EngineLightCodes
Network code

U0131 Lost Communication with Power Steering Control Module

Severity
Fix soon
Typical repair cost
$110–$2,200
Do it yourself
Shop job
Shop time
1.0–6.0 hours

The Power Steering Control Module has stopped transmitting on the vehicle data bus, so other control units no longer receive its messages.

How the engine computer detects it

Electric power steering can fail, requiring much higher steering effort. Typical causes are loss of power or ground at the module, an open or shorted CAN/LIN bus wire, a connector fault, or an internal module failure.

Written from public technical sources and not yet checked by a mechanic. How we write these pages

Symptoms

  • Multiple warning lights may illuminate
  • Affected modules may go into limp mode or shut down
  • Specific functions inoperative depending on module
  • Diagnostic tools may show communication faults

Common causes

  1. EPS module unpowered (large fuse on battery) Most likely
  2. CAN wiring to EPS broken Possible
  3. Gateway module routing CAN messages incorrectly Less likely

How to diagnose U0131

  1. Read every stored code with an OBD-II scanner. If misfire or fuel trim codes are there too, fix those first: they often cause this one.
  2. Inspect the parts involved: power steering module, can bus wiring.
  3. Work through the causes above from most to least likely, cheapest checks first.
  4. Clear the code and drive a full drive cycle to confirm the repair held.

Vehicles that report U0131 most

VehicleYearsReportsMedian miles
GMC Sierra 15002014–20254—
Ford Explorer2013–20173—
Ford Fusion2013–20163—
Chevrolet Silverado 15002021–20263—

Counts of owner complaints to the NHTSA that mention U0131 (32 in total), not failure rates: popular models get more complaints simply because more of them are on the road. Models with fewer than 3 complaints are left out.

Reading the code

U
Network
0
Generic (SAE) code
131
Specific fault

Questions drivers ask

Can I drive with code U0131?

Carefully, and only if the steering feels normal. Power steering assist may be reduced or switched off, which makes the wheel heavy. If steering is heavy or unpredictable, don't drive the car.

Often reported together

Codes that owners mention in the same NHTSA complaints as U0131. They can point to a shared cause, so it's worth checking them together.

This page is general information, not a substitute for a professional diagnosis. Repair costs are rough estimates for parts and labor and vary by vehicle and region.