U0552 means the powertrain or body control computer has received data from the deployable running-board control module (Running Board Control Module B) that is incomplete, out of range, or otherwise not usable. It is a communication/data-integrity fault rather than a sensor-performance fault, and it usually points to the running-board module or its network connection rather than the engine computer.
The module responsible for the deployable running boards can develop internal memory, logic, or driver faults that cause it to broadcast corrupted or invalid data on the bus.
Corroded, bent, damaged, or loose terminals in the module connector, or chafed power/ground/bus wires, can corrupt or interrupt the data stream.
A weak battery, high-resistance ground, or overloaded circuit can cause the module to reset or transmit garbled messages during extension/retraction cycles.
Shorts, opens, or excessive resistance on the CAN or LIN bus lines can distort messages between the running-board module and the receiving controller.
Non-factory lighting, step motors, or control add-ons can load the wrong signals onto the module circuit and trigger invalid-data errors.
Rarely, the module that receives the running-board data misinterprets valid messages because of an internal fault; this should be considered only after the running-board module, wiring, and bus integrity are ruled out.
Usually yes. This is a body/communication fault and typically does not affect engine operation or safety systems, although the deployable running boards may not work correctly.
Almost never. The code refers to data from the running-board control module, so the failed component is usually that module, its wiring, or its power/ground. The PCM should be suspected only after everything else is ruled out.
If the underlying fault—such as a failing module, corroded connector, or bus voltage problem—is still present, the invalid-data condition will return immediately or after the next running-board activation cycle.
Yes. Non-factory wiring, controllers, or accessories connected to the running-board circuit can introduce signal noise or overload the module and set this code.