U0131 Code: Lost Communication With Power Steering Control Module
The electric power steering module dropped off the network; steering assist may be reduced or gone.
Stop driving
If the steering has turned heavy, pull over where it is safe; the car can still be steered but needs much more effort, especially at parking speeds. Don't drive further than necessary until the fault is found, and never with passengers relying on quick evasive steering.
At a glance
Severity: High
- Meaning
- Lost Communication With Power Steering Control Module
- System
- Module Communication · Network
- Safe to drive?
- With caution
- Typical repair cost
- $10–$3,000
- DIY difficulty
- Moderate
U0131 is set by the engine computer, ABS/ESC module or instrument cluster when the power steering control module (PSCM) stops sending messages. On electric power steering the PSCM is bolted either to the steering column under the dash or directly onto the steering rack near the front subframe, and it powers an assist motor that can draw well over 60 amps. When it drops off the network the module often shuts assist off entirely, leaving the car with heavy manual steering, and it also stops sharing data needed for stability control, lane keeping and park assist. Because of that huge current draw, weak batteries, loose battery cables and bad high-current grounds cause a large share of these codes.
How to read U0131
- U Network
- 0 Generic (SAE)
- 1 Module Communication
- 31 Specific fault
Symptoms
- Steering suddenly heavy, especially at low speed and when parking
- Power steering warning light or "Service power steering" message
- Steering assist cuts in and out over bumps or when idling with lights and fan on
- Stability control and lane keeping warnings at the same time
- Steering does not center itself after a turn
- Faults appear mainly during cold starts or with a weak battery
Possible causes
Ranked by how often each cause is behind this code (editorial estimate).
- Low system voltage: weak battery, loose or corroded battery cables, failing alternator
- Blown high-current EPS fuse (often 60 to 100 A) or failed ignition feed fuse
- Corroded connector at a rack-mounted module from road water and salt
- Internal power steering module failure
- Bad EPS ground or damaged CAN wiring to the module
Diagnosis step by step
Check battery, cables and charging under load
Resting voltage should be about 12.6 V and charging voltage 13.5 to 14.7 V. Then run the engine and turn the wheel lock to lock: if voltage at the battery drops below about 12 V, fix the battery, cables or alternator before looking elsewhere.
Tools: Multimeter, Pliers
Find and test the EPS fuses
Locate the high-current EPS fuse, usually in the underhood fuse box, plus the small ignition-feed fuse for the module logic. Test both across their test points with a meter.
Tools: Multimeter, Flashlight
Voltage-drop test the power and ground
Measure voltage drop from the battery positive post to the module supply pin, and from the module ground to the battery negative post, while turning the wheel. More than about 0.3 V on either side means a bad cable, fuse holder or ground bolt.
Tools: Multimeter
Inspect the module connector
Rack-mounted modules sit low where water and salt reach them; column-mounted ones are dry but can have loose plugs after dash work. Look for green corrosion, burnt pins and water in the connector.
Tools: Flashlight, Screwdriver
Check the module on the network
With power and ground confirmed, try to communicate with the PSCM and measure about 2.5 V on each CAN line at its connector. If it still won't respond, the module or its internal software has failed.
Tools: OBD-II scanner, Multimeter
Replace and set up the steering module
A replacement PSCM must usually be programmed to the vehicle and followed by a steering angle and torque sensor calibration. On many rack-mounted systems the module comes only as part of the complete rack.
Tools: OBD-II scanner, Torque wrench
Where the parts are
- 1Battery
- 2Alternator
- 3Engine computer (ECM)
- 4CAN bus
- 5Transmission
- 6Wheel speed sensor
- 7High-voltage battery
Repair options & costs
| Repair | DIY? | Estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| Clean/replace battery cables and grounds | Yes | $30–$200 |
| Replace battery | Yes | $150–$300 |
| Replace EPS fuse / repair fuse holder | Yes | $10–$150 |
| Replace power steering control module (programming incl.) | No | $600–$1,500 |
| Replace electric steering rack or column with module | No | $1,200–$3,000 |
Rough US estimates for parts and labor; shop rates vary by region. Not a quote.
Notes by brand
Field data
| Ford | 8 | Explorer, Escape, F-150 SUPERCAB |
|---|
Source: NHTSA Complaints API (US government open data), analyzed by DTC mention.
Emissions / smog test impact
Depends
U0131 is not an emissions fault and usually won't fail a smog test on its own. States with a safety inspection can reject a vehicle whose power steering warning is on or whose steering assist is inoperative.
Frequently asked questions
Can I still steer the car with U0131?
Yes, electric power steering falls back to manual steering, so the wheels still turn. It can take a lot of effort at parking speeds, which is why sudden loss of assist is a real safety concern.
Why does my steering go heavy only on cold mornings?
A battery that is weak when cold lets the voltage dip below what the steering module needs, so it shuts down to protect itself. Load-test the battery and check the cables before suspecting the module.
Is the module separate from the steering rack?
It depends. Column-mounted systems have a replaceable module under the dash; on many rack-mounted systems the module is integrated with the rack and is sold only as a complete assembly.
Does a new steering module need programming?
Almost always. It must be matched to the vehicle, and the steering angle and torque sensors need to be calibrated afterward with a scan tool.
Sources
- SAE J2012 – Diagnostic Trouble Code Definitions
- ISO 15031-6 – Road vehicles, diagnostic trouble code definitions (EOBD)
- Manufacturer public service information (cross-checked)
- NHTSA Complaints API
- Methodology: How We Build Code Pages · Data Sources We Use · Editorial Policy