U05C0Network · Invalid data & softwareGeneric (SAE) code

U05C0: Invalid Data Received From Interior Lighting Control Module B

A receiving module detected implausible data from interior lighting control module B. Ambient lighting zone, reading lamp or door courtesy light commands fail plausibility checks and are rejected.

Typical labor cost
$65–$250 est.
30 min–2 h at an assumed $125/hr · parts extra · use your rate
Most common fix
Module internal fault or sensor input drift
DIY difficulty: Easy · DIY-friendly
01 —What it means

What U05C0 means

U05C0 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 Interior Lighting Control Module B.

U
Network
0
Generic (SAE)
5
Subsystem group
C0
Specific fault
How to read U05C0. We group it under Invalid data & software.
Check engine light
Usually off
Emissions-related
No
Limp mode possible
Not typical
Drive cycle to clear
Required
Code data: OBDex (CC0)

Get it fixed

Post this code once and get quotes from local mechanics. Free to post.

Your car Optional

Makes the repair and parts links below specific to your car. Kept in this browser only.

Get quotes on findmechanic.ai (opens in a new tab)
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 U05C0?

Low

Generally yes.

This fault is unlikely to affect how the car drives. Fix it when convenient.

Why we rate it low

  • Does not normally turn 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 U05C0

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 U05C0. 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 U054B. 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

U05C0 repair cost estimate

Labor only — set your local shop rate
Labor estimate for U05C0
$65–$250
30 min–2 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
Easy
Good DIY job?
Yes, with a scan tool

Basic hand tools; a common first DIY job.

Code data: OBDex (CC0)
07 —Components

Parts and systems involved

  • Interior lighting module B
Code data: OBDex (CC0)
09 —FAQ

U05C0 FAQ

What does U05C0 mean?

U05C0 means “Invalid Data Received From Interior Lighting Control Module B”. A receiving module detected implausible data from interior lighting control module B. Ambient lighting zone, reading lamp or door courtesy light commands fail plausibility checks and are rejected.

Is U05C0 serious? Can I keep driving?

We rate U05C0 as low severity. Generally yes. This fault is unlikely to affect how the car drives. Fix it when convenient.

What causes U05C0?

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 U05C0?

Typical labor is about $65–$250 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 U05C0 myself?

DIY difficulty is easy. Many owners can handle it with a scan tool, a multimeter and basic hand tools. Always confirm the cause before buying parts.

Will U05C0 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)