Network, generic

U0545 Invalid Data Received From Running Board Control Module A

Check engine lightUsually off

EmissionsNot relevant

Drive cycleNot required

Limp modeNo

Power running boards deploy when a door opens and retract when it closes or the vehicle moves; a running board control module (Ford: RBM) drives the motors and reports position and faults. U0545 means its data reach other modules but are rejected. Ford shows how closely the function is tied to other electronics: on the 2027 Expedition and Navigator the boards stopped and the cluster warned of a running board fault while the driver seat module held C1008:15/C1009:15 and other modules stored U0208 and U0244, traced to DSM software (SSM 55168). Earlier F-150, Super Duty and Expedition RBMs switched from Auto to Off after low battery voltage with U3003:16 (SSM 50154) or due to software (SSM 52411). No bulletin names U0545. Boards may stay extended or retracted.

Likely causes

Software fault in the running board or hosting seat module

Low battery voltage event corrupting module data

Implausible motor position feedback from dirt, ice or corrosion at the board

Symptoms

Running boards do not deploy or retract, fault message in the cluster
Running board setting changes from Auto to Off by itself

Repair estimate

DifficultyMediumWorkshop job

Parts and labour€0–900

Time0.5–3 h

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

Parts involved

running board module a

Related codes

U0244 U0552

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