2016 Ford Expedition U0130, U0131, U0428 Fault: Power Steering Failure After Rear Collision
After receiving my 2016 Ford Expedition back from a body shop following a severe rear-end collision, I experienced three separate instances where the power steering failed while driving at slow speeds in a parking lot. The dealer confirmed the presence of the following diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs): - U0130: Lost Communication with Steering Effort Control Module (SECM) - U0131: Lost Communication with Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) - U04208: Ford - Invalid Data Received from Steering Angle Sensor Module The dealer stated they are unable to repair the issue because they cannot reproduce the fault under normal conditions. They have inspected all wiring connections and applied electrical grease as a preventive measure. Given that this vehicle is my wife's primary daily driver, I am deeply concerned about the safety and reliability of power steering failure during low-speed maneuvers—especially when manually driving without assistance. Is it reasonable for the dealer to claim they cannot fix it without being able to reproduce the issue? What steps can be taken to validate or resolve these communication faults? Are there specific diagnostic procedures or tools that could help identify intermittent issues in the power steering network, particularly after a collision involving structural damage to the steering system?
The dealer's claim of being unable to replicate the issue is common but may not be sufficient. You may achieve better results by consulting an auto or electrical diagnostic shop with specialized experience in vehicle communication networks (e.g., CAN bus systems). These shops often have tools and expertise to simulate fault conditions and trace intermittent signal loss. Ensure they perform a thorough analysis of the steering angle sensor module, SECM, and PSCM communication paths—especially after structural damage. Look for voltage drops, signal noise, or physical interference from collision impacts. Let us know your findings and whether any specific diagnostic steps were taken to reproduce the fault.