Code U3003-16, ABS electrical?

Tiny
ABYSSAL22
  • MEMBER
  • 2015 FORD C-MAX
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 71,000 MILES
I purchased this car about 10 days ago. About 5 days after I bought it, the check engine light came on the dash. I feel like an idiot, because I eventually realized that I had to put my foot on the brake in order to start the car properly. Otherwise, the check engine light would come on and the car wouldn't start properly. I was not told this by the dealership. But before I realized my error, I took the car to AutoZone to have the codes read. It threw me a u3003-16 code for the ABS system, saying the circuit voltage is below threshold. Yet, at the top of the report, it says the ABS passed. My question is, is this a safety issue? Could it be related to the hybrid battery? I know hybrid battery replacement for this car is very expensive. Before I knew what was causing the check engine light, I made an appointment to take the car back to the dealer to get it checked. Should I still take it in, even though the check engine light was my error? Does this code need to be addressed? Thank you so much for any advice you might have. I appreciate your service. I am attaching an image of the AutoZone readout.
Thursday, January 9th, 2025 AT 4:58 PM

8 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
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I don't see the readout can you please try again?

U3003-16 - Battery Voltage: Circuit Voltage Below Threshold

So, this is for the 12-volt battery which can get low if the car is sitting or the battery is old, I would install a new battery and then reset the battery monitor. Here is a video to show you how:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETNv2S_idIU

Here is how to change the battery out and then clear the codes. Check out the images (below). Let us know what you find.

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Friday, January 10th, 2025 AT 10:51 AM
Tiny
ABYSSAL22
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Hi, let me try posting that readout again. So you don't think it's an issue with the hybrid battery, but with the smaller, 12-volt battery? That's a relief. I guess maybe I'll cancel that appointment with the dealer on Monday, then? I think I can get some help from my brother in replacing the 12 volt once it gets warmer here. Do you think it's an urgent thing? Thank you again.
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Saturday, January 11th, 2025 AT 9:38 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Yep, this is for the 12 volt battery, I would remove the old one and install a new one, then clear the codes to see what happens.
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Saturday, January 11th, 2025 AT 10:27 AM
Tiny
ABYSSAL22
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Thank you! I will let you know how things turn out.
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Saturday, January 11th, 2025 AT 10:56 AM
Tiny
ABYSSAL22
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Well, I just watched a video of how to replace the 12 volt battery on a Ford C-Max and I don't think it's something I'm going to be able to do. It's like you have to practically tear the whole rear of the car apart to get to it. Not only that, but according to what you said, I need to have an OBD scanner to tell the car the battery has been replaced. I think this might be something I'll have to have the dealership do. And then I watched the video about how to jumpstart a Ford C-Max, and I guess the terminals are accessible under the hood. Very strange. I don't know whether you're just not allowed to answer this question or not, but you never said whether you think this is a safety issue or something urgent. Just wondering. Thank you again.
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Saturday, January 11th, 2025 AT 12:18 PM
Tiny
ABYSSAL22
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Hey there. I'm at the dealer now. They kind of tried to brush me off about the code, but I insisted that they check the battery. The load test showed that it the cold cranking amps were extremely low. So they are replacing the battery. Thank you so much for your help! If I hadn't talked to you guys and trusted in your know-how, I may not have insisted. I wonder why a battery light didn't come on?
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Monday, January 13th, 2025 AT 9:24 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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I am glad you got it fixed; the battery light will not come on because the alternator is charging the battery okay. They don't have a light for low battery performance when cranking only a trouble code. Thanks for letting us know, we are here to help, please use 2CarPros anytime.
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Monday, January 13th, 2025 AT 1:48 PM
Tiny
ABYSSAL22
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You're the best!
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Monday, January 13th, 2025 AT 2:25 PM

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