U0131: Lost Communication With Power Steering Control Module
Severity: high
What it means: Other modules on the vehicle's network have stopped hearing from the power steering control module. You may lose power steering assist.
Safe to drive? Be careful. Steering gets much heavier without assist. Get it checked before regular driving.
Common symptoms
- Power steering warning
- Heavy steering or loss of assist
- Other warning lights at the same time
Likely causes, ranked
- Weak battery or charging problemDIY
- Loose or corroded connector or groundDIY
- Network (CAN) wiring faultShop
- Failed power steering control moduleShop
Vehicle-specific notes
- 2018–2023 Jeep Wrangler: JL forum threads describe CAN faults including U0131 and connector/ground issues that shut off steering assist. Read the full answer · Source
What it means: Other modules on the vehicle's network have stopped hearing from the power steering control module. You may lose power steering assist.
Severity: High. Safe to drive? Be careful. Steering gets much heavier without assist. Get it checked before regular driving.
DIY or shop?
Battery and connection checks are DIY. Network and module diagnosis is a shop job.
Before you replace parts
- Test the battery and charging system.
- Check battery terminals, grounds and the steering module connector.
- Read codes from all modules, not just the engine.
- Check your VIN for recalls and bulletins.
Safety / mechanic note
Verify with a mechanic. Loss of steering assist makes the vehicle much harder to steer. A code points to a circuit or system, not always a specific part.