SAP Message R9E018 - Erroneous reference characteristic '&1' in variable '&2'

Diagnosis
The variable uses an erroneous reference characteristic.

System Response
This is an error message.
Variables with erroneous reference characteristics cannot be used.

Procedure
Once saved, a reference characteristic for a variable can no longer beedited. Remove the erroneous reference characteristic before saving andreplace it with a valid reference characteristic.