Network, generic

U0131 Lost Communication With Power Steering Control Module A

Check engine lightOn
EmissionsNot relevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modePossible

U0131 means a listener on the bus has missed the cyclic frames of power steering control module A, normally the electric steering unit on rack or column. GM documents several receivers: the ECM of 2019 models flags it after 10 s without message $1E5 as a Type C, emissions-neutral fault and then stops basing auto-stop decisions on steering angle; the EBCM reacts after 0.025 s, and the 2025 EOCM3 after 0.05–0.25 s, switching off adaptive cruise (Special Type C, no MIL). FCA, by contrast, reports a lit check-engine lamp on Jeep models. Bulletins blame a blown 80 A mega fuse (Ford Transit Connect), PSCM software (Ford Super Duty 2020) and a chafed transmission harness (Jeep Cherokee diesel). Steering assist may drop.

Likely causes

High-current fuse, supply or ground of the steering module open (e.g. Ford mega fuse F2)
Chafed or damaged harness on the bus or wake-up line (e.g. Jeep Cherokee, GM circuit 5986)
Steering module software, fixed by an update (Ford Super Duty 2020)
Power steering control module internally failed

Symptoms

  • Reduced or no steering assist, heavy steering
  • EPS or steering fault message in the cluster
  • Adaptive cruise control switched off (GM)
  • Check-engine lamp on some vehicles (e.g. Jeep)

Repair estimate

DifficultyMediumWorkshop job
Parts and labour€50–2,000
Time0.5–5 h

Typical range across vehicles; the real cost depends on what the testing finds.

Parts involved

power steering modulecan bus wiring

Related codes

U0420U0320U0126U0130U0134

References: gsi.ext.gm.com, gsi.ext.gm.com, static.nhtsa.gov, static.nhtsa.gov.