OBD-II trouble code
U0131: Lost Communication with Power Steering Control Module
A module on the network can no longer hear from the power steering control module. Steering assist may be reduced or lost and warning lights come on. Usually a power, ground, wiring, or connector fault at the steering module.
Quick facts
- System
- Network
- Category
- Network Communication
- Severity
- High severity
- Drivable
- Usually safe to drive short-term
- Repair cost range
- $100 – $1,500
- DIY difficulty
- Shop recommended
What does U0131 mean?
U0131 is set when another module on the vehicle's communication network stops receiving messages from the power steering control module. On vehicles with electric power steering (EPS) or electro-hydraulic power steering, a dedicated controller manages how much assist the motor provides based on vehicle speed, steering input, and other data it receives over the CAN bus. When the network loses contact with that module, the controller logs U0131 and the systems that rely on coordinated steering data react accordingly.
The causes are the standard communication-code set. The power steering module — which on many electric systems is mounted on or near the steering rack or column — may have lost power or ground through a blown high-current fuse, a corroded connection, or a wiring fault. Electric power steering draws significant current, so its heavy power and ground connections are a common failure point; a poor connection there can both drop assist and break communication. The CAN wiring to the module may be damaged, or its connector corroded or loose. The module itself can fail internally, and on many vehicles EPS faults follow low system voltage, so a weak battery or charging problem can be the real trigger. Another module on the bus can also disrupt communication for everyone.
The symptoms depend on the vehicle. With electric power steering, losing the module often means heavier steering effort or a complete loss of assist, along with a power steering warning light (often a steering-wheel-with-exclamation symbol) and frequently the stability and traction control lights, since those systems share data with steering. The car remains steerable — there's a mechanical connection to the wheels — but it can take much more effort, especially at low speed and when parking. Because reduced steering assist can be a real hazard, U0131 should be diagnosed promptly even though the vehicle is technically driveable.
Common causes
- Blown or corroded high-current fuse feeding the power steering module
- Poor heavy power or ground connection at the EPS motor/module
- Low system voltage from a weak battery or charging fault
- Damaged CAN wiring to the power steering control module
- Corroded or loose connector at the steering module
- Failed power steering control module
- Harness damage near the steering rack or column
- Another module on the bus disrupting network communication
Symptoms
- Heavy or increased steering effort, or complete loss of assist
- Power steering warning light on
- Stability and traction control warning lights on
- Steering effort worse at low speed and when parking
- Scan tool can't communicate with the power steering module
- Possible intermittent assist that comes and goes with voltage
- Vehicle still steerable but with more effort
Diagnostic steps
- 1.Scan all modules and confirm the power steering module is the unreachable one while others respond.
- 2.Test the battery and charging system — EPS faults often follow low voltage.
- 3.Check the high-current fuse and the heavy power and ground connections at the steering module/motor.
- 4.Inspect the module connector and CAN wiring near the rack or column for damage, corrosion, and looseness.
- 5.Measure CAN-High and CAN-Low at the module connector and verify continuity to the bus.
- 6.If power, ground, voltage, and wiring are good but the module still won't communicate, replace and program the power steering control module per the manufacturer procedure.
Repair cost
$100 – $1,500
A weak battery, blown fuse, or poor connection is the cheapest fix at $100-$400 plus $150-$300 diagnostic time. Wiring or connector repair runs $200-$600. Power steering control module or EPS unit replacement is the expensive case at $600-$1,500+ including programming, because on many vehicles the module is integrated with the steering rack or column motor and is replaced as an assembly. Confirm power, ground, and voltage before condemning the module.
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
Leave this one to a qualified shop. It typically involves emissions-critical components, refrigerant handling, or other work that requires manufacturer-grade tooling, training, or certification. DIY attempts often produce a more expensive problem than the original code.