U2023: On Ford, U2023 means a module received a fault status message from another module on the network
Fault received from external node (Ford)
Severity: Inspect soon
On Escape and Escape Hybrid owners report U2023 with ABS and brake warning lights, reduced braking and in one case total loss of brakes. Brakes are safety-critical, so get it inspected soon and stop driving if braking changes.
It gets more serious if:
- Stop: Stop driving if the brake pedal is hard or low, braking is weak, or the brake, ABS and regen-brake warnings come on together; have the vehicle towed.
U2023 in short
On Ford, U2023 means a module has been sent a fault message by another module, so the code only points you to a network scan. On 2005-2008 Escape and Escape Hybrid it has shown up with ABS hydraulic unit codes. Brakes may be affected, so have it inspected soon and stop driving if braking changes.
U2023 is a pointer. A module stores it because another module on the network reported its own fault. The code does not say which module, so a technician scans every module to find the one that raised it.
On the 2005-2008 Ford Escape and Escape Hybrid (and Mercury twin) owners report it with ABS and brake warnings and codes for the hydraulic control unit. Dealers quoted replacing the unit or ABS module. One 2005 owner found a cracked wheel speed tone ring with U2023 and C1234.
This page speaks only for Ford. Other makes may use U2023 differently.
Pick your make
U2023 is a manufacturer-specific code: its meaning depends on who built the car.
Other makes: meaning not verified. Check with a scan tool that reads manufacturer definitions.
Most likely causes
Cause 1: ABS hydraulic control unit or module fault
Supported by vehicle data- Why it ranks here
- A Ford dealer read U2023-A0 with C1313-A0 and called for HCU replacement, and several Escape Hybrid owners report quotes for the ABS unit with this code.
- What would change this
- Rises if ABS-module codes (C14xx, C13xx) are stored with U2023. Falls if the ABS module shows no fault of its own.
Cause 2: Cracked wheel speed sensor tone ring (2005 Escape)
Possible — needs testing- Why it ranks here
- One owner reports U2023 with C1234 and a cracked, loose tone ring; this is a single report.
- What would change this
- Rises if a wheel speed code is stored and the ring is visibly damaged. Falls if wheel speed signals are normal.
Cause 3: A fault in another module that is reporting over the network
Common general cause- Why it ranks here
- By definition U2023 is set when another module reports a fault, so the source can be any module on the network.
- What would change this
- Rises if a full-network scan finds another module with a fault. Falls if all other modules are clean.
What to test first
Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.
Step 1: Have every module scanned and note which module stores its own fault with U2023 (ABS, hybrid or powertrain).
IfABS or hydraulic control unit codes are stored
It meansHave the brake system inspected.
IfAnother module shows its own fault
It meansThe original fault is in that module.
Points to: A fault in another module that is reporting over the network
Step 2: Have a shop inspect the ABS hydraulic unit, wheel speed sensors and tone rings and test brake pressure.
Warning:Brake parts affect stopping. Do not drive on weak or inconsistent brakes; have it towed.
IfThe hydraulic unit or ABS module fails its tests
It meansThe unit needs repair or replacement.
IfA cracked tone ring or damaged wheel speed signal is found
It meansRepair that first.
Points to: Cracked wheel speed sensor tone ring (2005 Escape)
Symptoms
- ABS and brake warning lights on
- Regen Brakes Disabled or Check Brake System message
- Hard pedal, long stopping distance or loss of braking Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
- Lack of power after deceleration with a wrench lamp (2005 Escape Hybrid)
How to fix
This is a safety-critical system, so we explain the code but don't give repair steps. Have it inspected by a qualified technician.
On your vehicle
FordYour car
2005–2008 · Escape
Supported by vehicle dataEscape and Escape Hybrid owners report U2023 with ABS hydraulic unit codes, brake warnings and costly ABS unit replacements. Ford 05614 covers an early 2005 Escape Hybrid with U2023, P1A13 and P2104. Whether it is still current is not verified.
05614Status unverified
Lack of power after deceleration, MIL and wrench lamp, P1A13, U2023 and P2104 (Escape Hybrid)
2005escape · NHTSA 10017896
Covers Escape Hybrids built 8/2/2004 through 2/7/2005 with lack of power after deceleration. The NHTSA summary does not say what the repair is.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
Related codes
No curated relationships for U2023 yet.
U2023 questions
Is it safe to drive with U2023?
On Escape and Escape Hybrid owners report brake warnings and weak braking with this code, so treat it as inspect-soon and stop driving if the brakes feel different.
Sources and review
- NHTSA complaint ODI 10548815: 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
- NHTSA complaint ODI 10946312: 2008 Ford Escape
- NHTSA complaint ODI 11091103: 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
- NHTSA complaint ODI 10492395: 2005 Ford Escape
- U2023 (A0) Fault Received From External Node (Ford)
- Ford 05614: lack of power after deceleration, MIL and wrench lamp, P1A13, U2023 and P2104 (2005 Escape Hybrid)
- Last reviewed
- Written by
- Saurabh K.
- Editorial review
- Pending
- Technician review
- Technician review pending
This page explains what a code usually means; it is not a substitute for a professional inspection. How we source and review · Report an error