U05A4
Particulate Matter Sensor Received Invalid Data From ECM/PCM
The particulate matter (PM) sensor (smart sensor with own ECU) received implausible data from the ECM/PCM. Engine load, exhaust temperature or DPF state data needed for compensation fails plausibility checks; PM readings are degraded.
- Check engine light: Yes
- Emissions related: Yes
- 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.
- ECM/PCM internal fault or sensor input driftCommon
- Software version mismatch after replacementPossible
- Gateway module routing CAN messages incorrectlyLess likely
Parts involved
- Pm Sensor
- ECM
U05A4 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.