Lost Communication With Power Steering Control Module
The U0131 code means the vehicle's onboard diagnostic system has detected: Lost Communication With Power Steering Control Module. This is a serious severity code.
- Keep driving?
- Yes, but fix soon
- DIY difficulty
- moderate
- Estimated cost
- $50 - $600 (fuses, grounds, or wiring most often; module replacement only after the circuit tests good)
Network codes mean modules are not communicating. You need a scanner that reads all systems to find the problem.
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Common Symptoms
- Check Engine or related warning light on
- The Power Steering Control Module's functions may be degraded or offline
- Often stored alongside other U-codes when a whole bus segment drops
- Symptoms can be intermittent - connector and wiring faults come and go with heat and vibration
Probable Causes (Ranked by Likelihood)
- The Power Steering Control Module has lost power or ground (check its fuses first) High
- CAN bus wiring damage - chafed harness, corroded connector, water intrusion High
- Failed Power Steering Control Module no longer transmitting Moderate
- Another faulted module loading down the bus Low
Common Fixes by Vehicle
What techs usually find when diagnosing U0131 on specific vehicles — tap your vehicle for the fix and the exact part:
2007-2018 Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra easy DIY
Lost communication with power steering control module. On electric power steering (EPS) equipped trucks, the EPS module is on the steering column. This code is commonly triggered by low battery voltage. Charge/replace the battery and clear the code. If it returns with a good battery, check the EPS module connector on the steering column for looseness -- vibration can back the connector out.
Labor: 15-30 min2008-2020 Ford F-150/Explorer hard DIY
Ford EPAS (Electric Power Assist Steering) communication faults are commonly caused by the EPAS module overheating. The module is mounted on the steering column and is surrounded by heat from the engine bay. In hot weather or heavy-use conditions, the module shuts down temporarily. If U0131 sets during hot weather and clears after cooling, the EPAS module needs replacement. Your dealer can confirm whether an open service bulletin or warranty extension applies to your VIN.
Labor: 1-3 hours2008-2019 Chevrolet Equinox/Malibu/Cruze hard DIY
GM sedans and small SUVs with EPS have a known issue with the torque sensor inside the steering column failing. U0131 will set along with a 'Power Steering' warning message. The torque sensor is part of the steering column assembly. GM extended the warranty to 10 years/150K miles on some 2013-2015 models via Special Coverage 14311. Check with your dealer for coverage before paying out of pocket.
Labor: 2-4 hoursFrequently Asked Questions
What does U0131 mean?
U0131 means other modules stopped receiving messages from the Power Steering Control Module on the vehicle network. It is a communication fault - the module may be fine but unreachable.
Can I keep driving with U0131?
Cautiously and briefly - a communication fault involving a safety-related module (Power Steering Control Module) can degrade braking, stability, or restraint functions without much warning. Diagnose promptly.
Should I replace the module for U0131?
Not first. Most communication codes are power, ground, fuse, or wiring problems. Replace the module only after those test good - modules are expensive and often require programming.
Mechanics Guide Step-by-step diagnosis, and what most sources get wrong
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Procedure
-
Scan ALL modules - the pattern of which modules report lost communication localizes the break.
-
Check the fuses and grounds feeding the Power Steering Control Module before suspecting the module itself.
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If many modules are unreachable, test the CAN bus: about 60 ohms across CAN High/Low (two 120-ohm terminators) with the battery disconnected.
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Wiggle-test connectors along the affected harness while watching for the module to drop on and off.
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Only after power, ground, and bus test good should the Power Steering Control Module be suspected.
Common Misconceptions / Fact Check
-
Commonly claimedU0131 means the power steering control module is bad.
VerifiedU0131 records that the steering module stopped reporting on the network. The common causes are loss of power or ground and CAN wiring or connector faults; internal module failure is the least common. Diagnose the circuit before replacing the module.
Sources 2
This page is built from documented references. Verify against your own service info before repair work.
- SAE J2012Diagnostic Trouble Code Definitions (defines the generic OBD-II code ranges)
- Cross-checked against the SAE J2012:2002 DTC table (2026-08-27)archived scan of the SAE standard — readable copy, not SAE’s current edition
Commonly Affected Vehicles
- All OBD-II vehicles - network (U) codes are standardized across makes
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