U0433 Invalid data received from front distance range sensor
What U0433 means
The front distance sensor, usually a radar in the grille or bumper, supports adaptive cruise control and emergency braking. U0433 means other modules are receiving its data but it is implausible. Those driver assistance functions are normally switched off until the fault is cleared.
U0433 is a generic SAE J2012 code: it means the same on every make. The exact cause still depends on the car, so read the freeze-frame data before replacing parts.
At a glance
- Severity
- Medium
- Typical repair cost
- 400–2500 €
- Workshop time
- 1–4 h
- Repair difficulty
- Hard
- DIY possible
- No
- Check engine light
- Yes
- Affects emissions test
- No
- Limp mode possible
- No
Parts and labour at an independent workshop in Europe. Main dealers charge more; the cause decides the bill, not the code.
Symptoms
- Adaptive cruise control unavailable
- Forward collision or emergency braking warning
- Driver assistance warning message
- Functions returning after cleaning the sensor in some cases
Common causes
- Radar sensor covered by dirt, snow or ice
- Radar misaligned after a minor impact or bumper work
- Damaged sensor or its mounting
- Wiring or connector fault at the sensor
- Sensor software fault or failed sensor
Can I keep driving with U0433?
You can drive, but adaptive cruise and automatic emergency braking may not work. Do not rely on them, and have the sensor checked within one or two weeks.
What to check first
- Clean the sensor area in the grille or bumper and remove snow or ice
- Check the bumper and sensor bracket for impact damage
- Inspect the sensor connector and wiring
- Have the radar aligned and calibrated with the proper equipment, or replaced if faulty
Related codes
- U0428 Invalid data received from steering angle sensor module
- U0422 Invalid data received from body control module
- U0415 Invalid data received from ABS control module
- U0412 Invalid data received from battery energy control module A
- U0401 Invalid data received from engine control module (ECM/PCM A)
- U0252 Lost communication with rear lighting control module B
- U0184 Lost communication with radio
- U0140 Lost communication with body control module
Data: TORKO fault-code catalogue, built on OBDex (CC0-1.0) and reviewed against workshop practice. Informational only — it does not replace a diagnosis by a mechanic.
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