U0131: Lost communication with the power steering control module
The vehicle network is not receiving messages from the electric power steering module. Steering may become heavy or lose assistance suddenly.
| Code | U0131 |
|---|---|
| System | Communication network |
| Group | U01xx, Lost communication with control units |
| Type | Generic: it means the same on every make |
| Can you keep driving? | Better not |
What U0131 means
Electric power steering uses a motor and its own module so the wheel turns with little effort. This code means that module has stopped talking to the other control units over the data network. Depending on the car, assistance may carry on in a basic mode or disappear altogether.
Most common causes
- Low battery or loose terminals: electric steering draws a lot of current
- Blown main power steering fuse
- Loose, corroded or wet connector on the steering module
- Poor ground on the module
- Damaged network wiring near the steering column or rack
- Faulty power steering module
Symptoms
- Power steering warning light on
- Very heavy steering, especially when manoeuvring slowly
- Assistance that comes and goes
- Stability control or lane keeping disabled
Can you drive with U0131?
Better not If the steering has gone heavy, only drive if you must and with great care: it is hard to turn in time. If steering feels normal, get it checked as soon as you can.
Open the bonnetthe in-depth explanation
How to check it
Check the battery and its terminals first; with the engine running, voltage should be between 13.5 and 14.7 V. Note whether the fault appears on start-up, when cold or after lots of manoeuvring, as it helps the garage track it down.
How to read and clear U0131 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 U0131 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
- U012C The active vibration control unit is not answering on the car network
- U012D The generator control unit is not answering on the car network
- U012E The camshaft position control unit is not answering on the car network
- U0130 Communication with the steering control unit has been lost
- U0132 Communication with suspension control unit A has been lost
- U0133 The active roll control unit is not answering on the car network
- U0134 The rear power steering control unit is not answering on the car network
- U0135 The front differential control unit 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 U0131 mean?
Electric power steering uses a motor and its own module so the wheel turns with little effort. This code means that module has stopped talking to the other control units over the data network. Depending on the car, assistance may carry on in a basic mode or disappear altogether.
Can you drive with U0131?
If the steering has gone heavy, only drive if you must and with great care: it is hard to turn in time. If steering feels normal, get it checked as soon as you can.
How do you clear U0131?
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, U0131 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.
