U0126: Lost communication with the steering angle sensor module
The vehicle network is not receiving messages from the sensor that measures steering wheel angle. Stability control and other aids usually switch off.
| Code | U0126 |
|---|---|
| System | Communication network |
| Group | U01xx, Lost communication with control units |
| Type | Generic: it means the same on every make |
| Can you keep driving? | With care |
What U0126 means
The steering angle sensor, on the steering column, tells the control units which way and how far you are turning. Stability control, electric power steering and aids such as lane keeping rely on it. This code means the sensor has stopped sending messages over the network.
Most common causes
- Low or unstable battery voltage
- Blown fuse for the sensor
- Loose or badly seated connector behind the steering wheel (common after replacing the wheel, airbag or clock spring)
- Damaged wiring in the steering column
- Faulty steering angle sensor
Symptoms
- Stability control warning light on
- Steering or driver assistance fault message
- Lane keeping or park assist unavailable
- Power steering may feel heavier on some cars
Can you drive with U0126?
With care You can drive, but without stability control, so take it easy, especially in the wet. If the steering becomes heavy, get to a garage as soon as possible.
Open the bonnetthe in-depth explanation
How to check it
If work has recently been done on the steering wheel, airbag or column, tell the garage: a badly fitted connector is the most likely cause. After the repair, this sensor usually needs calibrating with diagnostic equipment.
How to read and clear U0126 with Final OBD
Plug an OBD2 scanner in under the steering wheel, switch the ignition on and open Final OBD. Under Faults you’ll see U0126 with its description and whether it’s confirmed, pending or permanent.
If the engine stores it over standard OBD, with FREE you read this code with its explanation for nothing and clear it. With PRO you also read the faults of every control unit and clear them in all of them.
Clearing the code only turns the light off: if the cause is still there, it comes back. Clear it once it’s fixed, and not right before an inspection. It’s all in how to read and clear fault codes and in inspections and OBD.
Similar codes
- U0122 Communication with the stability control unit has been lost
- U0123 The yaw rate sensor module is not answering on the car network
- U0124 The lateral acceleration sensor module is not answering on the car network
- U0125 Communication with the multi-axis acceleration sensor module has been lost
- U0127 The tyre pressure monitoring control unit is not answering on the car network
- U0128 Lost communication with the park brake control module
- U0129 The brake system control unit is not answering on the car network
- U012A The chassis control unit A is not answering on the car network
- U0100 Lost communication with engine control module (ECM/PCM A)
- U0101 Lost communication with transmission control module (TCM)
- U0102 Lost communication with transfer case control module
- U0103 Lost communication with the gear shift module
What does code U0126 mean?
The steering angle sensor, on the steering column, tells the control units which way and how far you are turning. Stability control, electric power steering and aids such as lane keeping rely on it. This code means the sensor has stopped sending messages over the network.
Can you drive with U0126?
You can drive, but without stability control, so take it easy, especially in the wet. If the steering becomes heavy, get to a garage as soon as possible.
How do you clear U0126?
With an OBD2 scanner and an app like Final OBD, which clears it for free if it’s stored by the engine control unit. But clearing it only turns the light off: if the cause isn’t fixed, U0126 comes back.
Read it on your car
Final OBD reads and clears engine faults through standard OBD for free, each one explained in plain English. With PRO it also reads the faults of every control unit, each make’s own codes included, and clears them in all of them.
