Network, generic

U0244 Lost Communication With Running Board Control Module A

Check engine lightUsually off
EmissionsNot relevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modeNo

Power running boards fold out when a door opens and stow when doors close or the vehicle starts moving; Ford's running board control module (RBM) runs the motors. Ford documents U0244 directly: on 2027 Expedition and Navigator the boards intermittently refuse to move and the cluster shows a running board fault message; the driver seat module (DSM) holds C1008:15 or C1009:15 while other modules record U0208 and U0244. The cause is DSM software, and the DSM may not even answer a network test until the seat switch is pressed. Five minutes parked with doors shut restores operation for a while, and an over-the-air update was announced (SSM 55168). Older RBMs fall back from Auto to Off after a low-voltage event (SSM 50154). Boards may stay out or in. B is U0251, data errors from A U0545.

Likely causes

Software fault in the module hosting the running board function (Ford 2027: driver seat module)
Low or fully discharged battery that left the module offline
Damaged or corroded wiring and connectors exposed under the body
Running board module internally faulty

Symptoms

  • Power running board fault message in the cluster
  • Boards stay extended or retracted
  • Seat heating, cooling or memory affected at the same time (Ford 2027)

Repair estimate

DifficultyMediumWorkshop job
Parts and labour€0–900
Time0.3–3 h

Typical range across vehicles; the real cost depends on what the testing finds.

Parts involved

running board module acan bus

Related codes

U0251U0545U0208

References: static.nhtsa.gov, static.nhtsa.gov.