Codes U0401 and P0300?

Tiny
BETHANY ROBERTS
  • MEMBER
  • 2013 FORD MUSTANG
  • 5.8L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 31,435 MILES
The car listed above is a 2013 gt500 that at this point has been returned to stock. I had put a Steeda CAI on the car. Last year the car had been going into limp and had emission codes which was confusing because it has always been well maintained so I took it to a mechanic nearby who had the car for a few days. He told me “The car runs like a scalded dog until it doesn’t, he didn’t understand“. He replaced the intercooler water pump, charged me $1,300 and the car was no closer to being fixed. So, then I took it to another place and thought it may be the tune but that wasn’t the problem either. So, I started reading SVT forums and saw that a certain plug was a known issue. So, I checked the plug it was burnt and looked like it had been arcing. I have no idea why the first guy didn’t check it, but I know he didn’t because it fell apart when I disconnected it. That plug is the one that is in the MAF wire harness that plugs into the huge 14290 harness so instead of splicing it I replaced the 14290 harness, so that all the plugs on it would be good and I also replaced the MAF harness. So, after that I thought it should be fixed and it as for the most part, I’m only left with U0401:81-0a code and p0300 code. The U0401 code is supposed to be the IPC code but the IPC looks to be working. So now it gets to the really confusing part I ran another scan with the think car scanner I have, and it is telling me the car thinks it is moving when it isn’t I ran the scan KOEO while the car was parked with e brake on, and it is telling me all 4 wheels are saying they are going.62 MPH, and the yaw rate keeps fluctuating. Attached is a screen shot of the data stream KOEO.
Sunday, September 17th, 2023 AT 12:22 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,960 POSTS
Yep, this happens when the PCM is going out:

The diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) U0401 and P0300 in a 2013 Ford Mustang are related to two different issues. Let's break down each code:

U0401 - Invalid Data Received from ECM/PCM "A"

The U0401 code indicates that the Engine Control Module/Powertrain Control Module (ECM/PCM) has detected a communication problem with another control module in the vehicle. "A" typically refers to the primary ECM/PCM.

P0300 - Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected

The P0300 code indicates that the ECM/PCM has detected random or multiple cylinder misfires in the engine.

I would replace the PCM, you can get a preprogrammed unit by searching Google or Ebay. Here is the location of the PCM and how to change it out. Check out the images (below). Please let us know how it goes.
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Monday, September 18th, 2023 AT 1:27 PM
Tiny
BETHANY ROBERTS
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Thanks. I will let you know how it goes.
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Monday, September 18th, 2023 AT 3:41 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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  • 42,960 POSTS
Please do!
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+1
Wednesday, September 20th, 2023 AT 4:40 PM
Tiny
BETHANY ROBERTS
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Okay, I finally found a Ford dealer service department who would listen to it was the third one I had tried. The p0300 code is fixed. They found that someone who I had taken it to had messed up the gaps on the spark plugs and the spark plugs had anti-seize in them. So, they replaced all the spark plugs. They said the ECU is fine, but I feel like they ignored me when I kept reminding them of the u0401:81 code but at least the car finally passed inspection. So, I researched the u0401:81 and saw it is pointing to an issue with the ABS so I waited till the road was clear and got the car up to 40 to see if the ABS would kick in when I slammed on the brakes, but it didn’t seem like they did. It felt like the tires locked up and I didn’t feel the brake pedal pulsing like it should when ABS kicks in so what does that mean? What should I try at this point?
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Sunday, October 1st, 2023 AT 6:55 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,960 POSTS
Okay, let's start a new question for the ABS brake issue. glad you got the p0300 code fixed. We only handle one problem per thread, please post your new question here, you must be logged in.

https://www.2carpros.com/questions/new

Cheers, Ken

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Monday, October 2nd, 2023 AT 10:44 AM

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