U0293 on 2013-2018 Ford Fusion: Lost Communication with Hybrid Module Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2013-2018 Ford FUSION

The Ford Fusion Hybrid is unique regarding this code due to a specific service-induced issue. Ford issued a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB SSM 47649) explicitly warning technicians *not* to apply dielectric grease to the SOBDM-C module connectors. While normally used for corrosion protection, on this specific module, the grease can interfere with the sensitive network signals and actually *cause* the U0293 code. This makes improper previous repairs a primary suspect.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Tap your situation to follow the diagnostic path that matches what you're seeing on this vehicle.

Symptoms You May Notice

• "Stop Safely Now" message on the instrument cluster
• Hybrid system warning light illuminated
• Vehicle operates in gasoline-only mode
• Loss of electric motor assistance and EV mode
• Reduced engine power or 'limp mode'
• Vehicle may not start
• Error messages like "Hybrid System Disabled"
• Disabled regenerative braking, resulting in a firmer or different brake pedal feel

Most Likely Causes

1. Improper Application of Dielectric Grease on SOBDM-C Connectors 🔴 High Probability A specific Ford Technical Service Bulletin (SSM 47649) identifies this as a cause of U0293. A previous mechanic may have applied it thinking they were preventing corrosion, not knowing it impedes the data signal on this specific module.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the connectors on the SOBDM-C module, located under the car. 🎬 Watch: Locate and identify the SOBDM-C module under the vehicle. If a thick, clear or whitish grease is present in the pin area, this is the likely cause.
   Typical fix: Thoroughly clean the grease from the module's pins and the wiring harness connector using an appropriate electrical contact cleaner. Do not re-apply any grease.
   Est. part cost: $5-$15
2. Wiring Harness or Connector Damage 🟡 Medium Probability The SOBDM-C module is located under the vehicle, exposing its wiring to road debris, moisture, and physical damage. Wires can chafe against the subframe or other components, and connectors can suffer from corrosion, leading to a loss of continuity on the CAN bus lines.
   How to confirm: With the vehicle safely raised, inspect the entire wiring harness leading to the SOBDM-C for any signs of chafing, breaks, or corrosion. Pay close attention to where the harness bends or is secured by clips. Check for backed-out or corroded pins in the connector itself.
   Typical fix: Repair the damaged section of wiring or replace the connector pigtail. This may involve soldering in new wires and heat-shrinking for protection. Corroded pins may require connector replacement.
   Est. part cost: $15-$100
3. Failed SOBDM-C (Hybrid Powertrain Control Module) 🟡 Medium Probability Internal failure of the module can occur due to thermal stress, vibration, or moisture intrusion over time.
   How to confirm: After confirming the wiring, connectors, and power/ground to the module are good, and no software updates are available, the module itself is condemned. This requires a professional-grade scan tool to attempt communication and verify the module is unresponsive.
   Typical fix: Replace the SOBDM-C module. The new module must be programmed to the vehicle's VIN using a dealer-level scan tool like Ford's FDRS.
   Est. part cost: $270-$1000
4. Software Glitch / Outdated Software ⚪ Low Probability
   How to confirm: A Ford dealer or a well-equipped independent shop can check for available software updates for the SOBDM-C (HPCM), GWM (Gateway Module), and other related modules using the Ford diagnostic system.
   Typical fix: Reprogram the affected module(s) to the latest software version using a tool like Ford's FDRS. This is often attempted before module replacement.
   Est. part cost: $0 (if under warranty) - $250
5. Weak or Failing 12V Battery ⚪ Low Probability Low system voltage can cause unpredictable communication errors between modules on any modern vehicle. Multiple seemingly unrelated error codes are a common symptom of a failing 12V battery.
   How to confirm: Test the 12V battery with a digital battery tester. A healthy battery should have over 12.4 volts at rest and maintain voltage under load. A simple voltage check is often not enough; a load test is required.
   Typical fix: Replace the 12V AGM battery located in the trunk.
   Est. part cost: $180-$300

Rare But Worth Checking

• Water Intrusion into SOBDM-C Module:

Diagnosis Steps

1. Read all Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) from all modules using a capable OBD-II scanner that can access manufacturer-specific codes (like FORScan).
2. Test the state of health and charge of the 12V battery using a professional load tester. Charge or replace as necessary before proceeding.
3. Inspect all fuses related to the hybrid control modules in the under-hood fuse box (BJB).
4. Safely raise and support the vehicle. Locate the SOBDM-C module under the car, on the left side of the engine compartment.
5. Disconnect the electrical connectors from the SOBDM-C. Carefully inspect the pins and connector housings for corrosion, damage, or the presence of dielectric grease.
6. If grease is found, thoroughly clean both sides of the connection with electrical contact cleaner and allow it to dry completely before reconnecting. Clear codes and re-test.
7. If no grease is found, meticulously inspect the wiring harness leading to the module for any signs of physical damage, chafing against the subframe, or heat exposure.
8. Using a multimeter and a wiring diagram, check for proper power (B+) and ground signals at the SOBDM-C connector. Check continuity to known good ground points like G101 or G102 on the left front of the engine compartment.
9. Check for CAN bus network signals at the connector. This is an advanced step and requires an oscilloscope or a high-end scan tool to verify the presence and integrity of the square wave data signals.
10. If wiring, power, and ground are confirmed good, check with a dealer or specialized shop for any available software updates for the SOBDM-C/HPCM.
11. If all other steps fail, the SOBDM-C module is the likely point of failure and requires replacement and programming.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Hybrid Powertrain Control Module (SOBDM-C) (OEM #FG9Z-10B687-A) — This is the module that the code indicates has lost communication. If wiring, connectors, and software are ruled out, the module itself has failed. This part number supersedes DG9Z-10B687-A.
  Trusted brands: Motorcraft
  OEM price range: $270-$400 + Core Charge ($70)
  Aftermarket price range: $200-$600 (Remanufactured)
• Electrical Contact Cleaner — Required for the most specific and common fix: cleaning dielectric grease from the SOBDM-C connectors as per TSB SSM 47649.
  Trusted brands: CRC, WD-40 Specialist
  Aftermarket price range: $5-$15
• 12V AGM Battery — A weak 12V battery can cause a wide range of communication faults in modern vehicles.
  Trusted brands: Motorcraft, Interstate, DieHard
  OEM price range: $250-$350
  Aftermarket price range: $180-$300

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0AA6 — This code for a 'Hybrid Battery Voltage System Isolation Fault' is specifically mentioned alongside U0293 in TSB SSM 47649. The underlying electrical issue causing the communication loss can also trigger the isolation fault detection.
• U0100 — This is a generic 'Lost Communication with ECM/PCM' code. If the network is unstable due to a wiring fault or a bad module, multiple communication codes with different modules can appear simultaneously.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• SSM 47649

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• TSB SSM 47649: Explicitly warns that applying electrical/dielectric grease to the SOBDM-C module connectors may induce communication concerns, setting codes U0293 and P0AA6.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• HS-CAN Bus Network Resistance — expected: Approximately 60 Ohms. Failure: A reading of 120 Ohms indicates an open circuit or a missing termination resistor. A reading near 0 Ohms indicates a short between CAN High and CAN Low wires.
• HS-CAN Bus Voltage (Key On, Engine Off) — expected: CAN High: ~2.5V to 3.0V. CAN Low: ~2.0V to 2.5V. The sum of both signals should be approximately 5V.. Failure: Voltages pulled to ground (0V) or to battery voltage (12V) indicate a short. No voltage indicates an open circuit. A signal that is not mirroring its counterpart (e.g., CAN High goes up, CAN Low does not go down) indicates a fault.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• Ford IDS / FDRS: Programmable Module Installation (PMI) — This function is required after installing a new SOBDM-C. It downloads the vehicle-specific 'As-Built' data and configures the new module to work with the car's specific options and VIN. Failure to perform PMI will result in the new module not functioning.
• Ford IDS / FDRS: Self-Test — After performing repairs or programming, this function commands all modules on the network to run an internal diagnostic check and report any current faults. This is used to verify that the repair was successful and no new codes have been set.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• SOBDM-C (Secondary On-Board Diagnostic Module C) — Located on the left side of the engine compartment, under the vehicle.. This is the module that has lost communication. Its location makes its wiring susceptible to road debris and corrosion.
• G101 / G102 — Located on the left front of the engine compartment.. These are primary ground points for components in the engine bay. A poor connection at these grounds can cause communication issues for nearby modules like the SOBDM-C.
• Splice Block 38 — Located in the wiring harness under the driver's seat.. This is a CAN bus junction point. A technician can disconnect this splice block to isolate different segments of the network, helping to determine which part of the harness or which module is causing the entire network to go down.
• GWM (Gateway Module) — Integrated into the Data Link Connector (DLC) under the driver's side dashboard.. The GWM is the central hub connecting the different CAN networks. A fault in the GWM or its dedicated fuses (located in the interior fuse box) can prevent communication between networks and cause a U0293 code, even if the SOBDM-C and its direct wiring are fine.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• Reddit user comment in r/fordfusion (2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid) — Car displayed the 'Stop Safely Now' warning and would not drive after the 12V battery was replaced.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Initial attempts to restart the car failed to clear the error.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The owner disconnected and reconnected the high-voltage battery service disconnect. This is a large orange handle located behind the rear seat on the driver's side. Waiting 5-10 minutes after disconnecting allowed the high-voltage system to fully reset, which cleared the communication fault and allowed the car to operate normally.

When the Usual Fixes Don't Work

• While the most common fixes involve physical wiring or module issues, some communication lock-ups can be more persistent. In one documented case, after a 12V battery replacement triggered the U0293 code and 'Stop Safely Now' message, the fault would not clear with simple restarts. The final solution was to perform a hard reset of the entire high-voltage system by using the service disconnect for the main hybrid battery pack located behind the rear seats. This suggests that in cases of a significant power event, the system may enter a protective fault state that requires more than a standard OBD-II code clearing to resolve.

OEM Part Supersession History

• DG9Z-10B687-A → FG9Z-10B687-A — Standard part revision by the manufacturer for improvements or supplier changes.
  Heads up: The parts are interchangeable for the 2013-2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid (non-plug-in). Ensure the correct part is ordered, as the module for the Fusion Energi (plug-in hybrid) is different.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2013-2018: No significant variations have been documented for this specific U0293 fault on the standard hybrid model within this year range. The primary causes (grease, wiring) and the SOBDM-C part number appear consistent across these years.