U0419
Invalid Data Received From Steering Effort Control Module
Communication network (power steering)
Generic OBD-II
Medium
What it means
U0419 sets when a control module reads data from the steering effort control module — which manages electric power-steering assist — that is missing or implausible. The usual effect is reduced or lost power assist, so the wheel feels heavy; the car stays steerable, but it's harder to turn until it's fixed.
Medium
Can I keep driving? The car stays steerable, but power-steering assist may be reduced or lost, making the wheel feel heavy — drive with care until it's repaired.
Common symptoms
What you'll notice
- Power-steering warning light on, usually with the check-engine light
- Heavy or inconsistent steering effort
- Loss of assist, most noticeable at low speed or when parking
- "Service power steering" or similar warning message
- Related communication codes stored in other modules
Common causes
Most likely first
- Faulty steering effort control module or its power/ground supplyLikely
- Corroded, loose, or damaged connectors and data-bus (CAN) wiringCommon
- Low or unstable battery and charging-system voltageCommon
- Software incompatibility after a module was replaced or updatedLess often
- An underlying steering-torque or angle-sensor fault reported by the moduleLess often
How to diagnose & fix
Work through it in order
- Scan all modules and record stored codes and freeze-frame data before clearing.
- Check battery and charging voltage — electric power steering is sensitive to low or noisy voltage.
- Inspect connectors and wiring to the steering effort control module and along the data bus.
- If a module was recently replaced or flashed, confirm the software is compatible.
- Run the manufacturer's pinpoint tests on the steering module and its sensors; replace only if confirmed.
FAQ
Quick answers
Is it safe to drive with U0419?+
The car stays steerable, but power assist may drop out and the wheel can feel heavy, especially at low speed — drive carefully and get it fixed soon.
Can I just clear U0419?+
You can, but if the steering effort module or its data link is still faulty the code returns and the power-steering warning comes back on.
Related codes
Often seen with U0419
Read & clear U0419 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