OBD-II trouble code
U0130: Lost Communication with Steering Effort Control Module
A module on the network can no longer hear from the steering effort control module, which manages power-steering assist. Usually a power, ground, or wiring fault, it can make the steering heavy or reduce assist and light the power-steering warning.
Quick facts
- System
- Network
- Category
- Network Communication
- Severity
- High severity
- Drivable
- Usually safe to drive short-term
- Repair cost range
- $130 – $1,500
- DIY difficulty
- Advanced DIY
What does U0130 mean?
U0130 is set when another module on the vehicle's communication network stops receiving messages from the steering effort control module — the controller that manages power-steering assist, including how much effort the system adds or reduces at different speeds. On vehicles with electric or electronically controlled power steering, this module tailors steering effort: lighter for parking, firmer at highway speed. When the network loses contact with it, U0130 records that the module has gone silent.
The causes are the familiar lost-communication faults. The module may have lost power or ground through a blown fuse, corroded ground, or failed relay — and because electric power steering can draw significant current, its power feeds deserve close attention. The communication wiring or a connector at the module can be damaged, chafed, or corroded. The module's internal communication circuitry can fail, or another module on the bus can disrupt the network. Low 12-volt system voltage is a common cause of intermittent dropouts.
The impact you feel is in the steering. When the module is unreachable, the system may default to reduced assist or no assist, making the wheel noticeably heavier — especially at low speed and when parking — and the power-steering warning light usually comes on, sometimes with the check engine light. The vehicle still steers and remains driveable, but the extra effort can be a surprise, so drive carefully and have U0130 diagnosed promptly. On some vehicles, variable-effort or speed-sensitive steering features simply stop adjusting.
Common causes
- Blown power or ground fuse for the steering effort control module
- Corroded or loose ground at the module (electric steering draws high current)
- Damaged or chafed communication wiring to the module
- Corroded or backed-out terminals at the module connector
- Failed internal communication circuitry in the module
- Another module on the bus disrupting network communication
- Low 12-volt system voltage from a weak or failing battery
- Water intrusion or corrosion at the steering control module or connector
Symptoms
- Power-steering warning light on
- Heavy or stiff steering, especially at low speed and when parking
- Reduced or inconsistent steering assist
- Speed-sensitive / variable-effort steering no longer adjusts
- Check engine light may also be on
- Scan tool can't communicate with the steering effort control module
- Symptoms may be intermittent with a marginal connection
Diagnostic steps
- 1.Scan all modules; confirm the steering effort control module is unreachable while others respond.
- 2.Check the module's power and ground fuses and relays, paying attention to the high-current steering feeds.
- 3.Inspect the ground points and communication connector at the module for corrosion, looseness, and damage.
- 4.Inspect the communication wiring for chafing and damage along its routing.
- 5.Measure the communication bus lines at the module connector and verify continuity back to the bus.
- 6.Test the 12-volt battery and charging, since low voltage can cause intermittent communication loss and reduced steering assist.
- 7.If power, ground, and wiring are good but the module still won't communicate, suspect an internal module fault requiring replacement and programming.
Repair cost
$130 – $1,500
A blown fuse, corroded ground, or connector repair is the cheapest fix at $130-$400 once located. Wiring repair runs $200-$650. Diagnostic time often adds $100-$200. Replacing and programming a steering effort / power-steering control module is the most expensive outcome at $700-$1,500 or more (and far higher if it is integrated into the steering rack), and is a last resort after wiring, power, and ground are ruled out.
Estimate your repair
Run the numbers for your vehicle
Open the Repair Cost Estimator with module communication / can bus diagnosis preselected. Adjust labor rate and vehicle category to fit your situation.
DIY vs shop
This is an advanced DIY job. It typically requires specialty tools, scan-tool access, lifting equipment, or careful sequencing to avoid causing new failures. Plan for extended downtime and have a backup vehicle. Most owners are better served by a shop that has done this repair before.