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U0433 Invalid Data Received From Front Distance Range Sensor - Single Sensor or Center

Check engine lightUsually off
EmissionsNot relevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modeNo

U0433 concerns the forward distance sensor of adaptive cruise control when there is only one or when it sits in the middle, usually a long-range radar behind the grille. A receiver stores it when the radar's object frames fail their protection checks or carry implausible values. GM's 2025 tables describe the EOCM3 assistance controller testing six protected radar burst messages for wrong counter, checksum or authentication code; it reacts after errors in 3 of 4 messages, judged over about 0.03 s of a 0.04 s window and only at 9 to 16 V, and then switches adaptive cruise off as a special Type C fault without MIL. Ford's 2014 code list carries U0433 without lamp marking. For the driver, cruise and collision warning become unavailable. U0235 is lost contact; left and right sensors use U043B and U043C.

Likely causes

Radar misaligned after front-end work or impact, sending implausible objects
Radar or assistance controller software out of step
Low supply voltage or poor connector at the radar

Symptoms

  • Adaptive cruise control switched off
  • Forward collision warning or emergency braking unavailable

Repair estimate

DifficultyShop_onlyWorkshop job
Parts and labour€60–900
Time0.4–2.5 h

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

Parts involved

front distance sensor center

Related codes

U0235U043BU043C

References: gsi.ext.gm.com, performanceparts.ford.com, en.wikipedia.org.