P0D1F
Control Module Date/Time Synchronization Error.
- Generic
- Powertrain
- Generic code
- Low severity
How this code is built
- P
- SystemPowertrain
- 0
- Defined bySAE, the same on every car
- D
- AreaReserved
- 1F
- FaultThe specific fault in that area
What it means
P0D1F means a control module has found that its date and time does not agree with the time reference supplied by another module on the vehicle network. The control unit compares its internal clock with the time broadcast over the network and sets the code when the two differ by more than allowed, or when no valid time signal is received. Which module acts as the time source, and what it is used for, depends on the make, model and engine.
Symptoms
- Engine warning light on, often with no other change in how the car drives
- Incorrect or reset date and time on the dashboard or infotainment display
- Other stored network or communication codes alongside P0D1F
- Time-stamped functions such as scheduled charging, pre-conditioning or diagnostic logging behaving oddly
- Code returns soon after clearing, especially after the battery has been disconnected or run flat
Possible causes
- Low battery voltage, a recent flat battery or battery disconnection that reset module clockslikely
- Network communication fault (CAN or similar) stopping the time signal reaching the modulelikely
- Poor connections, corrosion or damaged wiring at the module, gateway or time-source unitpossible
- Date and time not set or not synchronised after a module was replaced or reprogrammedpossible
- Outdated software in the module or time-source unit where the manufacturer has a known fixpossible
- Faulty time-source module (for example a gateway, cluster, telematics or infotainment unit, depending on the model)rare
- Internal fault in the control module's clock or memoryrare
How to diagnose
- Read all stored and pending codes and record the freeze frame data, noting any network (U-code) or low-voltage codes
- Ask about recent events such as a flat battery, battery replacement, module replacement or software updates
- Test battery condition and charging system voltage, and correct any weakness before going further
- Check the displayed date and time on the dashboard or infotainment system and see whether it is correct or has reset
- Inspect the wiring, connectors, earths and fuses for the affected module, the gateway and the time-source unit for damage, corrosion or water ingress
- Check the network for communication faults, looking at module presence and live data to see which modules are responding
- Check manufacturer service information for the model to identify the time-source module and any known issues or software updates
- Clear the code, set the date and time using the correct procedure, and road test to see whether it returns
How to fix
- Charge or replace a weak battery and repair any charging system fault, then reset the date and time
- Repair or replace damaged wiring, terminals or connectors, and restore clean earth connections
- Fix the underlying network communication fault so the time signal reaches the module
- Carry out the manufacturer's date and time synchronisation or setup procedure after module replacement or power loss
- Update the software of the affected modules where an outdated version is a known cause
- Replace the faulty time-source or control module only after wiring, power and network checks have shown it is at fault
Can I keep driving?
The car can normally be driven as this code is usually a data consistency fault rather than a mechanical one. Book it in soon, particularly if other network or warning lights appear or the battery is weak.
Guide written by AI from the code's definition. Confirm with a diagnosis before replacing parts.