U0131 on 2016-2023 Chevrolet Malibu: Power Steering Communication Loss Causes & Fixes

What's Unique About the 2016-2023 Chevrolet Malibu

The ninth-generation Malibu (on the GM E2XX platform) uses an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system that is highly dependent on clean power, ground, and network signals. Across many GM platforms, including trucks and other sedans, this system has shown a vulnerability to wiring and grounding issues. A frequent failure point is the main power wire to the steering rack being pinched under the battery tray after a battery replacement, causing a short that blows the 100A main fuse. Another common issue is a poor ground connection at the G111 ground point on the strut tower.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Complete loss of power steering, making the wheel very heavy to turn.
• "Service Power Steering" or similar warning message on the instrument cluster.
• ABS and StabiliTrak/Traction Control warning lights may also illuminate.
• Intermittent return and failure of power steering assist.
• A chime sound may accompany the warning message.

Most Likely Causes

1. Blown Fuse or Power Feed Issue from Pinched Harness 🔴 High Probability A common and well-documented failure involves the main power harness to the steering rack being incorrectly routed under the battery tray during a battery replacement. The harness gets pinched against the metal tray, eventually chafing the insulation and shorting to ground. This blows the 100A fuse located in the battery-mounted fuse block, cutting all power to the PSCM.
   How to confirm: Check the large 100A fuse (often labeled F7BA) 🎬 See how to locate the power steering fuse in the fuse block on the positive battery terminal. If it's blown, disconnect the battery and the main power connector at the steering rack. Use a multimeter to check for continuity between the power wire in the harness and chassis ground. A short will be present if the wire is chafed. Visually inspect the harness routing under and around the battery tray for pinch points.
   Typical fix: Replace the blown 100A fuse block. Repair or replace the damaged section of the wiring harness. Crucially, ensure the harness is correctly routed away from the battery tray to prevent a repeat failure.
   Est. part cost: $20-$150
2. Poor Ground Connection for PSCM 🔴 High Probability GM has documented issues on various models where the main ground for the power steering system becomes loose or corroded. On some GM models like the Impala, which shares a similar architecture, this ground is designated G111 and located on the strut tower. Body shop repairs or simple vibrations over time can compromise this critical connection. A Stellantis TSB for a similar issue notes that weld spatter or glue from heat shrink on the ground eyelet can cause a poor connection.
   How to confirm: Locate the main ground point for the power steering harness, typically a thick black cable bolted to the driver's side strut tower (G111). Inspect it for looseness, corrosion, or paint interfering with the connection. A voltage drop test on the ground circuit can confirm a bad connection. With the PSCM under load, more than 0.2V between the ground eyelet and the chassis indicates a problem.
   Typical fix: Remove the ground bolt, clean the eyelet connector and the chassis surface to bare metal, then securely re-fasten it. Apply dielectric grease to prevent future corrosion.
   Est. part cost: $1-$10
3. Chafed or Damaged Communication Wiring 🟡 Medium Probability GM has issued multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs), like PIT5457D and 21-NA-149, for various models concerning wiring harnesses chafing against brackets, the frame, or other components, leading to short circuits and communication loss. TSB PIT5457D specifically points to damaged wires under the driver and passenger sill plates as a potential cause for losing communication with the PSCM.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the wiring harnesses leading to the Power Steering Control Module for any signs of rubbing, melting, or broken wires. Pay close attention to where the harness bends or passes near sharp metal edges. Check the communication enable circuit (Circuit 5986) for proper voltage as described in TSB PIT5457D.
   Typical fix: Repair the damaged section of wire following proper soldering and heat-shrinking procedures. Reroute or protect the harness with anti-abrasion tape or loom to prevent future damage.
   Est. part cost: $10-$50
4. Failed Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) 🟡 Medium Probability Internal electronic components within the module can fail due to heat, vibration, or voltage spikes over time. The module is integrated into the steering rack assembly, exposed to harsh under-vehicle conditions.
   How to confirm: After confirming the main power fuse, power wiring, and grounds are all good, the module itself becomes the primary suspect. An advanced scan tool will show the module as completely offline and unresponsive.
   Typical fix: Replace the power steering rack and pinion assembly, as the control module is integrated into it. The new module will require programming to the vehicle. 🎬 Watch this step-by-step rack and pinion installation guide
   Est. part cost: $800-$1500

Diagnosis Steps

1. Scan for all DTCs in all modules. Note any other 'U' codes, as they can point to a wider network issue.
2. Check the battery and charging system to ensure voltage is stable and above 12.4V with the engine off.
3. Inspect the main 100A fuse for the Electric Power Steering (EPS) system located in the fuse block on the positive battery terminal.
4. If the fuse is blown, disconnect the battery and inspect the main power harness for being pinched or chafed under the battery tray. Test for a short to ground on this wire.
🎬 Watch: Malibu U0131 no power steering short circuit diagnosis
5. Locate and inspect the primary ground connection (often designated G111) for the power steering harness, typically on the driver's side strut tower. Ensure it is clean, tight, and free of corrosion.
6. Lift the vehicle and visually inspect the wiring harness going to the steering rack. Look for any signs of chafing, corrosion, or damage, especially where the harness is routed near the subframe or engine components.
7. If wiring appears intact, use a multimeter or power probe to test for battery voltage and a solid ground at the PSCM connector on the steering rack itself. Lack of power is a common finding.
8. Test the CAN bus wiring for proper resistance (should be ~60 ohms with the battery disconnected) and check for shorts to power or ground.
9. If all wiring, power, and grounds are confirmed good, the Power Steering Control Module (integrated into the rack) is the likely point of failure.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Power Steering Rack and Pinion Assembly (OEM #84594394, 84280971) — The Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) is most often integrated with the steering rack. If the module fails internally, the entire assembly must be replaced.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco (GM Genuine), Cardone, Detroit Axle
  OEM price range: $1200-$1800
  Aftermarket price range: $600-$1000
• Battery Terminal Fuse Block — If the 100A fuse for the power steering is blown due to a shorted wire, the entire fuse block assembly on the battery terminal often needs to be replaced.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco
  OEM price range: $80-$120
  Aftermarket price range: $40-$70
• Wiring Harness Pigtail / Connector — If corrosion or damage is found at the connector for the PSCM, a new pigtail may be needed to make a solid repair.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco, Dorman
  OEM price range: $40-$80
  Aftermarket price range: $20-$50

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• U0121 — Lost Communication with Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM). The power steering and brake control modules work together for stability control, and they share the same communication network. A network wiring problem, as detailed in TSB PIT5457D, will often cause both codes to appear.
• U0100 — Lost Communication with Engine Control Module (ECM). This indicates a more widespread network problem, as the ECM is a primary controller on the CAN bus.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• PIT5755: Notes that on some vehicles, the EBCM can incorrectly map a U0126 code as a U0131, directing technicians to diagnose the U0126 fault instead.
• PIT5457D: Points to damaged wire harnesses under the driver and passenger sill plates as a cause for loss of communication with the PSCM and other modules due to an issue with the Communication Enable circuit (5986).
• 21-NA-149: A broad TSB for various GM trucks detailing multiple locations where the engine harness can chafe (e.g., against the shock tower) and cause a wide variety of DTCs, including communication codes. This highlights a common GM failure pattern.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• Pinched Harness Under Battery Tray: A YouTube video by 'DadsGarage Diagnostic Specialist' provides a detailed, real-world diagnosis of a Malibu with U0131. The technician found the main power wire to the steering rack was pinched under the batte

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• High-Speed CAN (GMLAN) Bus Resistance — expected: ~60 Ω (with battery disconnected). Failure: A reading of ~120 Ω indicates an open circuit or a missing termination resistor. A reading significantly less than 60 Ω suggests a short between the CAN High and Low wires.
• CAN High / CAN Low Voltage — expected: Approximately 2.5V each, with CAN High slightly above and CAN Low slightly below.. Failure: Significant deviation from 2.5V on either line indicates a bus fault.
• Communication Enable Circuit (Circuit 5986) Voltage — expected: Approximately 12V (battery voltage) with key in ACC or ON.. Failure: Low or no voltage indicates an open, short, or high resistance in Circuit 5986, which prevents the PSCM from waking up to communicate. This circuit is low amperage and should be load-tested with a small bulb (like a 194) to verify its integrity.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• GM SPS (Service Programming System) with a J2534 device: K43 Power Steering Control Module - Programming — This is required after replacing the steering rack/PSCM assembly to load the correct vehicle-specific software into the new module.
• GM SPS (Service Programming System) with a J2534 device: K43 Power Steering Control Module - Setup — After programming, this function must be run to perform calibrations such as Steering Angle Sensor Centering and Software Endstop Learning.
• GDS2 (Global Diagnostic System 2): Clear All DTCs — After programming and setup are complete, all DTCs must be cleared from all modules to finalize the repair.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• G111 — On the driver's side front strut tower.. This is the primary ground connection for the Power Steering Control Module. A loose or corroded connection here will cut power to the module, causing a U0131 code.
• X50A — The Underhood Fuse Block.. A GM TSB for a 2013 Malibu mentions that a loose B+ (positive battery) feed at this fuse block can cause an intermittent U0131. This is a critical power connection point for the PSCM.
• Circuit 5986 — Runs from the Body Control Module (BCM) to various modules, including the PSCM. It can be accessed at the PSCM connector or under the driver's and passenger's sill plates.. This is the 'wake-up' signal wire. If this circuit is open or shorted, the PSCM will not power on to communicate with the rest of the car, directly causing a U0131.
• Battery-Mounted Fuse Block — On top of the positive battery terminal.. This block contains the main 100A fuse that supplies high-current power to the electric power steering motor and module. If this fuse blows, the PSCM will be completely dead.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• YouTube channel 'Dallas Auto Diag' (2019 Chevrolet Impala (shares similar Epsilon platform architecture with the Malibu)) — Hard power steering, U0131 code stored in the BCM, and the PSCM was not responding on the network scan.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Checking the 100A fuse on the battery, which was found to be good.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The main ground for the power steering rack (G111) was found to be loose. The technician noted the car had been in an accident and worked on at a body shop, and the ground bolt was not properly tightened. Tightening the ground bolt restored communication and power steering function immediately.
• YouTube channel 'DadsGarage Diagnostic Specialist' (Chevrolet Malibu (year not specified, but 9th generation)) — No power steering, "Service Power Steering" message, code U0131.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Initial visual inspection did not reveal the problem.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The technician found the 100A fuse on the battery was blown. After testing, he discovered the main power wire to the steering rack was shorted to ground where it had been pinched underneath the battery tray. The fix involved repairing the wire, replacing the 100A fuse block, and correctly routing the harness to prevent it from being pinched again.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2019-2020: GM released a specific software calibration update (per TSB 19-NA-185) for the Power Steering Control Module on these model years to address a steering wheel shimmy/shaking issue. While not directly related to U0131, it shows that software for the PSCM was revised and could potentially fix other intermittent software-related communication bugs.
• 2019+: The 2019 Malibu received a mid-cycle refresh. For models with the 1.5L turbo engine, a CVT replaced the previous 6-speed automatic transmission. While this doesn't directly affect the EPS system, major powertrain changes can sometimes involve wiring harness routing or module software differences.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Other Known Issues on This Vehicle

Issues unrelated to this code that are worth knowing about as an owner of this generation:

• Cracked Pistons (1.5L LFV Engine) 🔴 High — Common on 2016-2017 models with the 1.5L Turbo engine. Can occur at various mileages. (Ref: Customer Satisfaction Program N162071350 / TSB 17019. Later updated to program N182195660 for piston replacement.)
• "Shift to Park" Message 🟠 Medium — Very common on 2016-2019 models. Prevents the car from shutting off and can drain the battery. (Ref: TSB 19-NA-206, TSB 23-NA-119. The fix involves replacing a microswitch and installing a jumper harness.)
• Transmission Shudder (8-Speed & Others) 🟠 Medium — Common issue described as driving over rumble strips during light acceleration. Affects multiple model years. (Ref: TSB 16-NA-175. The fix involves a specific multi-flush procedure with an updated transmission fluid.)
• "Engine Power is Reduced" Warning 🟠 Medium — Reported on 2016-2019 models, causing a loss of acceleration. (Ref: Often caused by a faulty accelerator pedal position sensor or electronic throttle body.)
• Failing Vacuum Pump 🔴 High — Reported on this generation, leading to a very hard brake pedal due to loss of power brake assist.

Used vs. New Parts: Buying Guide for This Vehicle

When a used part is the smart pick: A used steering rack assembly from a junkyard can be a cost-effective option if the failure is confirmed to be the internal PSCM and not wiring. It makes sense for DIYers with access to programming tools or those trying to save significantly on a major repair.

Donor-vehicle mileage cap: roughly under 80000 miles for the part to have meaningful remaining life.

What to inspect on the donor part:

• Verify the donor vehicle was not in a major front-end collision, which could damage the rack.
• Inspect the electrical connectors on the used rack for any signs of corrosion, bent pins, or damage.
• If possible, get the VIN of the donor car. This can sometimes help with programming, although a full reprogram is usually necessary.
• Ask for a short warranty (e.g., 30-90 days) from the salvage yard.

OEM-only on this vehicle (don't cheap out):

• Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) / Steering Rack Assembly. While aftermarket options exist, they can have higher failure rates and programming issues. A new OEM (ACDelco) part or a quality used OEM part is the safest bet.

Aftermarket brands forum-validated for this vehicle:

• Cardone (Remanufactured OEM)
• ACDelco (GM Genuine)

Brands owners have reported issues with on this vehicle:

• Unbranded, no-name parts from online marketplaces should be avoided due to a high likelihood of programming failures or premature mechanical failure.

Real Owner Stories

Aggregated from forums and TSBs cited above. Mileages and costs reflect what owners reported in those sources.

Related OBD-II Codes

• U0126 — TSB PIT5755 notes the EBCM may incorrectly map this steering column sensor-related code as U0131.
• C0545 — Often appears alongside U0131 when there are physical wiring faults or ground issues (G111) affecting the steering system.
• U0073 — A communication bus code that may trigger if the communication enable circuit (5986) or CAN bus is shorted due to harness chafing.
• U0100 — Loss of communication with ECM; can occur simultaneously if the main wiring harness is chafed against the frame or shock tower as described in TSB 21-NA-149.
• U0121 — Loss of communication with ABS/EBCM; frequently accompanies U0131 because the ABS and StabiliTrak lights often illuminate during a power steering communication failure.

Frequently Asked Questions