U059CNetwork · Invalid data & softwareGeneric (SAE) code

U059C: Invalid Data Received From Drive Motor Control Module C

A receiving module detected implausible data from drive motor control module C. Torque, speed or current values fail plausibility checks and are rejected.

Typical labor cost
$125–$750 est.
1 h–6 h at an assumed $125/hr · parts extra · use your rate
Most common fix
Module internal fault or sensor input drift
DIY difficulty: Hard · usually a shop job
01 —What it means

What U059C means

U059C is a generic OBD-II network code in the invalid data & software group. In plain English: a module received data that didn’t make sense from the Drive Motor Control Module C.

U
Network
0
Generic (SAE)
5
Subsystem group
9C
Specific fault
How to read U059C. We group it under Invalid data & software.
Check engine light
Usually on
Emissions-related
No
Limp mode possible
Yes
Drive cycle to clear
Required
Code data: OBDex (CC0)

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02 —Symptoms

Symptoms

What drivers typically notice
  • Multiple warning lights may illuminate
  • Affected modules may go into limp mode or shut down
  • Specific functions inoperative depending on module
  • Diagnostic tools may show communication faults
Code data: OBDex (CC0)
03 —Causes

Common causes

Ranked from most to least likely
  1. 01Module internal fault or sensor input driftMost likely
  2. 02Software version mismatch after replacementPossible
  3. 03Gateway module routing CAN messages incorrectlyLess likely
Code data: OBDex (CC0)
04 —Severity

Can I drive with U059C?

Urgent

Not recommended beyond getting it to a shop.

This fault can put the engine or transmission in limp mode with reduced power, which can make merging and passing unsafe. Have it diagnosed as soon as possible.

Why we rate it urgent

  • Can put the vehicle in limp mode (reduced power)
  • Turns on the check engine light
  • Needs a drive cycle to confirm a repair

Severity is our rule-based rating from the code’s flags in OBDex and the system it affects, not an inspection of your car. If the check engine light is flashing, or you notice overheating, low oil pressure, or brake or steering problems, stop driving and get help.

Code data: OBDex (CC0)
05 —Diagnosis

How to diagnose U059C

General procedure — follow the service manual for your vehicle
  1. 1

    Confirm the code and save freeze-frame data

    Read the codes with an OBD-II scan tool and note every code, not just U059C. Save the freeze-frame data (speed, load, temperature when the fault set) before clearing anything; it tells you when the fault happens.

  2. 2

    Check for related codes first

    Look for U059D, U0593. Related codes often share a cause; a circuit or sensor code usually needs fixing before a performance code like this one.

  3. 3

    Check module power, ground and the data bus

    Confirm the module named in the code has battery voltage, ignition feed and a good ground. With the battery disconnected, a healthy CAN bus usually measures about 60 ohms between CAN-High and CAN-Low at the OBD port. Inspect connectors for corrosion and pushed-out pins.

  4. 4

    Test the likely causes in order

    Start with the most likely cause and work down: Module internal fault or sensor input drift; software version mismatch after replacement; gateway module routing CAN messages incorrectly. Test before replacing parts.

  5. 5

    Check for recalls and service bulletins

    Look up recalls for your exact vehicle with its VIN, and ask a dealer about technical service bulletins (TSBs). Manufacturers sometimes issue software updates or extended warranties for known faults.

  6. 6

    Clear the code and verify the repair

    After the repair, clear the code and complete a full drive cycle (cold start, idle, steady highway cruise, deceleration). The code is fixed when the related readiness monitor completes without it returning.

Code data: OBDex (CC0)
06 —Cost

U059C repair cost estimate

Labor only — set your local shop rate
Labor estimate for U059C
$125–$750
1 h–6 h of labor × $125/hr (assumed rate) · parts extra

Estimate, not a quote. Labor times are typical ranges for this code from OBDex, and $125/hr is an assumed rate. Shop rates and labor times vary by vehicle and region. Diagnosis time may be billed separately.

DIY difficulty
Hard
Good DIY job?
Usually a shop job

Involved testing or major parts. Most owners use a shop.

Code data: OBDex (CC0)
07 —Components

Parts and systems involved

  • Drive motor module C
Code data: OBDex (CC0)
09 —FAQ

U059C FAQ

What does U059C mean?

U059C means “Invalid Data Received From Drive Motor Control Module C”. A receiving module detected implausible data from drive motor control module C. Torque, speed or current values fail plausibility checks and are rejected.

Is U059C serious? Can I keep driving?

We rate U059C as urgent severity. Not recommended beyond getting it to a shop. This fault can put the engine or transmission in limp mode with reduced power, which can make merging and passing unsafe. Have it diagnosed as soon as possible.

What causes U059C?

The most common causes, from most to least likely: Module internal fault or sensor input drift; Software version mismatch after replacement; Gateway module routing CAN messages incorrectly. Test before replacing parts, because several causes can set the same code.

How much does it cost to fix U059C?

Typical labor is about $125–$750 at an assumed $125/hour shop rate, plus parts. That is an estimate, not a quote: labor times and rates vary by vehicle and region, and diagnosis may be billed separately.

Can I fix U059C myself?

DIY difficulty is hard. Most owners leave this to a shop because it needs involved testing or specialist tools. Always confirm the cause before buying parts.

Will U059C clear itself?

Once the fault is fixed, the check engine light usually goes off by itself after the system passes its self-test over several drive cycles. Clearing the code with a scan tool resets readiness monitors, so an inspection station may turn you away until a full drive cycle is completed.

Code data: OBDex (CC0)