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DTC codes / U02xx · Lost communication with a control module / U0295

U0295Lost Communication with Power Steering Control Module

U0295 is a generic network communication code indicating that the primary engine control module has stopped receiving regular controller area network (CAN) messages from the power steering control module. The engine computer sets this code when the expected periodic data frames from the steering module fail to arrive within a defined time window, which can be caused by a power, ground, or data bus fault rather than a failed steering rack.

SystemNetwork
Code typeGeneric (all makes)
SeverityMedium
Fix difficultyIntermediate
AreaLost communication with a control module

Symptoms you may notice

  • The power steering warning light or a generic service vehicle soon message illuminates on the dashboard.
  • The steering may feel heavier than normal or require more effort, especially at low speeds.
  • A variable-effort steering system may default to a fixed, heavier assist mode as a fail-safe.
  • Often no symptoms besides the warning light, with steering feel completely normal to the driver.
  • Intermittent warning light flicker or temporary loss of communication during rough road driving or wet conditions.
  • Other unrelated dashboard warnings may appear if the module shares a bus segment with other lost nodes.

Common causes, most likely first

  1. A weak or failing 12-volt battery or poor battery terminal connection causing low-voltage communication dropouts.
  2. Corroded, loose, or damaged ground connection at the power steering control module or its mounting point.
  3. A blown fuse or damaged power feed wire to the power steering control module.
  4. Chafed, pinched, or open wiring in the controller area network (CAN) bus circuit between the engine control module and the steering module.
  5. Water intrusion or corrosion at the power steering control module connector, common on underbody or engine-bay mounted modules.
  6. A failed power steering control module internal communication circuit, though this is less common than wiring faults.
  7. A software or calibration issue in the power steering module that causes it to drop off the network intermittently.

How to diagnose and fix it

  1. Perform a battery and charging system test, including a load test and voltage drop check on the battery cables, before any module replacement.
  2. Inspect and clean the power steering control module ground connections and verify less than 0.1 volt drop under load.
  3. Check all fuses and relays that supply power to the power steering control module, and verify voltage at the module connector with the key on.
  4. Inspect the controller area network (CAN) bus wiring for chafing, corrosion, or loose pins between the engine control module and the steering module, using a wiring diagram.
  5. Measure CAN bus resistance and voltage at the data link connector to confirm bus integrity and rule out a shorted or open segment.
  6. If wiring and power are confirmed good, substitute a known-good power steering control module or perform a module reflash if a software update is available.
  7. After repair, clear the code and perform a road test with a scan tool connected to verify that communication is restored and no pending codes return.

Before you replace the steering rack

  • A weak battery is the most commonly overlooked cause of U0295, because a voltage dip during cranking can drop the steering module off the network without leaving any other symptom.
  • The code does not always mean the power steering module is faulty; a single corroded ground point shared with another module can set this code and several others at once.
  • Technicians often misdiagnose this as a failed steering rack when the actual fault is a chafed CAN bus wire near a sharp bracket or a water-filled connector.
  • If the vehicle has a stop-start system, the additional battery or capacitor circuit can cause intermittent communication loss that only appears during engine restarts.
  • Some vehicles set U0295 as a companion code when the engine control module itself has a low-voltage event, so always check for other U-codes before condemning the steering module.

Can I keep driving with U0295?

You can usually drive the vehicle to a repair shop because the steering system defaults to a heavier manual-like assist, but avoid high-speed maneuvers and parking situations that require full steering effort. If the steering becomes extremely heavy or the warning light flashes with other dashboard warnings, stop driving and have the vehicle towed.

Tools that help

Tools we recommend are in the Auto Veteran shop on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

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

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