OBD-II trouble code
U0419: Invalid Data Received From Steering Effort Control Module
A module is receiving messages from the steering effort control module, but the data inside them is implausible or out of range. This module tunes power-steering assist. The connection is alive — the content is wrong.
Quick facts
- System
- Network
- Category
- Network Communication
- Severity
- Medium severity
- Drivable
- Usually safe to drive short-term
- Repair cost range
- $100 – $900
- DIY difficulty
- Shop recommended
What does U0419 mean?
The steering effort control module governs how much power-steering assist you get — varying the effort at the wheel with vehicle speed (light and easy for parking, firmer and more stable at highway speed) and, on some vehicles, with a selectable steering-feel or drive mode. It works closely with the electric power steering system and reports its status and commanded assist over the network. U0419 sets when a receiving module is still hearing from the steering effort control module, but the data in its messages is invalid: a value is out of range, implausible, or contradicts what other modules see. The link is alive; the content can't be trusted — which is the key difference from a lost-communication code like U0130, where the module has gone completely silent.
Because the fault is bad data rather than a dead connection, the causes lean toward whatever makes the module broadcast wrong information. A failing input — a steering-angle or torque signal it depends on, or a vehicle-speed reading — can push the module into reporting values other modules reject. Low system voltage is a classic trigger, since module logic and steering-assist calculations both get unreliable as voltage sags. The module's software can be at fault if it's outdated, corrupted, or was never programmed after a replacement, and electrical noise or damaged bus wiring can corrupt otherwise-good messages. Because steering-effort tuning is tightly linked to the steering-angle sensor, a fault or a missing calibration there frequently shows up as invalid steering-effort data.
Symptoms follow which data is invalid. Steering assist may default to a fixed level — often heavier than normal, since a safe fallback errs toward more effort rather than less — or the variable-effort/drive-mode feature may stop working. You may see a power steering or general warning light. Steering does not disappear; electric power steering fails toward manual-assist effort rather than no steering, so the vehicle stays driveable, just harder to turn at low speed. U0419 is frequently a secondary code, so read the full list, because a companion steering-angle, torque-sensor, or power-steering code often names the real root cause.
Common causes
- Failing steering-angle or steering-torque sensor feeding the module bad data
- Vehicle-speed signal fault producing implausible values the module relies on
- Low system voltage or a weak battery/charging system
- Steering-angle sensor not calibrated after an alignment, suspension, or steering repair
- Outdated, corrupted, or mismatched steering effort control module software
- Module replaced without proper programming
- Electrical noise or damaged bus wiring corrupting messages in transit
- Steering effort control module internal fault
Symptoms
- Steering assist stuck at a fixed level, often heavier than normal
- Variable-effort or drive-mode steering feel no longer changing with speed
- Power steering or general warning light illuminated
- Steering that feels heavy at low speed / parking
- Companion steering-angle, torque-sensor, or power-steering codes stored alongside U0419
- Stability control warnings, since steering data feeds those systems
- Vehicle still driveable — steering remains, just with altered effort
Diagnostic steps
- 1.Read ALL stored codes first — U0419 is often secondary to a steering-angle, torque-sensor, or power-steering code that names the bad signal.
- 2.Check battery and charging system voltage; low voltage is a common cause of implausible module data and erratic assist.
- 3.Use live data to compare the module's reported steering angle, torque, and speed inputs against actual conditions.
- 4.Confirm the steering-angle sensor is calibrated — a missing calibration after alignment or steering work is a frequent trigger.
- 5.Inspect the module's connectors and wiring for corrosion or damage.
- 6.Verify the module has the correct, current software, especially after any recent replacement, then address companion codes before condemning it.
Repair cost
$100 – $900
Cost depends on what's producing the bad data. A steering-angle sensor calibration or relearn is often $75-$200. A steering-angle or torque sensor replacement typically runs $200-$500 including diagnosis. Correcting low voltage or a charging fault is $150-$600. A module reflash is usually $100-$300, and module replacement with programming $300-$900 — but that should only follow thorough diagnosis, since U0419 is frequently a secondary code.
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.