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U0073 on 2022-2025 Ford Maverick: Control Module Communication Bus 'A' Off Causes and Fixes

On a 2022-2025 Ford Maverick, code U0073 is most often caused by a poor electrical connection or a wiring harness issue. For 2022 Hybrid models built on or before May 13, 2022, check TSB 22-2340 regarding a faulty battery cable connection that can cause a no-start and widespread communication failure. For all models, but especially Hybrids, inspect for harness chafing near the engine, as noted in recall 22S73. A weak 12V battery is also a very common trigger for this code.

23 minutes to read 2022-2025 Ford Maverick

Most Likely Cause

Faulty Battery Cable Connection (2022 Hybrid)

Difficulty

5/5

Est. Time

3.5 hrs

DIY Doable?

🔧 Shop

Shop Labor

$150 – $1200

Parts Price

$10 – $600

⚠️ Drivable, but... — You may be able to drive, but it's not recommended. The vehicle could enter a 'limp mode' with reduced power, or critical systems like ABS and power steering could become unresponsive without warning. There is a significant risk of being stranded if communication is lost entirely, leading to a no-crank/no-start condition.

Key Takeaways

For a 2022 Maverick Hybrid, immediately investigate TSB 22-2340 regarding the battery cable assembly, as it is a highly probable cause.
For any Maverick Hybrid, check for Recall 22S73 related to a chafing wiring harness, which can cause this code.
Always start diagnosis by checking the 12V battery and its connections. Low voltage is a simple but very common trigger for network codes.
Do not replace expensive control modules unless you have definitively ruled out wiring, power, and ground issues first.
This code is complex and best left to a professional with the right diagnostic tools to avoid costly misdiagnosis.

The code U0073 stands for 'Control Module Communication Bus 'A' Off'. Your Maverick has an internal computer network, called the Controller Area Network (CAN bus), that allows all its electronic modules—like the engine computer (PCM), anti-lock brakes (ABS), and body control module (BCM)—to talk to each other. This code means that communication on that network has been lost, either intermittently or completely. This prevents different systems in the truck from sharing critical information, which can lead to various system malfunctions or a no-start condition.

What's Unique About the 2022-2025 Ford Maverick

The Ford Maverick, particularly early hybrid models, has documented issues that directly lead to network communication failures. Ford issued a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB 22-2340) for 2022 Hybrids for a faulty battery cable connection that can cause a no-start and widespread electrical issues. This TSB addresses a loose or detached eyelet solder connection on the battery cable assembly. Additionally, a recall (originally under a different number, but related to wiring) was issued for hybrid models due to a wiring harness that can rub through its insulation, causing shorts and communication loss. These specific, known hardware faults make the Maverick more prone to this code than just random module failure.

Professional service recommended: Diagnosing CAN bus faults requires specialized tools to test network integrity and identify which module or wire is causing the problem. It is very difficult to solve with basic DIY tools. A technician can also check for module software updates that may resolve communication glitches.

Symptoms You May Notice

Check Engine Light is on
Multiple other warning lights may illuminate (ABS, Traction Control, Airbag, Powertrain Malfunction 'wrench' icon)
Vehicle won't start or crank, appearing as if the battery is completely dead
Loss of power or vehicle enters 'limp mode'
Erratic behavior from various systems (e.g., gauges stop working, power steering fails, radio freezes)
Vehicle goes into 'Deep Sleep Mode' to preserve the battery

⚠️ Don't Waste Money on the Wrong Fix

Replacing a single control module (like the PCM or ABS module) without first confirming it is the source of the network failure. The problem is often in the wiring or power supply connecting the modules, not the module itself.
Replacing the 12V battery without checking for underlying wiring issues like those described in TSB 22-2340, leading to a recurring problem.

Most Likely Causes

Faulty Battery Cable Connection (2022 Hybrid) 🔴 High Probability TSB 22-2340 was issued for Maverick Hybrids built on or before May 13, 2022, for a loose or detached eyelet solder connection on the battery cable assembly, starving modules of power. This manufacturing defect interrupts the 12V power supply to the battery junction box (BJB).
How to confirm: Check if your vehicle falls under the TSB criteria (2022 Hybrid built on/before May 13, 2022). A technician will inspect the C1617E eyelet connection from the battery cable assembly for looseness or detachment. The primary symptom is a no-crank/no-start with no power to any systems.
Typical fix: The entire high power cabling wire assembly must be replaced. The Ford part number is LX6Z-14290-PA. The repair is covered under the new vehicle warranty.
Est. part cost: $150-$250
Chafed or Damaged Wiring Harness 🔴 High Probability Multiple owner complaints and recalls point to wiring harness issues. Recall 22S73 (related to fire risk from another issue) involves inspecting the main engine harness, which can rub against engine components, wearing through insulation and causing shorts that disrupt the CAN bus. Rodent damage has also been noted by owners.
How to confirm: Visually inspect the wiring harnesses in the engine bay, particularly the main high-voltage harness on hybrid models, for signs of rubbing, chafing, or exposed wires. Pay close attention to areas where the harness is close to the engine block, exhaust, or other vibrating components.
Typical fix: If insulation is scuffed, a dealer may apply anti-abrasion tape and add a retainer to secure the harness. If the copper wire is exposed, the entire harness (Part No. NZ6Z-12A581-B was cited in one recall) may need to be replaced.
Est. part cost: $0 (if covered by recall) to $500+
Weak or Failing 12V Battery 🟡 Medium Probability Low system voltage is a common cause for modules to fail initialization and drop off the network. The OEM 12V AGM battery in Maverick Hybrids is cited by owners as being notoriously problematic, leading to a wide range of electrical faults and communication codes.
How to confirm: Test the 12V battery with a multimeter or battery tester. It should read at least 12.4V when off and 13.7V-14.7V when running. Check for clean, tight terminals. Many owners on forums report that even a battery that tests 'good' may not be sufficient and replacing it solves the problem.
Typical fix: Charge or replace the 12V battery. Many owners on MaverickTruckClub.com recommend proactively upgrading to a higher-quality, larger capacity AGM battery. 🎬 Watch: Why the battery keeps dying and how to fix it. Clean and tighten all battery terminal connections.
Est. part cost: $150-$300
Faulty Software/Module Calibration ⚪ Low Probability Owners have reported widespread communication issues on hybrid models after receiving certain PCM recall updates (like 23E09 for emissions), which Ford later had to patch with another update. A software glitch can cause modules to stop communicating correctly.
How to confirm: A dealership can check if the vehicle has the latest, corrected software versions for the PCM and other modules using their diagnostic tools. This is especially relevant if the issue started immediately after a recall service was performed.
Typical fix: Update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) and/or Body Control Module (BCM) to the latest software version. This must be done by a Ford dealer.
Est. part cost: $0-$200

Rare But Worth Checking

Faulty Control Module: While less common than wiring or power issues, a single module (like the ABS or BCM) can short internally and bring down the entire network. Diagnosis involves using a scan tool to see which module is not responding, then unplugging it to see if communication is restored. A technician may also smell a burnt electronic odor near the failed module.
Improperly Installed Aftermarket Accessories: If a remote starter, alarm, trailer brake controller, or even an improperly wired dashcam was recently installed, it may be interfering with the CAN bus. Try disconnecting it to see if the code resolves.
Blown Fuse: A blown fuse for a critical module like the ECU or BCM can cause it to drop off the network and trigger a U0073 code. Check the fuse boxes in the engine bay and passenger compartment for any blown fuses related to control modules.

Diagnosis Steps

Check Battery Health: Start by testing the 12V battery and charging system. Ensure voltage is stable and above 12.4V with the engine off. Clean and tighten battery terminals. A weak battery is a very common cause.
Scan for All Codes: Use a high-quality OBD-II scanner that can read codes from all modules (ABS, BCM, PCM, etc.). Note which modules are not communicating and which codes are present alongside U0073.
Check for TSBs and Recalls: Specifically check for TSB 22-2340 (2022 Hybrids) 🎬 Watch: A breakdown of the TSB for 2022 Hybrid dead truck issues. and Recall 22S73 (Hybrids). 🎬 See this walkthrough of the wiring harness fix for hybrid models. These are known, common causes for total communication loss or intermittent issues.
Visual Inspection of Wiring: Thoroughly inspect all visible wiring harnesses in the engine bay for signs of chafing, melting, or corrosion. Pay close attention to the areas mentioned in recalls and check harnesses near the fuse box and under the dashboard.
Check Fuses: Inspect all fuses related to the various control modules (often labeled ECU, BCM, TCM, ABS) in both the engine bay and interior fuse panels.
Isolate the Fault: If a specific module is consistently offline, a technician may disconnect it to see if the rest of the network comes back online. This can pinpoint a faulty module that is pulling the network down.
Network Resistance Test: A professional may measure the resistance of the CAN bus (should be around 60 ohms between CAN High and CAN Low pins at the OBD-II port). This helps detect issues with termination resistors or wiring shorts.

Parts You'll Likely Need

High Power Cabling Wire Assembly (Hybrid) (OEM #LX6Z-14290-PA) — This is the specific part to fix the known battery connection issue described in TSB 22-2340 for 2022 Maverick Hybrids built on or before May 13, 2022.
Engine Wiring Harness (OEM #NZ6Z-12A581-B) — This harness is often replaced due to chafing or damage, which is a common cause of CAN bus communication failures.
12V AGM Battery — A weak or failing 12V battery is a frequent trigger for communication codes on the Maverick, especially the hybrid models.

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

U0073 — Control module communication bus A off. As noted in a Ford diagnostic report for a different model (NHTSA ODI #11549596), this code indicates the communication bus is "off," which can be a non-current DTC but still points to a significant network failure.
U0100 — Lost Communication With ECM/PCM. This often appears with U0073 as the PCM is a critical node on the network.
U0140 — Lost Communication With Body Control Module. The BCM controls many body functions and its failure to communicate is common during a network-wide outage.
U0121 — Lost Communication With Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Module. This is another key module on the CAN bus, and its loss often triggers ABS and traction control warning lights.
U0293 — Lost Communication With Hybrid Powertrain Control Module (HPCM). This is specific to hybrid models and often accompanies network faults.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

TSB 22-2340: Addresses a no-crank/no-start condition on 2022 Maverick Hybrids (built on or before May 13, 2022) due to a loose or detached eyelet on the battery cable assembly.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

TSB 22-2340: Affects some 2022 Maverick Hybrids, which may have a faulty battery cable connection causing power loss to modules and a no-start condition.
Recall 22S73: Affects Maverick Hybrids, where the engine wiring harness can rub against engine components, causing a short circuit and triggering powertrain malfunction warnings.
Software Update Glitches: Some owners of hybrid models have experienced sudden limp mode and communication errors after receiving a PCM software update for a recall, requiring a subsequent patch from Ford.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

HS-CAN Bus Network Resistance — expected: ~60 Ohms. Failure: A reading of ~120 Ohms indicates a missing termination resistor or an open circuit in one of the bus wires. A reading near 0 Ohms indicates a short between the CAN High and CAN Low wires.
HS-CAN Bus Voltage (Key On, Engine Off) — expected: CAN High (Pin 6 at DLC) to Ground: ~2.6V. CAN Low (Pin 14 at DLC) to Ground: ~2.4V.. Failure: Significant deviation from these voltages, or voltage on one line mirroring the other, indicates a short or a faulty transceiver in a module.
Resistance from CAN lines to Ground (Battery Disconnected) — expected: Megaohms or Open/OL. Failure: Low resistance indicates a short to ground on either the CAN High or CAN Low wire.

Hidden / Shadow Codes Worth Checking

On-Demand Self-Test (ODST) Codes: Ford's diagnostic system distinguishes between On-Demand codes (hard faults present at the time of testing) and Continuous Memory codes (intermittent faults stored over time). U0073 may appear as an On-Demand code if the network is completely down, or a Continuous code if the fault is intermittent. (see via Requires a Ford-specific scan tool like IDS (Integrated Diagnostic System) to run the Key On Engine Off (KOEO) or Key On Engine Running (KOER) self-tests.)

Scan Tool Commands That Help

Ford IDS (Integrated Diagnostic System): Network Test — This is the primary function to use when diagnosing a U0073. It automatically pings all expected modules on the network and creates a topology map showing which modules are communicating and which are not responding. This is the fastest way to identify the scope of the communication failure.
Ford IDS (Integrated Diagnostic System): KOEO / KOER On-Demand Self-Test — Use this test to check for hard faults currently present in the system. If U0073 is accompanied by codes from a specific module in the ODST, it can help pinpoint the source of the network disruption.

Wiring & Ground Locations

BCM (Body Control Module) Connectors — Located in the passenger footwell, behind a large plastic kick panel.. The BCM is a central hub for multiple vehicle networks. Connectors like C2280A, C2280B, C2280C, and C2280F are critical junctions for CAN bus wiring. A loose connection or corroded pin at one of these main connectors can bring down the entire network.
Passenger Footwell Ground Point — A bolt or stud located behind the side dash trim piece, to the upper right of the BCM/fuse panel area, facing the passenger door.. This is a primary and easily accessible ground point for components in the dash area. A poor ground here can cause intermittent issues with the BCM and other nearby modules, leading to communication faults.
Engine Bay Ground Points — There are several factory ground points with bare ring terminals bolted directly to the frame/chassis rails in the engine compartment.. The PCM and other engine-related modules rely on these grounds. Corrosion or looseness at these points, especially the main battery-to-chassis ground, can introduce electrical noise or low voltage conditions that trigger network codes like U0073.
Eyelet C1617E — On the battery cable assembly for 2022 Hybrid models.. This specific eyelet solder connection is the subject of TSB 22-2340. Its failure completely cuts off the 12V power supply to the Battery Junction Box (BJB), causing a total loss of communication and a no-start condition.

Real Owner Repair Stories

MaverickTruckClub.com forum user (2022 Ford Maverick Hybrid) — Vehicle was completely dead, no crank, no start, no power to any systems. Multiple communication-related DTCs including U0073.
❌ Tried (didn't work) Charging the 12V battery.
✅ What actually fixed it The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed under TSB 22-2340. The high power cabling wire assembly (harness) was found to have a faulty eyelet connection and was replaced, which resolved all issues.
MaverickTruckClub.com forum user (Ford Maverick (details not specified)) — Multiple warning lights, vehicle going into limp mode, various communication codes.
❌ Tried (didn't work) Initial dealer diagnosis could not find the fault.
✅ What actually fixed it A second inspection found a wiring harness had been rubbing against the engine block. The friction wore through the insulation and caused the CAN bus wires to short out. Repairing the damaged section of the harness and securing it away from the engine block fixed the problem.

OEM Part Supersession History

PU5Z-12A581-AXB → PU5Z-12A581-BAA — Part revision or update by the manufacturer.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

2022 Hybrid models built on or before May 13, 2022: These vehicles are subject to TSB 22-2340 for a potentially faulty high-power battery cable assembly (Part LX6Z-14290-PA) that can cause a complete loss of power and communication. Models built after this date have a corrected part.

Diagnostic Flowchart

U0073 indicates a 'Control Module Communication Bus A Off' condition. On the Maverick platform, this is frequently caused by physical wiring defects or 12V power supply instability rather than module failure.

Inspect the C1617E eyelet connection on the battery cable assembly. Is the solder connection loose or detached?

→ Apply TSB 22-2340: Replace the high power cabling wire assembly (Part LX6Z-14290-PA). This manufacturing defect starves the BJB of power.

Measure the 12V AGM battery voltage with the ignition off. Is it below 12.4V?

→ Charge or replace the 12V battery. Maverick modules are highly sensitive to low voltage; a weak battery often triggers 'Deep Sleep Mode' and U0073 communication drops.

Perform a visual inspection of the engine wiring harness. Are there signs of chafing or contact with engine components?

→ Repair damaged wires and secure the harness. Reference Recall 22S73; the main harness can rub against the engine, shorting the CAN bus. Use anti-abrasion tape and updated retainers.

Did the U0073 code and 'Limp Mode' appear immediately after a dealership PCM software update (e.g., Recall 23E09)?

→ Return to the dealer to check for a software patch. Some Maverick Hybrid PCM updates required a subsequent calibration to fix communication glitches.

Using a multimeter at the OBD-II port, measure resistance between CAN High and CAN Low. Is it approximately 60 ohms?

→ The physical bus is intact. Use a scan tool to identify which specific module (ABS, BCM, or PCM) is 'Silent' and check its specific power and ground circuits.

→ A reading of 120 ohms indicates a circuit break; 0 ohms indicates a short. Re-inspect the main engine harness (NZ6Z-12A581-B) for hidden copper exposure.