AutoCodes – GMC – C0542 2018 GMC Sierra

C0542 2018 GMC Sierra 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 2018 GMC Sierra 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.

Save to My Repairs My Repairs

AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat

Code Popularity 201

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
FAQs
Comments
Add Comment

💬 Need more help? Ask Coddy for instant answers — it's free!

Code C0542 2018 GMC Sierra 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 2018 GMC Sierra - Brake Pressure Sensor 2 Circuit Low - AutoCodes.com — C0542 2018 GMC Sierra Code - Brake Pressure Sensor 2 Circuit Low

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC C0542 2018 GMC Sierra?

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 2018 GMC Sierra?

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 2018 GMC Sierra 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 C0542 2018 GMC Sierra code?

Need more information on how to fix the C0542 2018 GMC Sierra code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the C0542 2018 GMC Sierra code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

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.

Frequently Asked Questions about C0542 2018 GMC Sierra Code

What does the OBDII code C0542 mean for a 2018 GMC Sierra?

Code C0542 indicates a problem with the Brake Pressure Sensor 2 Circuit, specifically a low voltage reading.

What are the common symptoms of code C0542 on a GMC Sierra?

Symptoms may include illuminated ABS or brake warning lights, reduced braking performance, and potential loss of traction control functionality.

What causes the C0542 code on a GMC Sierra?

Common causes include a faulty brake pressure sensor, damaged wiring or connectors in the sensor circuit, or issues with the ABS control module.

Can I still drive my GMC Sierra with a C0542 code?

While driving may still be possible, itâ€™s not recommended as braking performance and vehicle safety systems like ABS and traction control may be compromised.

How do I diagnose the C0542 code on a 2018 GMC Sierra?

Start by inspecting the brake pressure sensor, wiring, and connectors for damage or corrosion. Use a multimeter to test for proper voltage and continuity in the circuit.

How do I fix code C0542 on a GMC Sierra?

Repairs may involve replacing the brake pressure sensor, repairing damaged wiring or connectors, or addressing ABS module issues if necessary.

How much does it cost to repair code C0542 on a GMC Sierra?

Costs can vary but typically range from $100-$300 for sensor replacement, while wiring repairs or ABS module replacement may cost more.

Is the C0542 code related to the ABS system?

Yes, the code is directly related to the ABS system as the brake pressure sensor helps monitor braking force for ABS and traction control functionality.

Can a faulty brake pressure sensor cause other codes to appear?

Yes, a malfunctioning sensor can trigger related ABS or brake system codes, such as those associated with traction control or stability systems.

How do I prevent code C0542 from occurring again?

Regularly inspect the brake system components, ensure wiring and connectors are free of damage or corrosion, and address any ABS system issues promptly.