AutoCodes – Generic – B0042

B0042 Code - Driver Frontal Deployment Loop Stage 2 Resistance Low

Quick Answer

The driver deployment loop consists of the following components: - A dual-stage inflatable restraint steering wheel module - The inflatable restraint steering wheel module coil - The steering wheel module high circuits for both stages 1 and 2 - The steering wheel module low circuits for both stages 1 and 2 There are 2 shorting bars used within the steering wheel module coil connector. Common causes include Faulty Steering Wheel Module Coil, Steering Wheel Module Coil harness is open or shorted, Steering Wheel Module Coil circuit poor electrical connection. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means: B0042 indicates Driver Frontal Deployment Loop Stage 2 Resistance Low.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Steering Wheel Module Coil, Steering Wheel Module Coil harness is open or shorted, Steering Wheel Module Coil circuit poor electrical connection.
Severity: High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?: Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

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Code Popularity 7,436

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Mar 10, 2021

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
Comments
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Code B0042 Description

The driver deployment loop consists of the following components:
- A dual-stage inflatable restraint steering wheel module
- The inflatable restraint steering wheel module coil
- The steering wheel module high circuits for both stages 1 and 2
- The steering wheel module low circuits for both stages 1 and 2
There are 2 shorting bars used within the steering wheel module coil connector. These shorting bars short together both stages of the steering wheel module high circuit and the steering wheel module low circuit when the connector is disconnected. This helps prevent unwanted deployment of the inflator module during servicing. During a frontal crash of sufficient force the inflatable restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM) will allow current to flow through the deployment loop. This flow of current will deploy the steering wheel module. The SDM performs continuous diagnostic tests on the deployment loops to check for proper circuit continuity and for shorts to ground or voltage. If a malfunction is detected, a DTC will be stored in memory.

OBDII Code B0042 - Driver Frontal Deployment Loop Stage 2 Resistance Low - AutoCodes.com — B0042 Code - Driver Frontal Deployment Loop Stage 2 Resistance Low

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B0042?

Faulty Steering Wheel Module Coil
Steering Wheel Module Coil harness is open or shorted
Steering Wheel Module Coil circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Steering Wheel Module

How to Fix the DTC B0042?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the B0042 code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

Need more information about the B0042 code?

Need more information on how to fix the B0042 code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

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Information for Specific Makes

B0042 Buick — Driver Frontal Deployment Loop Stage 2 Resistance Low
B0042 Cadillac — Driver Frontal Deployment Loop Stage 2 Resistance Low
B0042 Chevrolet — Driver Frontal Deployment Loop Stage 2 Resistance Low
B0042 GMC — Driver Frontal Deployment Loop Stage 2 Resistance Low

Precautions for SRS “AIR BAG” and “SEAT BELT PRE-TENSIONER” Service

Never probe the electrical connectors on air bag, side air curtain modules or seat belts.
Never disassemble or tamper with safety belt buckle/retractor pretensioners, adaptive load limiting retractors, safety belt inflators, or probe the electrical connectors.
Do not use electrical test equipment to check SRS circuits unless instructed to in this Service Manual.
Before servicing the SRS, turn ignition switch OFF, disconnect both battery cables and wait at least 3 minutes. For approximately 3 minutes after the cables are removed, it is still possible for the air bag and seat belt pre-tensioner to deploy. Therefore, do not work on any SRS connectors or wires until at least 3 minutes have passed.

Failure to follow this instruction may result in the accidental deployment of these modules, which increases the risk of serious personal injury or death.

About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.