U0212 A module on the network stopped hearing the steering column control module

Lost communication with steering column control module

U0212 in short

U0212 means another module has stopped hearing the steering column control module, the unit behind the stalk switches, wipers and steering wheel controls. Owners report stability control warnings and, in one case, lost steering assist. A worn clockspring or a software fault are known causes. Have it diagnosed soon.

The steering column control module sits at the top of the steering column and talks to the body and other modules over the network. When they stop getting its messages with the ignition on, U0212 is stored.

Bulletins show how varied the cause is. Ford ties the code to inoperative steering column controls on 2013-2015 Fusion, MKZ and 2015 Mustang, FCA tells technicians to check switch and airbag harness connections, communication to the body control module and do a BCM hard reset before replacing the module on a 2024-2025 Pacifica, and GM published an informational bulletin about the code setting falsely on 2020-2021 models. A 2017 F-150 owner lost power steering assist with U0212-00 stored and the clockspring was found bad.

Because the column carries the airbag clockspring and steering controls, leave testing near it to a trained technician.

Most likely causes

  1. Clockspring or steering column wiring fault

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    A 2017 F-150 owner had U0212-00 with lost steering assist and the clockspring was found bad; FCA bulletin 9100447 tells technicians to check the switch and airbag harness connections.
    What would change this
    Rises when wipers, turn signals or steering wheel buttons also misbehave. Falls if those work normally.

  2. Body control module fault or a glitch cleared by a reset

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    FCA bulletin 9100447 says to review BCM diagnosis and do a BCM hard reset before replacing the column module.
    What would change this
    Rises when the BCM does not receive the column module messages. Falls when the BCM reports normal inputs.
    How to test the body control module (bcm)

  3. Software condition that sets the code falsely

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    GM bulletin 20NA114 is about the false setting of U0212, and Ford SSM 45861 covers inoperative column controls on builds up to March 2015.
    What would change this
    Rises on the listed models with no real symptoms. Falls if switches or steering controls are really failing.

  4. Power, ground or network wiring problem

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    TaT lists power loss, ground loss and CAN wiring as the usual reasons the column module goes offline.
    What would change this
    Rises when other modules report lost communication too. Falls if only this code is stored.

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

  1. Read all modules for other lost-communication codes, then note whether stalk switches, wipers, turn signals and steering wheel buttons all work.

    Low riskTool: scan tool that reads all modules

  2. Have a technician check the column harness and clockspring, battery condition, the body control module and network wiring, and follow the maker bulletin for the exact vehicle.

    Best left to a shop

    Warning:The steering column contains airbag circuits and steering controls; leave work there to a trained technician.

Symptoms

  • Stability control or ESC warning light on
  • Wipers or turn signals act on their own or stop working
  • Cruise control drops out
  • Power steering assist lost or intermittent Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

How to fix

This is a safety-critical system, so we explain the code but don't give repair steps. Have it inspected by a qualified technician.

Parts and cost context

  • Body control module (BCM):FCA tells technicians to check the BCM and reset it before replacing the column module; labor varies; get a quote.

Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Ford

  • 2013–2015 · Fusion

    Supported by vehicle data

    Steering column controls can be inoperative with U0212 on early builds.

  • 2014–2017 · F-150

    Supported by vehicle data

    Owners report U0212 with steering wheel control faults and, on a 2017 truck, lost steering assist with a bad clockspring.

  • SSM-45861Status unverified

    Steering column controls inoperative with possible U0212

    2013–2015fusion, mustang · issued · NHTSA 10081009

    Covers builds on or before 20-Mar-2015. Only the NHTSA summary was read.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Lincoln

  • SSM-45861 (Lincoln)Status unverified

    Steering column controls inoperative with possible U0212

    2013–2015mkz · issued · NHTSA 10081009

    Same Ford SSM for the MKZ. Only the NHTSA summary was read.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Cadillac

  • 20NA114 (Cadillac)Status unverified

    False setting of DTC U0212

    2020–2021ct4, ct5, escalade, escalade-esv · issued · NHTSA 10186079

    Same GM informational bulletin. Only the NHTSA summary was read.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Chevrolet

  • 20NA114Status unverified

    False setting of DTC U0212

    2020–2021corvette, suburban, tahoe · issued · NHTSA 10186079

    Informational bulletin for dealers about U0212 setting falsely. Only the NHTSA summary was read.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Jeep

Ram

Chrysler

  • 9100447Status unverified

    Checks before replacing the steering column control module for active U0212

    2024–2025pacifica, voyager · issued · NHTSA 11010693

    Check BCM diagnosis, switch and airbag harness connections and SCCM to BCM communication, then reset the BCM before replacing the SCCM. Only the NHTSA summary was read.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • U0121Lost communication with the anti-lock brake (ABS) module

    Same system Supported by vehicle data

    U0121 and U0212 were read together on a 2017 F-150 that lost steering assist.

  • U0140Lost communication with the body control module

    Same system Possible — needs testing

    FCA ties U0212 diagnosis to communication between the column module and the body control module.

All Module network (CAN bus) communication codes

Sources and review

  1. NHTSA complaint ODI 1593519: 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee — NHTSA (owner complaint)
  2. NHTSA complaint ODI 2055017: 2017 Ford F-150 — NHTSA (owner complaint)
  3. NHTSA complaint ODI 2009564: 2019 Ram 2500 — NHTSA (owner complaint)
  4. NHTSA complaint ODI 1691934: 2014 Ford F-150 — NHTSA (owner complaint)
  5. FCA 9100447 (NHTSA 11010693): check before replacing steering column control module for active U0212 — NHTSA (manufacturer communication)
  6. GM 20NA114 (NHTSA 10186079): false setting of DTC U0212 — NHTSA (manufacturer communication)
  7. Ford SSM 45861 (NHTSA 10081009): steering column controls inoperative with possible U0212 — NHTSA (manufacturer communication)
  8. U0212 Lost Communication With Steering Column Module (TaT Scandata) — TaT Scandata fault code library
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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