How To Fix 53173 - Constant &1 does not have 5 characters

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 53 - Incentive Wages Data

• Message number: 173

• Message text: Constant &1 does not have 5 characters

What causes this issue?

A five-digit indicator or a seven-digit fixed value must follow the
character &.

System Response

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

How to fix this error?

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 53173 - Constant &1 does not have 5 characters ?

  The SAP error message 53173, which states "Constant &1 does not have 5 characters," typically occurs when a constant value that is expected to be exactly 5 characters long is either too short or too long. This error is often encountered in ABAP programming or when working with certain configuration settings in SAP.
  Cause:
  
  Incorrect Length of Constant: The constant defined in the code or configuration does not meet the required length of 5 characters.
  Data Entry Error: A user may have entered a value that is not 5 characters long in a field that requires it.
  Configuration Issues: In some cases, the error may arise from incorrect settings in customizing or configuration tables.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check the Constant Definition: Review the code or configuration where the constant is defined. Ensure that it is exactly 5 characters long.
  
  If you are working with ABAP code, look for the line where the constant is declared and modify it to ensure it has 5 characters.
  
  Example:
  CONSTANTS: c_my_constant TYPE c LENGTH 5 VALUE 'ABCDE'.
  
  
  Validate User Input: If the error arises from user input, implement validation checks to ensure that any input provided meets the 5-character requirement.
  
  
  Review Configuration Settings: If the error is related to configuration, check the relevant customizing settings in the SAP system to ensure that all constants are defined correctly.
  
  
  Debugging: If you are unable to locate the source of the error, consider using the debugger to trace where the error is being triggered. This can help identify the specific constant that is causing the issue.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help files related to the specific module or functionality you are working with for more context on the constants being used.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message.
  Community Forums: Engage with SAP community forums or support channels for additional insights or similar experiences from other users.
  
  By ensuring that all constants are defined correctly and validating user inputs, you can resolve the error message 53173 effectively.