U0131
Lost Communication With Power Steering Control Module A
Communication network (power steering)
Generic OBD-II
Medium
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.
Medium
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.
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?+
You can drive, but expect heavy steering if assist is lost — allow extra effort, especially at low speed, and get it fixed soon for safety.
Can I just clear U0131?+
You can, but it returns unless the power, ground, wiring, or module fault is repaired, and the steering-assist loss will continue.
Related codes
Often seen with U0131
Read & clear U0131 yourself
Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.
✓ Verified name — SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6Guidance reviewed by OBD DashX