U0131: Lost communication with the power steering control module

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.

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 this same explanation and whether it’s confirmed, pending or permanent.

With Free you read this code with its short description for nothing, and clear it if the engine stores it over standard OBD. With Pro you get the full explanation, how the car was running when it was logged (revs, temperature, load) and clearing in every control unit.

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 the ITV. It’s all in how to read and clear fault codes and in the ITV and OBD.

Similar codes

• U0107 Lost communication with the throttle actuator control module
• U0121 Lost communication with the ABS control module
• U0126 Lost communication with the steering angle sensor module
• U0128 Lost communication with the park brake control module
• U0140 Lost communication with the body control module (BCM)
• U0141 Lost communication with body control module A
• U0146 Lost communication with gateway A
• U0151 Lost communication with the restraints control module
• 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

U0131 is a generic code, so it means the same on any make, for example on Audi, BMW, Fiat, Mazda, Peugeot, Volkswagen. See what Final OBD does on your car in makes and models.