U0131 on 2014-2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: Power Steering Communication Loss Causes & Fixes

What's Unique About the 2014-2020 Chevrolet SILVERADO 1500

On this generation of Silverado (K2XX platform), code U0131 is very frequently tied to specific, well-documented assembly and wiring issues rather than outright failure of the steering components. GM has issued multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) pointing technicians directly to a faulty ground point (G218) and chafed wiring harnesses under the door sills as the primary culprits. This platform-specific knowledge is crucial, as it directs diagnosis away from the expensive steering rack and toward simple, low-cost electrical repairs that are well-documented in owner forums and YouTube videos.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Tap your situation to follow the diagnostic path that matches what you're seeing on this vehicle.

Generation note: This range covers the third-gen K2XX (2014-2019) and the fourth-gen T1XX (2019-2020). The most well-documented causes, like the G218 ground and sill plate wiring, primarily relate to the K2XX platform. TSB #PIT5713A applies to a 2020 model, indicating some issues may carry over, but the specific ground and wiring locations are most famously associated with the 2014-2019 trucks. For 2019+ T1XX trucks, the problematic G218 ground point moves from the driver's side to the passenger-side A-pillar frame.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Complete loss of power steering, making the wheel very heavy to turn.
• "Service Power Steering" message on the driver information center.
• Illuminated warning lights for ABS, StabiliTrak, or traction control.
• Intermittent return and loss of power steering assist.
• Steering wheel jerks or kicks back when turning.
• Other electrical issues may occur, such as the radio/HVAC display going blank, engine stalling at low speeds, or wipers parking in the wrong location.
• A cluster of communication codes stored in various modules.

Most Likely Causes

1. Poor Ground at G218 Location 🔴 High Probability A known manufacturing flaw where the dash insulator mat gets trapped between the ground eyelet and the body, preventing a solid connection. This is documented in TSB #PIT5405C.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the G218 ground stud, located under the driver's side of the dashboard for 2014-2018 models, often behind the A-pillar trim near the speaker. For 2019+ models, this ground is on the passenger side A-pillar. Check if the sound-deadening mat is underneath the ground terminal's eyelet. The 10mm nut may also be loose. Remove the nut and terminal to check for a clean, metal-to-metal contact.
   Typical fix: Remove the 10mm ground nut, pull the terminal eyelet off the stud, trim away the interfering insulation mat, clean the contact surfaces of the stud and eyelet to bare metal, and securely retighten the ground nut.
   Est. part cost: $0
2. Damaged Wiring Harness Under Door Sill Plates 🔴 High Probability The wiring harness that runs along the floor can become chafed, corroded, or damaged from moisture or foot traffic. TSB #PIT5457D specifically calls out this issue, pointing to the Communication Enable circuit (5986) as a common point of failure.
   How to confirm: Remove the driver and passenger side door sill plates and peel back the carpet to inspect the wiring channel for signs of chafing, corrosion (green/white powder), pinched wires, or water intrusion. Pay close attention to splices, such as J365 located under the passenger front sill plate.
   Typical fix: Repair any broken, corroded, or chafed wires. This may involve soldering, using quality butt connectors with heat shrink, and re-taping the harness to protect it from future damage.
   Est. part cost: $5-$25
3. Low System Voltage or Poor Battery Cable Connection 🟡 Medium Probability The electric power steering system draws significant current. Low battery voltage or a poor connection at the battery terminals or cables can cause various modules to drop offline, especially during high-load events like turning the wheel at low speeds. Some owners report a faulty negative battery cable with high internal resistance as the root cause.
   How to confirm: Test the battery and charging system. Ensure voltage is above 12.5V with the engine off and around 14V when running. Perform a voltage drop test on the positive and negative battery cables as outlined in TSB 18-NA-161; voltage drop should not exceed 100mV on the positive side or 200mV on the negative side while cranking. Inspect the main EPS fuse, which is often a large mega-fuse (up to 175A) located in a small fuse block on the positive battery terminal.
   Typical fix: Charge or replace the battery. Clean battery terminals and ensure cable clamps are tight. Replace the negative or positive battery cable assembly if it fails a voltage drop test. Replace the blown EPS fuse if necessary.
   Est. part cost: $5-$250
4. Failed Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) ⚪ Low Probability While less common than wiring issues, the module itself can fail. The PSCM is integrated into the electric power steering rack assembly and is not serviced separately.
   How to confirm: This is a diagnosis of exclusion. If all power, ground, and communication wires (CAN bus and communication enable circuit) to the PSCM test good, and the CAN bus network is healthy (showing ~60 ohms of resistance across the high and low lines), the module itself is the likely culprit. A scan tool will show no communication with the PSCM.
   Typical fix: Replace the entire power steering rack and pinion assembly, as the module is not serviced separately. The new module will require programming to the vehicle using dealership-level software (GDS2/SPS).
   Est. part cost: $800-$1500

Rare But Worth Checking

• Water Intrusion into Steering Rack Connector: One documented case showed a loss of power steering after launching a boat, where water likely entered the main electrical connector for the steering rack, causing a short.
• Fretting Corrosion at Module Connectors: Micro-vibrations from normal driving can cause tiny amounts of insulating oxide buildup (fretting corrosion) on connector pins over time, leading to intermittent communication loss. This appears as small, dark smudges on the terminal pins. Unplugging, cleaning with a dedicated electronic contact cleaner, and applying dielectric grease can sometimes resolve this.
• Shorted B+ Cable at Starter: TSB #PIT5405C and its successors mention that the main battery cable can short against the starter heat shield, causing widespread electrical issues and communication codes due to voltage instability.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Perform a full vehicle scan to see which other modules are reporting communication loss. This helps determine if the issue is isolated to the PSCM or is a network-wide problem.
2. Check battery voltage and the charging system. Ensure connections are clean and tight. Perform a loaded voltage drop test on the battery cables per TSB 18-NA-161.
3. Inspect the main power steering fuse, typically a large mega-fuse on the positive battery terminal assembly.
4. CRITICAL STEP: Inspect the G218 ground point. For 2014-2018, it's under the driver's side dash. For 2019+, it's on the passenger side. Remove the 10mm nut and check for trapped insulation matting. Clean the stud and eyelet to bare metal and secure the connection.
5. Remove the driver and passenger door sill plates and inspect the wiring harnesses in the channels for any signs of chafing, pinching, or corrosion, as per TSB #PIT5457D. Pay special attention to the Communication Enable circuit (5986).
6. If wiring and grounds are good, locate the power steering rack connector. Check for power, ground, and the two CAN bus communication wires. On the 14-pin connector, Pin 12 is often the Tan/Black wire (CAN High) and Pin 13 is the Tan wire (CAN Low). With the key on, each CAN wire should have approximately 2.5V.
7. With the battery disconnected, check the resistance between the CAN High and CAN Low pins at the vehicle's diagnostic port (pins 6 and 14 for High-Speed CAN, or pins 12 and 13 for the Chassis Expansion Bus). A healthy network should read approximately 60 ohms.
8. If all inputs to the PSCM are good but it still won't communicate, the power steering rack/module assembly is the most likely point of failure.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Wiring Repair Supplies — Used to fix chafed or broken wires in the harness under the door sills, a very common cause.
  Trusted brands: 3M
  Aftermarket price range: $5-$25
• Electric Power Steering Rack and Pinion Assembly (OEM #19417062, 84536377 (part numbers vary by year and model, confirm with VIN)) — Required if the internal Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) has failed. The module is not sold separately from the rack.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco (OEM), Cardone, Carquest
  OEM price range: $1000-$1600
  Aftermarket price range: $700-$1200
• Negative Battery Cable — In some cases, the original negative battery cable develops high internal resistance, causing voltage drops that trigger communication faults.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco (OEM)
  OEM price range: $50-$100
  Aftermarket price range: $30-$70

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• U0121 — Lost Communication With Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Control Module. Often set alongside U0131 because they share the same CAN bus and are affected by the same network or ground issues.
• U0140 — Lost Communication With Body Control Module (BCM). Since the G218 ground is a primary ground for the BCM, a fault there will often cause both U0140 and U0131.
• U0073 — Control Module Communication Bus "A" Off. This is a general network code indicating a major communication failure on the high-speed CAN bus, which would affect the PSCM.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• PIT5405C: Steering Jerks Or Kicks Back / Reduced Power Steering Assist / Engine Stall / No Start / Service Stabilitrak / IPC / Radio / HVAC Goes Blank Various DTCs
• PIT5457D: No Crank, Stall, Loss Of Communication, Multiple DTCs, And/Or Intermittent Electrical Concerns
• PIT5713A: Intermittent Service Message Center Or Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) Warning Indicators, Chime Or DTCs

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• Owner Fixes G218 Ground After Multiple Electrical Gremlins: An owner of a 2014 Silverado High Country experienced flickering dash lights, radio and HVAC displays going blank, and eventual loss of power steering with multiple warning lights. After testing the battery and alternator, research pointed to the G218 ground. The owner removed the driver's side A-pillar and dash trim, found the sound-deadening material trapped under the ground eyelet, trimmed it away, and secured the connection, which resolved all electrical issues.
• Negative Battery Cable as the Ultimate Culprit: A user on a gm-trucks.com forum reported that after the dealership performed the G218 ground fix, the U0131 code and power steering loss returned. After further diagnosis, the actual problem was found to be high internal resistance in the negative battery cable itself. Replacing the entire cable assembly provided a permanent solution where the ground fix was only temporary.
• Rain and Right Turns Triggering Stabilitrak Warnings: A Reddit user with a 2015 Silverado noted that their 'Service Stabilitrak' message and other electrical issues seemed to occur specifically when it was raining and while making right turns. Other users immediately pointed to the G218 ground issue as the likely cause, highlighting how body flex and moisture can exacerbate a poor ground connection.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• CAN Bus Network Resistance — expected: ~60 Ohms (measured between pins 6 & 14 of the DLC with battery disconnected).. Failure: A reading of ~120 Ohms indicates an open circuit or a module/terminating resistor is offline. A reading near 0 Ohms indicates a short between the CAN High and Low wires.
• CAN Bus Voltage (Key On, Engine Off) — expected: CAN High (Pin 6) should be ~2.6V and CAN Low (Pin 14) should be ~2.4V, relative to ground.. Failure: Voltages stuck near 0V or 5V, or voltages that are identical, indicate a bus fault.
• Communication Enable Circuit (5986) Voltage — expected: Approximately 12V (battery voltage) when the ignition is in ACC, ON, or START.. Failure: Low or no voltage prevents the PSCM from 'waking up'. The BCM will shut down this circuit if it draws more than 0.88 amps (e.g., a short to ground). TSBs recommend load testing with a 194 bulb, as a simple voltmeter reading can be misleading.
• G218 Ground Resistance — expected: Under 0.1 ohms from the ground lug to the negative battery terminal.. Failure: Higher resistance indicates a poor connection, often caused by trapped insulation or paint.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• GM GDS2 (Global Diagnostic System 2): Power Steering Control Module Programming — This function, used with the Service Programming System (SPS), is required after replacing the entire power steering rack assembly to load the correct vehicle-specific software and calibrations into the new module.
• GM GDS2 (Global Diagnostic System 2): Steering Angle Sensor Centering/Calibration — Required after PSCM programming or any service on steering components to zero the steering angle sensor, which is critical for both power steering and StabiliTrak/ESC system function.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• G218 — For 2014-2018 models: Driver's side, behind the dash end panel/A-pillar trim, near the speaker. For 2019+ T1XX models: Passenger side dashboard frame, tucked up near the A-pillar.. This is a primary ground for the Body Control Module (BCM). A poor connection, often from a trapped insulation mat, causes network instability and is a top cause of U0131 and other communication codes per TSB #PIT5405C.
• PSCM Connector (CAN Wires) — On the power steering rack assembly itself. On the 14-pin connector, Pin 12 is typically Tan/Black (CAN High) and Pin 13 is Tan (CAN Low).. These are the direct communication lines to the module. Verifying signal integrity (voltage and resistance) at this point is a key step to isolate the fault between vehicle wiring and the PSCM itself.
• Circuit 5986 (Communication Enable) — Runs from the BCM to the PSCM and other modules, routed in the harness under the driver's and passenger's door sill plates.. This circuit provides the 12V 'wake-up' signal to the PSCM. An open or short in this wire, a known issue per TSB #PIT5457D, will prevent the module from activating and communicating.
• Splice J365 — Located in the wiring harness under the passenger front sill plate.. This is a known failure point for Circuit 5986. Corrosion or a bad connection at this splice can cause an open in the communication enable circuit.
• Mega Fuse — In a small, integrated fuse box on top of the positive battery terminal.. This large fuse (often 175A) provides the main power to the electric power steering motor. A hairline crack or blown fuse will cut all power to the system, causing communication loss.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• Reddit user in r/mechanicadvice (2016 Chevy Silverado) — U0131 code and loss of power steering.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Cleaning the G218 ground (fix was only temporary)., Replacing the battery.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The negative battery cable had developed high internal resistance. Replacing the entire negative battery cable assembly provided a permanent fix.
• YouTube channel 'Toughen Up' (2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado) — Intermittent flickering of dash lights and headlights, park assist disabled messages, and sudden loss of power steering while turning at low speeds.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Testing the battery and alternator (both tested fine).
  ✅ What actually fixed it The sound deadening mat was trapped under the G218 ground terminal on the driver's side. Trimming the mat away and cleaning the contact surfaces resolved all electrical issues.

When the Usual Fixes Don't Work

• In one documented case for a 2016 Silverado, the common G218 ground fix was performed but the U0131 code and power steering loss returned intermittently. After further diagnosis that included replacing the battery with no success, the root cause was identified as high internal resistance in the main negative battery cable. Replacing the entire cable assembly resolved the issue permanently, demonstrating that even when symptoms perfectly match the most common cause, secondary electrical faults in the main power supply system must also be considered.

OEM Part Supersession History

• N/A → 84634109 (ACDelco) — Updated design to address high internal resistance issues.
  Heads up: This is the negative battery cable for 2015-2020 models. Replacing this is a known fix for various intermittent electrical problems, including communication codes.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2014-2018 (K2XX Platform): The primary location for the problematic G218 ground is on the driver's side, behind the A-pillar/speaker area.
• 2019-2020 (T1XX Platform): The G218 ground location moves to the passenger-side A-pillar frame. The issue of factory paint under the ground lug remains a potential cause of poor connection.