U0131Network Communication

Lost Communication With Power Steering Control Module

U0131 means a module has lost communication with the power steering control module over the CAN bus. This can disable power steering assist. It usually points to a wiring, power, ground, or connector fault.

🚗 Not recommended. Losing the power steering module can cause loss of steering assist and heavy steering.

HIGH

severity

🎯 Top Causes, Ranked by Likelihood

#1Wiring, connector, or CAN bus fault$50-$500

45%

Damaged or corroded wiring to the power steering module.

#2Power or ground fault$50-$400

30%

Blown fuse or poor ground at the module.

#3Failed power steering control module$400-$1500

15%

The electric power steering module itself has failed.

🩺 Common Symptoms

Loss of power steering assist
Heavy or difficult steering
Steering warning message
Warning lights
Other U-codes stored

💰 Repair Cost: DIY vs Shop

DIY Cost

$50-$400

Shop Cost

$150-$1200

📋 Free OBD2 Code Cheat Sheet

The 50 most common codes with likely cause and DIY fix cost. Sent once, no spam.

🔧 How to Diagnose U0131

1Check fuses, power, and grounds for the power steering module

2Inspect CAN wiring and connectors at the module

3Scan all modules for lost-communication patterns

4Back-probe the CAN bus for correct signal

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with U0131?

Not safely. Loss of steering assist makes the vehicle hard to control. Diagnose it first.

What causes U0131?

Wiring, connector, or power/ground faults at the power steering module, most often.

Why is my steering heavy with U0131?

Electric power steering needs the module to be online. If it drops off the bus, assist is lost and steering feels heavy.

🔗 Related Codes

U0100U0121U0126U0140