U0130 code meaning
Lost Communication With Steering Effort Control Module
What U0130 means
U0130 is logged when a controller on the network stops hearing the steering effort control module, which varies how much assistance the driver gets at the wheel, usually depending on road speed. Saab's 2011 9-5 code list maps U0130 to its electric power steering control module and adds failure-type bytes 71 (data not valid), 72 (message counter wrong) and 74 (checksum error), while a separate power steering module keeps U0131. Ford reports U0130 in the battery energy control module of the 2012–2018 Focus Electric after a high-voltage battery swap and clears it with a programmable module installation, without naming the partner. Expect a steering warning and possibly heavier steering; no public MIL rule exists.
U0130 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 4 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of U0130
- Steering system warning lamp or message
- Steering feels heavier or no longer adapts to speed
- Further communication codes stored in several modules
Common causes of U0130
- Most likelyFuse, supply or ground of the steering effort module missing
- PossibleDamaged CAN wiring or loose connector at the steering module
- PossibleModule configuration or software not matched after a repair (e.g. Ford after HV battery replacement)
- Less likelySteering effort module internally faulty
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Steering effort moduleCAN bus wiring
What each part of U0130 means
| U | Network system: communication between the control modules (CAN bus). |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 30 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note U0130 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about U0130
What does U0130 mean?
U0130 means "Lost Communication With Steering Effort Control Module". U0130 is logged when a controller on the network stops hearing the steering effort control module, which varies how much assistance the driver gets at the wheel, usually depending on road speed. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with U0130?
U0130 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will U0130 fail an emissions test?
U0130 is not an emissions code, so on its own it usually does not fail an emissions test. Other stored codes or a lit check engine light still can.
How hard is U0130 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will U0130 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.