2021-2024 Jeep Wrangler/Gladiator Power Steering Assist Loss TSB

Owners of 2021-2024 Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator vehicles may experience a sudden loss of power steering assist. This critical issue can make steering difficult, especially at low speeds or during parking maneuvers. When this occurs, technicians may find the diagnostic trouble code (DTC) U0131 stored in the vehicle's computer system, indicating a communication problem with the Electro Hydraulic Power Steering Control Module (EHPS).

This technical service bulletin, S2208000063 Rev. A, provides a detailed diagnostic and repair procedure for addressing the "Loss Of Power Steering Assist" and the associated "U0131 Lost Communication With Electro Hydraulic Power Steering Control Module (EHPS)" fault. The primary cause identified is often a ground wire that is not properly welded or secured to its ground eyelet.

Symptoms

The most noticeable symptom for the 2021-2024 Jeep Wrangler U0131 power steering issue is a complete or intermittent loss of power steering assist. This makes the steering wheel feel heavy and difficult to turn, requiring significantly more effort from the driver. This condition can be particularly challenging during low-speed maneuvers or when navigating tight spaces.

Fault Codes / DTCs

When diagnosing the loss of power steering assist, technicians will typically find the following diagnostic trouble code:

Code	Description
U0131	Lost Communication With Electric Power Steering Control Module

This code specifically points to a communication failure between the vehicle's network and the Electro Hydraulic Power Steering Control Module (EHPS).

Diagnosis and Trigger Conditions

The root cause of the Jeep Wrangler U0131 power steering problem often lies with the G908A ground connection, located behind the passenger side headlight. Technicians should inspect this ground to ensure the eyelet is securely attached to the ground wire. A common finding is a bent eyelet, which must be carefully straightened.

Further inspection involves removing the shrink tubing from the ground cable to verify that the wire is firmly attached and properly soldered to the eyelet. If the shrink wrap is removed during this process, it must be replaced with a dual-layer glue-style shrink wrap to ensure proper protection and sealing.

Another critical step is to thoroughly clean the top weld stud where the ground eyelet connects. Impurities such as dirt, paint, glue, or weld slag can prevent a flat, secure contact, leading to intermittent or complete loss of ground. This cleaning can be performed using a wire brush, file, and emery cloth.

Finally, electrical checks are performed at the EHPS module's connectors. The C1 connector's power and ground circuits are verified using a multimeter. The C1 connector includes a ground wire (Z908, black, 1.0 gauge) and a fused battery positive wire (A10, red, 1.0 gauge). The C2 connector, which handles CAN communication and ignition run/start signals, is inspected for issues like pin pushout or improper harness routing. The C2 connector includes CAN C- (D138, yellow, 0.35 gauge), CAN C+ (D139, yellow/brown, 0.35 gauge), and Ignition Run/Start Control Output (F941, pink/white, 0.35 gauge). CAN circuit testing can be done with a multimeter (expecting approximately 2.6V for CAN C+ and 2.4V for CAN C-) or more accurately with a MOPAR Pico Scope.

Repair Procedure Summary

Addressing the Jeep Wrangler U0131 power steering issue involves several key steps:

1. Inspect G908A Ground: Locate the G908A ground behind the passenger side headlight. Visually inspect the ground eyelet for proper security and any bending. If bent, carefully straighten it.
2. Examine Ground Cable Connection: Remove the shrink tubing from the ground cable. Verify that the wire is firmly attached and soldered to the eyelet. If the shrink wrap was removed, replace it with a dual-layer glue-style shrink wrap.
3. Clean Ground Stud: Use a wire brush, file, and emery cloth to thoroughly clean the top weld stud. Ensure all impurities like dirt, paint, glue, or weld slag are removed to allow for flat contact with the eyelet.
4. Reconnect Ground Wire: Reconnect the ground wire to the cleaned stud and torque it to 15 N-m (11 Ft-Lbs).
5. Electrical Verification: Use a multimeter to verify proper power and ground at the EHPS C1 connector. Inspect the EHPS C2 connector for any pin pushout or harness routing issues related to CAN communication and ignition run/start circuits.
6. CAN Circuit Testing: Perform testing on the CAN circuits. While a multimeter can provide approximate voltage readings (2.6V for CAN C+ and 2.4V for CAN C-), a MOPAR Pico Scope is recommended for a more accurate pattern analysis.
7. Clear DTCs and Test Drive: After completing all repairs, clear any stored diagnostic trouble codes. Conduct a test drive to confirm that the U0131 code is resolved and power steering assist has been restored.

Required Tools or Parts

Technicians performing this repair may require:

• Wire brush, file, and emery cloth for cleaning the ground stud.
• Dual-layer glue style shrink wrap (if original shrink wrap is removed).
• Multimeter for electrical checks.
• MOPAR Pico Scope for advanced CAN circuit testing.
• Torque wrench capable of 15 N-m (11 Ft-Lbs).

Important Warnings

This document is a manufacturer communication (S2208000063 Rev. A) that provides information based on past experiences. It does not authorize warranty repairs and does not offer conclusions about what is wrong with a specific vehicle. Technicians are responsible for their own diagnosis and appropriate course of action. This communication is for informational purposes and does not imply a recall or a free repair outside of standard warranty terms.

NHTSA ID: 11000862