AutoCodes – Generic – C0542

C0542 Code - Brake Pressure Sensor 2 Circuit Low

Quick Answer

The Electronic Brake Control Module uses inputs from the Electronic Brake Control Brake Pedal Position Sensor to determine when the brake is applied and how much force is used. Common causes include Faulty Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM), Electronic Brake Control Module harness is open or shorted, Electronic Brake Control Module 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: C0542 indicates Brake Pressure Sensor 2 Circuit Low.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM), Electronic Brake Control Module harness is open or shorted, Electronic Brake Control Module 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 528

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 Jul 13, 2023

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
Comments
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Code C0542 Description

The Electronic Brake Control Module uses inputs from the Electronic Brake Control Brake Pedal Position Sensor to determine when the brake is applied and how much force is used. The Electronic Brake Control Module monitors when the driver's foot is on the brake and locks the offset. The offset is locked when three out of the four inputs indicate the brake pedal is applied. The four inputs are brake pedal travel 1, brake pedal travel 2, master cylinder pressure sensor, and brake pedal position sensor. These inputs are used to determine the driver's braking intent which is used to control the amount of pressure applied to the wheels.
Brake pressure sensor information is communicated from the Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM) to the Hybrid Control Processor (HCP). This information is used to schedule regenerative braking and engine autostops.
The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be set when the Engine Control Module (ECM) detects a corrupted data message from the Electronic Brake Control Module.

OBDII Code C0542 - Brake Pressure Sensor 2 Circuit Low - AutoCodes.com — C0542 Code - Brake Pressure Sensor 2 Circuit Low

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC C0542?

Faulty Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM)
Electronic Brake Control Module harness is open or shorted
Electronic Brake Control Module circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Starter/Generator Control Module

How to Fix the DTC C0542?

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 C0542 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.

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Information for Specific Makes

C0542 Buick — Brake Pressure Sensor 2 Circuit Low
C0542 Cadillac — Brake Pressure Sensor 2 Circuit Low
C0542 Chevrolet — Brake Pressure Sensor 2 Circuit Low
C0542 GMC — Brake Pressure Sensor 2 Circuit Low

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.