Definition not reliably documented — this code's stored meaning was found to be duplicated across several unrelated code numbers, which means it could not have been correct for all of them. Confirm this code against your manufacturer's official service information before acting on any interpretation.
The U0131 code means the vehicle's onboard diagnostic system has detected: Definition not reliably documented — this code's stored meaning was found to be duplicated across several unrelated code numbers, which means it could not have been correct for all of them. Confirm this code against your manufacturer's official service information before acting on any interpretation.. This is a moderate severity code.
- Keep driving?
- Short distances only
- DIY difficulty
- hard
- Estimated cost
- Varies — depends on the specific component this code points to on your vehicle. Diagnose before budgeting.
Common Misconceptions / Fact Check
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Commonly claimedU0131 means the power steering control module is bad.
VerifiedU0131 records that the steering module stopped reporting on the network. The common causes are loss of power or ground and CAN wiring or connector faults; internal module failure is the least common. Diagnose the circuit before replacing the module.
Common Symptoms
- A warning light on the dash (which light depends on the system involved)
- Exact symptoms depend on the specific system this code covers for your make
Probable Causes (Ranked by Likelihood)
- A fault in the specific component or circuit this code monitors (the exact part varies by manufacturer) High
- Wiring, connector, or ground fault in that circuit Moderate
- A failed control module reporting the fault Low
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Procedure
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Confirm your exact make, model, and year first — the stored meaning for U0131 was duplicated across unrelated code numbers, so it cannot be trusted as written.
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Look this code up in your manufacturer's own service information, or have it read with a scan tool that carries OEM-level definitions for your brand.
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Do not buy parts based on a generic online definition of this code, including ours: an incorrect definition is how people end up replacing the wrong component.
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A shop with the correct OEM software can read the manufacturer's own text for this code in a few minutes.
Common Fixes by Vehicle
What techs usually find when diagnosing U0131 on specific vehicles — tap your vehicle for the fix and the exact part:
2007-2018 Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra easy DIY
Lost communication with power steering control module. On electric power steering (EPS) equipped trucks, the EPS module is on the steering column. This code is commonly triggered by low battery voltage. Charge/replace the battery and clear the code. If it returns with a good battery, check the EPS module connector on the steering column for looseness -- vibration can back the connector out.
Labor: 15-30 min2008-2020 Ford F-150/Explorer hard DIY
Ford EPAS (Electric Power Assist Steering) communication faults are commonly caused by the EPAS module overheating. The module is mounted on the steering column and is surrounded by heat from the engine bay. In hot weather or heavy-use conditions, the module shuts down temporarily. If U0131 sets during hot weather and clears after cooling, the EPAS module needs replacement. Ford TSB 14-0193 covers this.
Labor: 1-3 hours2008-2019 Chevrolet Equinox/Malibu/Cruze hard DIY
GM sedans and small SUVs with EPS have a known issue with the torque sensor inside the steering column failing. U0131 will set along with a 'Power Steering' warning message. The torque sensor is part of the steering column assembly. GM extended the warranty to 10 years/150K miles on some 2013-2015 models via Special Coverage 14311. Check with your dealer for coverage before paying out of pocket.
Labor: 2-4 hoursFrequently Asked Questions
Why doesn't this page tell me what U0131 means?
Because the meaning we had stored for it turned out to be duplicated across several unrelated code numbers. Real diagnostic codes do not work that way — each number has its own meaning — so at most one of those pages could have been right, and we could not tell which. Rather than keep publishing a definition that is probably wrong, we removed it and are telling you plainly that we do not know.
How do I find the real meaning of U0131?
Look it up in your manufacturer's own service information for your exact make, model and year, or have the code read with a scan tool that carries OEM-level definitions for your brand. Most independent shops with the right software can pull the manufacturer's own text for this code in a few minutes.
Is it safe to drive?
That depends entirely on which system the code actually belongs to, which is exactly what is not established here. If a warning light is on and the vehicle is driving differently — braking, steering, or handling — treat it as serious and get it checked before driving further.
Sources
This page is built from documented references. Verify against your own service info before repair work.
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