle given the known software TSB. This should only be considered after all software updates have been performed and wiring has been checked. An internal failure of the module can cause it to send corrupt data.
• Failing Image Processing Module A (IPMA): Very rare for this code. The IPMA is the module *reporting* the problem, not usually the source. A failure here is more likely to set internal fault codes like U3000. This would only be a possibility if the module cannot be communicated with or fails a self-test.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Scan for all DTCs in all modules using a Ford-specific scan tool (like FDRS or FORScan). Note U0418:86 and any accompanying codes like C0051:67 and U0415:00.
2. Check if Ford TSB SSM 51437 or the earlier SSM 51285 applies to the vehicle's VIN and build date (on or before March 23, 2022).
3. If the TSB applies, the primary diagnostic step is to have a Ford dealer or qualified shop update the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) software to the latest version using FDRS.
4. If the code appeared immediately after a brake job, use a scan tool (like FORScan) to run the 'Enter Electric Parking Brake Maintenance Mode' and then 'Exit Electric Parking Brake Maintenance Mode' service procedures, then clear all codes.
5. If the software update does not resolve the issue or does not apply, perform a visual inspection of the wiring harnesses and connectors for the IPMA (located behind the rearview mirror), ABS module (located in the engine bay, attached to the hydraulic unit), and PSCM.
6. If wiring is intact, a technician may need to check CAN bus network integrity with a multimeter (checking for ~60 Ohms of resistance between CAN High and CAN Low with the battery disconnected) and an oscilloscope.
7. Only consider replacing hardware (like the ABS module) as a last resort after all other steps have been exhausted.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• No parts typically needed — The most common fix is a software update performed by a dealer, which does not involve replacing any parts.
  OEM price range: $0
  Aftermarket price range: $0

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• C0051:67 — This code in the ABS module is specifically mentioned in TSB SSM 51437 as occurring alongside U0418 due to the same PSCM software glitch.
• U0415:00 — This code in the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) is also part of the group of DTCs caused by the software issue described in TSB SSM 51437.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• SSM 51437: Directly links U0418:86 in the IPMA, C0051:67 in the ABS, and U0415:00 in the PSCM to a software issue in the PSCM and recommends a software update as the fix for vehicles built on or before 23-Mar-2022.
• SSM 51285: An earlier version of the same bulletin identifying the same set of DTCs and symptoms, pointing to a PSCM software update.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• A known software bug in the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) is the primary cause of this code on vehicles built on or before March 23, 2022, as documented in Ford TSBs SSM 51437 and SSM 51285. This issue triggers a cascade of communication faults, leading to warnings for the Pre-Collision Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control systems.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• HS-CAN Bus Resistance — expected: Approximately 60 Ω between CAN High and CAN Low pins with the battery disconnected.. Failure: A reading of ~120 Ω indicates one of the two terminating resistors is offline; a reading near 0 Ω indicates a short between the two lines.
• HS-CAN Bus Voltage (Key On) — expected: CAN High (~2.7V) and CAN Low (~2.3V) at the DLC or module connector.. Failure: Voltages stuck high, low, or mirroring each other incorrectly indicate a short to power, ground, or to each other.
• ABS Module Power Supply — expected: 11.5V to 13.5V at the module's power input pin.. Failure: Voltage below 11.5V can cause the module's microcontroller to malfunction and send invalid data.

Hidden / Shadow Codes Worth Checking

• U0418:86: This is the specific version of the code cited in TSB SSM 51437. The ':86' is a Failure Type Code (FTC) meaning 'Signal Invalid,' which confirms the IPMA is receiving data from the brake module that is corrupt or outside the expected range. (see via A professional scan tool like Ford's FDRS or an advanced DIY tool like FORScan will display the FTC alongside the main DTC.)

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• Ford FDRS: PSCM - Power Steering Control Module Software Update — This is the primary repair procedure documented in TSB SSM 51437 to fix the root software bug causing the network communication fault.
• Ford FDRS: PSCM - Reset the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) — This function can be used to re-initialize the module. It is mentioned in a related TSB for PSCM issues (SSM 52281) and may be useful if the module is unresponsive or if other PSCM-related codes are present.
• FORScan: IPMA - Lane Departure Warning System Camera calibration — This procedure is required if the IPMA module has been replaced, the windshield has been replaced, or if the camera's alignment is otherwise disturbed. It involves driving the vehicle on a well-marked road to allow the camera to self-align.
• Ford FDRS: PMI - Programmable Module Installation — This function is used only when a brand new, unprogrammed control module (like the PSCM or ABS module) is installed. It downloads the correct 'as-built' data and software to the new module, which is different from a simple software update.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• C135 — The main electrical connector on the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module, located in the engine bay.. This is the connector where the ABS module sends and receives data. Technicians can test CAN bus and power/ground integrity here. Pin 26 (Green/Orange wire) is CAN High, Pin 14 (Gray/Blue wire) is CAN Low, and Pins 13 & 38 (Black/Yellow wires) are grounds.
• IPMA Connector — The electrical connector for the Image Processing Module A (IPMA), located behind the rearview mirror assembly.. This is the module that sets code U0418. Checking for a secure connection and intact wiring here is a key diagnostic step if the software update does not resolve the issue.
• Chassis Grounds — Multiple factory ground points (studs with ring terminals) are located in the engine compartment on the frame rails, in the passenger footwell area, and behind the rear seats.. A poor ground for any of the involved modules (PSCM, ABS, IPMA) can cause communication errors. Verifying these grounds are clean and tight is a fundamental step in diagnosing any network code.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2022 (specifically vehicles built on or before March 23, 2022): Vehicles built on or before this date are prone to the PSCM software glitch described in TSB SSM 51437. Vehicles built after this date should have the updated software from the factory, making the TSB-related cause much less likely.