AutoCodes – GMC – C0542 GMC

C0542 GMC 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 GMC 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 409

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

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC C0542 GMC?

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 GMC?

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 GMC 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 GMC code?

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

Need Help with the Code?

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

Information for Specific GMC Models

C0542 2014 GMC Sierra — Brake Pressure Sensor 2 Circuit Low
C0542 2015 GMC Sierra — Brake Pressure Sensor 2 Circuit Low
C0542 2016 GMC Sierra — Brake Pressure Sensor 2 Circuit Low
C0542 2017 GMC Sierra — Brake Pressure Sensor 2 Circuit Low
C0542 2018 GMC Sierra — 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.

Frequently Asked Questions about C0542 GMC Code

1. What does the OBDII code C0542 mean on a GMC vehicle?

C0542 indicates a "Brake Pressure Sensor 2 Circuit Low" issue, meaning the signal from the second brake pressure sensor is below the expected range.

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

Symptoms may include an illuminated ABS or brake warning light, reduced braking performance, and activation of a failsafe or "limp" mode in some cases.

3. What causes the C0542 code on a GMC?

Common causes include a faulty brake pressure sensor, damaged or corroded wiring or connectors, low brake fluid, or a malfunction in the ABS module.

4. Can I still drive my GMC with a C0542 code?

Driving with a C0542 code is not recommended, as it may compromise the vehicle's braking performance and safety systems.

5. How is the C0542 code diagnosed on a GMC?

A technician will use a scan tool to read live data, inspect the brake pressure sensor and associated wiring, check for proper voltage, and test the ABS module.

6. How do you fix a C0542 code on a GMC?

Repairs may involve replacing the brake pressure sensor, repairing or replacing damaged wiring or connectors, or reprogramming or replacing the ABS module.

7. Can low brake fluid cause the C0542 code on a GMC?

Yes, low brake fluid can potentially trigger the code if it affects the brake pressure sensor's reading.

8. How much does it cost to fix the C0542 code on a GMC?

Repair costs vary, but replacing a brake pressure sensor typically costs $150–$300, while ABS module repairs may cost $500–$1,200, depending on labor and parts.

9. Can a dead battery cause the C0542 code on a GMC?

A dead or weak battery might contribute to the issue if it disrupts the electrical supply to the ABS system, but this is less common.

10. Is the C0542 code specific to GMC vehicles?

While C0542 is a manufacturer-specific code for GMC and other GM vehicles, similar codes may appear on other brands with slightly different definitions.