U0293 A module lost communication with the hybrid or EV powertrain control module on the vehicle network

Lost communication with hybrid powertrain control module

U0293 in short

U0293 means a module stopped hearing from the hybrid or electric powertrain control module. Ford links it to software faults, contaminated connectors and no-start or Stop Safely Now conditions; on some Fords it causes nothing noticeable. Because it can cut propulsion, get it diagnosed soon, and leave high-voltage parts to a professional.

Hybrids and EVs have a control module that coordinates the engine, electric motors and high-voltage battery. Other modules expect regular messages from it over the CAN network, and U0293 sets when they stop arriving.

What happens next depends on the vehicle. Ford bulletins describe a no start or a Stop Safely Now message on the 2023 F-150 hybrid and an early 2021 Mustang Mach-E, but a harmless stored code in the cluster on some 2020 Escapes and Explorers.

The usual path is to check for a bulletin or software update, then have a dealer test the hybrid module and its network wiring. High-voltage parts are not a DIY job.

Most likely causes

  1. Software or calibration fault covered by a bulletin

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Ford bulletins cover U0293 on the 2023 F-150 hybrid, the 2021 Mustang Mach-E and the 2020 Escape and Explorer, where it may set with no symptom.
    What would change this
    Rises if your vehicle and symptom match a bulletin. Falls if the modules already have the latest software.

  2. Contaminated or poor connection at a hybrid module

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Ford says dielectric grease on SOBDM-C connectors in 2013-2018 C-Max, Fusion and MKZ hybrids can cause communication concerns including U0293.
    What would change this
    Rises if grease, corrosion or a loose pin is found at the hybrid module connectors.

  3. Hybrid powertrain control module not powered or failed

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    The code means the hybrid control module went silent, and dealers have recorded it on a Prius v and a Sonata Hybrid that lost power or stopped charging.
    What would change this
    Rises if the hybrid module does not answer a scan tool at all. Falls if it communicates normally.

  4. CAN wiring or connector fault

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    Network failures are usually in the harness rather than a module, especially when several modules lose contact at once.
    What would change this
    Rises if several modules store lost-communication codes. Falls if the bus resistance and voltages are normal.

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

  1. Scan every module and note which ones stored U0293 and what other codes are present.

    Low riskTool: scan tool that reads all modules

  2. Ask a dealer to check your VIN for bulletins and software updates that mention U0293.

    Low risk

  3. Have a dealer or hybrid specialist check power, grounds and connectors at the hybrid control module and test the network.

    Best left to a shop

    Warning:High-voltage parts (orange cables, battery pack, inverter) can kill. Leave hybrid system diagnosis to a dealer or hybrid specialist.

Symptoms

  • Check engine or Check Hybrid System warning
  • Stop Safely Now message or sudden loss of power Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
  • Intermittent no start or will not go Ready
  • Hybrid battery not charging
  • No symptom (some 2020 Ford Escape and Explorer)

How to fix

  1. Have the 12-volt battery tested and check that terminals and grounds are clean and tight.

  2. Write down every code from every module before anything is cleared.

  3. Ask a dealer whether your VIN has a bulletin or software update for U0293.

Parts and cost context

  • hybrid powertrain control module:Do not replace it until bulletins, software and connectors are checked; Ford fixes several U0293 cases with software. A new module needs programming. Labour varies; get a quote.

Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Ford

  • 2023 · F-150

    Supported by vehicle data

    Ford TSB 23-2317: hybrid with intermittent no start and Stop Safely Now with U0293. Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • 2021 · Mustang Mach-E

    Supported by vehicle data

    Ford TSB 21-2245: loss of power and Stop Safely Now with P1A10 and U0293. Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • 2020 · Escape

    Supported by vehicle data

    Ford SSM 52464: U0293 in the cluster or audio module with no symptom (also Explorer). Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • 2013–2018 · Fusion

    Supported by vehicle data

    Ford SSM 47649: hybrid SOBDM-C connector contamination can set U0293 (also C-Max). Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • TSB 23-2317Status unverified

    Intermittent no start, Stop Safely Now with U0293/P1A43

    2023f-150 · issued · NHTSA 10244720

    F-150 full hybrid with U0293 and/or P1A43 in the BECM; the repair was not read.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • TSB 21-2245Status unverified

    Loss of power, Stop Safely Now with P1A10/U0293

    2021mustang-mach-e · issued · NHTSA 10200736

    Early-build Mach-E; the repair was not read.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • SSM 52464Status unverified

    U0293 in IPC or ACM with no observable condition

    2020escape, explorer · issued · NHTSA 10254130

    The code can set with no symptom.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • SSM 47649Status unverified

    Dielectric grease on SOBDM-C connectors

    2013–2018c-max, fusion · issued · NHTSA 10152468

    Grease on these connectors can cause communication concerns including U0293 and P0AA6.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Toyota

  • 2014 · Prius V

    Possible — needs testing

    A dealer recorded U0293 with other lost-communication codes after the car lost power at low speed; the cause was not found.

  • P0AA6The hybrid computer has detected high voltage leaking to the vehicle body

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    Ford SSM 47649 lists U0293 and P0AA6 together when dielectric grease contaminates SOBDM-C connectors on 2013-2018 hybrids.

  • U0100Lost communication with the engine or powertrain computer

    Shares causes Possible — needs testing

    A Toyota dealer recorded U0293 with U0100 and other lost-communication codes when a 2014 Prius v lost power.

  • P0A94The hybrid system has detected a performance fault in the DC/DC converter inside the inverter assembly

    Same system Possible — needs testing

    A Jeep battery pack control module flash bulletin lists both P0A94 and U0293.

All Module network (CAN bus) communication codes

Sources and review

  1. CAN bus U-codes — AA1Car Auto Diagnosis
  2. Ford TSB 23-2317: intermittent no start, Stop Safely Now, U0293/P1A43 (2023 F-150 hybrid) — Ford / NHTSA ,
  3. Ford TSB 21-2245: loss of power, Stop Safely Now, P1A10/U0293 (2021 Mustang Mach-E) — Ford / NHTSA ,
  4. Ford SSM 52464: U0293 in IPC or ACM with no symptom (2020 Escape, Explorer) — Ford / NHTSA ,
  5. NHTSA complaint ODI 11618042: 2022 Jeep Wrangler — NHTSA (owner complaint)
  6. NHTSA complaint ODI 10777968: 2014 Toyota Prius v — NHTSA (owner complaint)
  7. Ford SSM 47649: dielectric grease on SOBDM-C connectors, U0293/P0AA6 (2013-2018 C-Max, Fusion, MKZ hybrid) — Ford / NHTSA ,
  8. NHTSA complaint ODI 11462848: 2018 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid — NHTSA (owner complaint)
  9. ASE L1 study guide: Network U-codes — Open Exam Prep
  10. Jeep 0816923: Battery Pack Control Module diagnostic and system updates (Wrangler) — FCA / NHTSA ,
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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