Code
U0131
Generic
U — Network/User
Lost Communication With Power Steering Control Module A
Views:
UK: 18
EN: 65
RU: 60
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Power steering control module fault
- Open/short or damage in CAN high/low wiring between modules
- Corroded, loose or damaged connector at the power steering module
- Blown fuse or loss of power/ground to the power steering module
- Faulty vehicle network termination (missing/shorted resistor)
- Intermittent wiring or connector (moisture, broken wire strands)
Symptoms
- Power steering warning lamp or CAN/communication warning lamp illuminated
- Loss or intermittent loss of electric power steering assist (heavier steering)
- Related systems may show faults (ABS, ESC, instrument cluster)
- Stored communication-related DTCs in other modules
- Steering assist may operate in a fallback or reduced-assist mode
- Possible intermittent failures that correlate with vibration or moisture exposure
What to check
- Connect a qualified scan tool and read all stored and pending DTCs from all modules
- Note whether the power steering control module appears on the scan tool’s module list/network browser
- Inspect fuses and relays for the power steering module and for main vehicle CAN power circuits
- Visually inspect the power steering module connector and wiring for corrosion, bent pins, damage, or water ingress
- Backprobe power and ground pins at the power steering module with ignition ON (vehicle OFF where required)
- Measure CAN High and CAN Low voltages at the power steering module connector and at a known-good module for comparison
Signal parameters
- CAN High (recessive idle): ~2.5 V; dominant transitions up to ~3.5 V
- CAN Low (recessive idle): ~2.5 V; dominant transitions down to ~1.5 V
- CAN differential when active: ~1.5–2.5 V between CAN_H and CAN_L
- Message presence: periodic steering-module CAN frames at expected intervals (scan tool/oscilloscope identification)
- Power supply to module: battery voltage present at module Vbatt pin (within ~0.5 V of battery)
- Ground: low resistance ground connection (near 0 Ω to chassis)
Diagnostic algorithm
- Attach a scan tool and record U0131 plus any other network-related DTCs and freeze-frame data
- Verify whether the power steering control module is listed on the network; if not present, confirm ignition/power state required for module wake-up
- Inspect fuses and relays supplying the power steering module; replace or repair if blown or missing
- Perform a visual and physical inspection of the power steering module connector and wiring harness for corrosion, loose pins, broken wires, or damage; repair as needed
- With ignition ON (and following vehicle OEM safety steps), backprobe the module power and ground pins to verify proper battery voltage and good ground
- Measure CAN_H and CAN_L voltages at the module connector and compare to a known-good module location; look for stuck-high, stuck-low, or missing recessive levels
- With an oscilloscope or CAN-capable scan tool, check for valid CAN waveforms and message traffic on the bus at multiple locations (near module and at gateway/ECM)
- If bus short or heavy load suspected, disconnect suspected modules one at a time (vehicle OFF and battery disconnected where required) to locate the source of bus fault
- Check termination resistance across CAN_H and CAN_L with power off (~60 ohms for two 120Ω terminators in parallel); repair missing/shorted terminators
- If wiring, connectors and bus integrity OK but module remains non-communicative, consider module replacement and perform required programming/configuration per manufacturer instructions
- After repairs, clear DTCs and perform test drive and network verification to ensure fault does not return
Likely causes
- Open or short in CAN High/Low circuit to the power steering module
- Power/ground missing at the power steering module (blown fuse, poor ground)
- Corroded/loose connector at the power steering module pin(s)
- Failed power steering control module
- Network termination problem or another module pulling the bus low
Fault status
Status
Lost Communication With Power Steering Control Module A — CAN messages from the power steering module not received.
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 1.0-3.0 hours
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