Lost Communication With Power Steering Control Module A
What it means
U0131 means the network has lost communication with the electric power steering control module. The car still steers and stops mechanically, but you may lose power assist, making the wheel much heavier — especially at low speed and when parking. It's usually a power, ground, or bus wiring problem at the module.
Can I keep driving? Drivable but be careful — you may lose power-steering assist, making the wheel much heavier, especially at low speed and when parking. The car still steers and stops.
Real-world scan data
Appears alongside · share of U0131 scans
Figures reflect only diagnostic scans recorded through our own apps and tools. Cars are typically scanned because a symptom or warning light prompted it, so these counts describe our scan records — not the incidence of faults in any model, and not the quality, reliability, or safety of any vehicle. No comparison between manufacturers or models is implied. All trademarks belong to their respective owners; no affiliation or endorsement is implied.
Common symptoms
What you'll notice
- Power-steering warning light on and steering assist reduced or lost
- Heavy, effortful steering, most noticeable at low speed
- Check-engine or other warning lights alongside it
- Power steering control module not responding to a scan tool
Common causes
Most likely first
- Loss of power or ground to the power steering control moduleLikely
- Blown fuse or poor high-current connection at the moduleCommon
- Corroded, damaged, or loose connectors and wiringCommon
- CAN bus wiring fault isolating the module from the networkLess often
- Failed electric power steering control moduleLess often
How to diagnose & fix
Work through it in order
- Scan all modules and confirm the power steering control module is unreachable.
- Check battery voltage and the module's fuses, power, and ground feeds first.
- Inspect the module's connectors and harness for corrosion, damage, or water intrusion.
- Test the CAN bus wiring between the module and the network for opens or shorts.
- If power, grounds, and wiring are good, suspect the module — replace and program it as required, then clear and re-test.
FAQ
Quick answers
Is it safe to drive with U0131?+
Can I just clear U0131?+
Related codes
Read & clear U0131 yourself
Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.