What this code means
P0601 may indicate an internal control module memory checksum fault. In this case, the code is associated with the Remote Function Actuator module.
What the vehicle may do
- The vehicle may have phone-as-a-key concerns.
- The vehicle may have passive anti-theft or remote function concerns.
- The vehicle may have start-authorization concerns.
- The vehicle can also store the code without an obvious customer-noticed symptom.
Possible fault areas
- A possible broad fault area is the RFA module internal memory or control logic.
- Applicable Ford service actions may be involved for the same concern.
Diagnostic path
Opening context
On this F-150, P0601 in the RFA is an internal control module memory checksum fault. In plain terms, the Remote Function Actuator module failed its own internal memory check. A truck with this kind of RFA fault may have phone-as-a-key, passive anti-theft, remote function, or start-authorization concerns, or it may only have the code stored. At a high level, the possible fault area is the RFA module itself, along with any applicable Ford service action that specifically addresses the concern. Treat this as a module-level diagnosis, not a normal sensor circuit fault.
Follow the directed RFA path
For RFA P0601:41, the directed diagnostic path is Pinpoint Test H. Start there, and keep the job focused on confirming whether the RFA module repeats its internal memory fault after the module is cleared and tested.
Clear the RFA codes
Use a Ford-capable scan tool, get into the RFA module, and clear all RFA module diagnostic trouble codes. The point here is to reset the module’s stored fault information before you judge whether the internal fault is still active or repeatable.
Run the RFA self-test
After the RFA codes are cleared, run the RFA module self-test. Now watch whether the internal RFA fault returns, or whether a related internal RFA module fault is present after the self-test. Keep the related codes as context only; the diagnostic decision is whether the module is still reporting one of those internal faults after a clean clear-and-self-test cycle.
If the internal fault is present
If the internal RFA fault is present after the self-test, check for any applicable TSB, GSB, SSM, or FSA that addresses this exact concern. If one applies, stop this path and handle that first. If nothing applies to this concern, the directed repair is to install a new RFA module.
If the internal fault is not present
If the internal RFA fault is not present after clearing the codes and running the RFA self-test, the system is operating correctly at this time. Do not force a module replacement from history alone if the directed self-test does not reproduce the fault.
Verify the result
Keep verification separate from the test decision. After any action taken, verify the repair by confirming the RFA self-test completes and the code stays gone. The takeaway is simple: for P0601 in the RFA, follow Pinpoint Test H, clear the RFA codes, self-test the module, check for applicable Ford service action if the internal fault returns, and only then follow the directed RFA module repair path. For more diagnostic training, visit stepdiagnostics.com.
Final check
P0601 on this path is handled as an RFA module internal fault check: clear the RFA codes, run the RFA self-test, and make the decision from what returns.
For more guided automotive diagnostics, visit STEP Diagnostics.
