What Is the U0126 Code?
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Error code U0126 means there’s a loss of communication with your steering angle sensor module. The steering angle position sensor reports the angle at which the steering wheel and front tires are positioned. The vehicle uses this data to help in advanced maneuvers usually associated with accident avoidance.
More About Error Code U0126
In older vehicles, a hydraulic pump provides drivers with power steering. This feature makes the steering wheel turn easily. Most modern vehicles don’t have a hydraulic pump for this feature, and instead have electric power steering.
The electric power steering system includes a control module, steering angle sensor or SAS, a torque sensor, and a steering column-mounted electric motor. It also features a rack and pinion assembly.
The SAS is designed to determine the position of the steering wheel when the car is operational. At the same time, the torque sensor measures the twisting of the steering column. The control module uses the information from the sensors to determine how to control the motor. The motor then helps turn the steering pinion and the rack from left to right, based on how the driver is turning the wheel. Error code U0126 lets you know that there’s a problem with transferring data between the control module and the SAS.
In some models, the SAS sensor is built into the vehicle’s control module. In that case, the SAS is known as a control module, not a sensor. Error code U0126 may also indicate an issue with the SAS module failing to properly receive data from the CAN bus network.
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What Are the Symptoms of a U0126 Code?
A number of symptoms can indicate a U0126 Code. A few are:
- Your vehicle’s check engine light is on.
- You’ll start to experience performance issues with turning the steering wheel. The wheel may be difficult or even impossible to turn in the direction you want to go in.
- Your vehicle’s Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is on.
- Your vehicle’s ABS light is on.
- Your vehicle’s TRAC indicator light is on.
- Your vehicle’s ESP/ESC light is on.
What Are Some Causes of a U0126 Code?
A variety of common causes can produce a U0126 code. These include:
- A dead battery.
- A bad SAS sensor or module. It can also indicate an issue with your vehicle’s CAN bus or your
- SAS module circuit.
- Faulty or damaged wiring and circuits.
- Faulty or damaged control modules.
How Serious Is the U0126 Code?
The severity of a U0126 code is dependent on the section of your vehicle that’s affected. In most cases, this code can be serious because of its effect on the steering wheel, ABS, and battery. The battery can affect the operation of the EPS, given that it acts as a buffer when high current is needed to operate the EPS unit. This code can also cause issues with starting and driving your vehicle, making your vehicle harder to operate.
Can I Still Drive with a U0126 Code?
It’s not safe to drive your vehicle with a U0126 error code present. If your steering wheel is affected, it can make the steering wheel very difficult or near impossible to turn. On the other hand, a defective battery will cause your vehicle to not start, making it impossible to drive.
How Easy Is It to Diagnose a U0126 Code?
There are several ways that a mechanic will diagnose the root cause of error code U0126. You should always take your vehicle to a service center as soon as possible if this error code is present. A mechanic will often diagnose a U0126 by:
- Checking for Additional Codes: Additional diagnostic trouble codes or DTCs on your scanner could mean that there are problems elsewhere on your vehicle that are causing the SAS module to fail. If multiple DTCs indicate a communication issue, the problem could lie with your CAN network. A mechanic will address all other DTCs that are present before you start working on diagnosing U0126.
- Checking if the Control Module has Gone Bad: If error code U0126 is the only DTC showing up, your mechanic will inspect the SAS module. The best way to do this is to communicate with the SAS using a diagnostic scan tool. Once the scan tool is connected to your car, it becomes another module in your network. A mechanic can then use it to attempt to communicate with the SAS module.
- Conducting a Preliminary Inspection: Sometimes there may not be a problem with your SAS sensor or module. That’s when a professional mechanic will know that it’s time to conduct a visual inspection. Professional mechanics can spot issues such as loose connections or damaged wires right away. If a problem is found, it will be repaired right away. After that, a mechanic will clear the code from the scanner and rescan to see if the error code U0126 reappears.
- Making Sure the Battery is Functional: A dead battery is a common cause for this code to appear. To determine the cause, a mechanic will clear the code and scan again to see if it returns. Because the SAS module is a computer and requires a working battery to operate, error code U0126 will show up if your battery is dead. A mechanic will always be sure to check your vehicle’s battery for voltage.
How Difficult Is It to Inspect a U0126 Code?
It’s best to contact a professional mechanic to make sure all inspections are done safely. To inspect a U0126 code, a mechanic will run a diagnostic test on your vehicle and do any of the following:
- Replace or repair your vehicle’s battery.
- Replace or repair your SAS control module.
- Make sure there’s power going to your vehicle’s SAS module, replace or repair any damaged or defective wiring and circuits.
- Replace or reprogram any faulty or outdated software in your vehicle.
- Replace or repair any damaged or defective fuses and connectors.
After your mechanic has identified the problem and repaired it, they will restart and rescan your vehicle. If the same code reappears, they will return to the diagnostic stage and make sure that there was no issue overlooked.
Need Additional Help with Your U0126 Code?
If you need assistance diagnosing and repairing your vehicle after getting an error code U0126, you should take it to a reliable service center in your area. KBB.com makes it easy to find a service center near you.
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