Skip to content
Book on WhatsApp

U0408

Invalid Data Received from Vehicle Immobilizer Control Module

The ECU receives an authorisation message from the immobilizer that does not match the expected rolling code. Engine start is blocked.

  • Check engine light: Yes
  • Emissions related: No
  • Repair difficulty: hard

Symptoms

  • 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

Common causes

Ordered by how often each turns out to be the cause.

  • Key not properly learnedCommon
  • Software version mismatchPossible
  • Gateway module routing CAN messages incorrectlyLess likely

Parts involved

  • Immobilizer Module
  • ECM

U0408 is a generic OBD-II code defined by SAE J2012. Exact wording and diagnostic procedure vary by manufacturer and model. Code definitions are drawn from the public-domain OBDex dataset; the workshop notes are our own.