Damaged or chafed wiring in the steering column harness, commonly at the tilt or telescoping pivot; Corroded or loose electrical connectors at the SCCM or at the CAN bus splice point; Failed steering column control module due to internal circuit board or power supply fault; Blown fuse or poor ground connection supplying power to the SCCM; CAN bus wiring fault such as an open, short to ground, or short between CAN high and CAN low; Low battery voltage or charging system issue causing modules to drop offline intermittently; Aftermarket accessories improperly tapped into the steering column wiring

DTC codes / U01xx · Lost communication with a control module / U0119

U0119Lost Communication with Steering Column Control Module

Q: What does code U0119 mean?

Lost Communication with Steering Column Control Module. U0119 is a generic network communication code indicating that one or more control modules on the vehicle's controller area network (CAN) bus have stopped receiving messages from the steering column control module (SCCM). The computer that set the code detected a loss of the periodic data frames the SCCM normally broadcasts, not necessarily a failed module.

U0119 is a generic network communication code indicating that one or more control modules on the vehicle's controller area network (CAN) bus have stopped receiving messages from the steering column control module (SCCM). The computer that set the code detected a loss of the periodic data frames the SCCM normally broadcasts, not necessarily a failed module.

SystemNetwork

Code typeGeneric (all makes)

SeverityMedium

Fix difficultyIntermediate

AreaLost communication with a control module

Symptoms you may notice

Illumination of the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) or a message on the driver information center
Loss of steering wheel-mounted controls such as audio, cruise control, or horn functions
Inoperative or erratic turn signal and wiper stalk functions
Airbag warning light if the SCCM also hosts the clock spring circuit
Intermittent operation of these features, especially over bumps or when turning the wheel
Often no symptoms besides the warning light when the fault is a stored history code

Common causes, most likely first

Damaged or chafed wiring in the steering column harness, commonly at the tilt or telescoping pivot
Corroded or loose electrical connectors at the SCCM or at the CAN bus splice point
Failed steering column control module due to internal circuit board or power supply fault
Blown fuse or poor ground connection supplying power to the SCCM
CAN bus wiring fault such as an open, short to ground, or short between CAN high and CAN low
Low battery voltage or charging system issue causing modules to drop offline intermittently
Aftermarket accessories improperly tapped into the steering column wiring

How to diagnose and fix it

Verify battery voltage and charging system output, then clear the code and test-drive to see if it returns
Inspect the steering column harness for chafing, pinching, or broken wires, especially near the tilt mechanism
Check all SCCM connectors for corrosion, loose pins, and proper seating, then apply dielectric grease
Measure CAN bus resistance and voltage at the diagnostic link connector (DLC) to confirm bus integrity
Check power and ground at the SCCM connector with a multimeter or test light
If wiring and power are good, substitute a known-good SCCM or perform a module swap test
After repair, clear codes and verify communication with a scan tool while operating steering wheel controls

Why the steering column module goes silent

A chafed wire inside the steering column boot is the most common cause, and it often only breaks contact when the wheel is tilted or turned.
The SCCM frequently shares a power circuit with other column components, so a blown fuse may disable more than just the steering wheel controls.
A weak battery can cause multiple U-codes to set simultaneously, so always check voltage before condemning the module.
Aftermarket remote starters or alarm systems tapped into the CAN bus at the column are a frequent source of intermittent U0119.
The code can be stored as history after a one-time glitch and may never return, so do not replace parts without confirming an active fault.

Can I keep driving with U0119?

The vehicle is generally safe to drive if the only symptom is a warning light, but avoid using cruise control and be prepared for the turn signals or horn to stop working. Have the fault diagnosed promptly, because a failing SCCM can also affect airbag function on some vehicles.

Tools that help

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Guidance is general and written for all OBD-II vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.