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2019 Ford Edge SEL - Multiple Warning Lights, Intermittent Power Loss

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Mike T. · rep 0 · May 25, 1:31 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2019 Ford Edge SEL

Hello everyone, my 2019 Ford Edge SEL, 2.0L EcoBoost, is acting really strange. Over the past few days, I've been getting multiple warning lights coming on and off intermittently: ABS, Traction Control, Power Steering Assist Fault, and sometimes even the check engine light flashes. Along with this, I've experienced very brief moments where the power seems to cut out, almost like a hiccup, while driving.

It's incredibly unsettling, especially when I'm on the highway. I tried scanning for codes, but my basic scanner only shows a 'U0401 - Invalid Data Received from ECM/PCM' code sometimes, and other times nothing specific. The car has about 60,000 miles. Could this be an electrical issue, maybe a bad ground or something with the battery/alternator, even though the battery seems to be charging fine?

Any insights on what might be causing these widespread, intermittent problems on a Ford Edge? It feels like the car is having a communication breakdown.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 25, 1:31 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

Your 2019 Ford Edge SEL's symptoms—multiple warning lights, intermittent power loss, and a U0401 code—strongly suggest a problem with the vehicle's communication network, most likely the Controller Area Network (CAN bus), or a fundamental power supply issue affecting multiple modules.

Here's a diagnostic approach:

  1. Battery and Charging System Check:

    • Even if the battery seems to be charging, an aging or failing battery can cause voltage drops that confuse electronic modules. Have the battery professionally tested for its cold cranking amps (CCA) and overall health.
    • Inspect the battery terminals for corrosion and ensure they are clean and tight. Loose or corroded terminals can cause intermittent power issues.
    • Check the alternator's output voltage while the engine is running, ideally under load (lights, AC on). It should be consistently between 13.5V and 14.8V.

  2. Ground Connections:

    • Poor ground connections are notorious for causing widespread, intermittent electrical problems. Inspect major ground points, particularly those connected to the engine, chassis, and body. Look for corrosion, looseness, or damage.

  3. CAN Bus/Wiring Harness Inspection:

    • The U0401 code indicates that a module (likely the PCM/ECM) is receiving invalid data from another module. This points to a communication issue on the CAN bus.
    • Visually inspect wiring harnesses, especially those running through high-vibration areas or near heat sources. Look for chafed, pinched, or corroded wires. Pay attention to connectors; ensure they are fully seated and free of corrosion.

  4. Module Issues:

    • A faulty module (e.g., ABS module, PCM, BCM) could be flooding the network with bad data or failing to communicate properly. However, diagnosing a specific faulty module without advanced tools is challenging.

When to See a Shop: Given the safety implications of intermittent power loss and the complexity of diagnosing network communication issues, it's highly recommended to take your Ford Edge to a Ford dealership or a specialized automotive electrical diagnostic shop immediately. They have the necessary tools and expertise to:

  • Perform comprehensive battery and charging system tests under load.
  • Utilize advanced scan tools to communicate with all modules, read specific U-codes (network communication codes), and monitor live data across the CAN bus.
  • Conduct network integrity tests to identify shorts, open circuits, or high resistance in the CAN bus wiring.
  • Pinpoint a faulty module that might be disrupting the entire system. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to more severe failures or dangerous driving situations.
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