AutoCodes – Chevrolet – P0642 2018 Chevrolet Silverado

P0642 2018 Chevrolet Silverado Code - 5 Volt Reference 1 Circuit Low Voltage

Quick Answer

The Engine Control Module (ECM) has four (4) internal 5 Volt reference circuits (Some models have two (2) internal 5 Volt reference circuits). Common causes include Faulty Sensor on 5 Volt circuit, Sensor on 5 Volt circuit harness is open or shorted, Sensor on 5 Volt 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
P0642 2018 Chevrolet Silverado indicates 5 Volt Reference 1 Circuit Low Voltage.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Sensor on 5 Volt circuit, Sensor on 5 Volt circuit harness is open or shorted, Sensor on 5 Volt 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.
AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat
Code Popularity 278
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jul 17, 2022
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Code P0642 2018 Chevrolet Silverado Description

The Engine Control Module (ECM) has four (4) internal 5 Volt reference circuits (Some models have two (2) internal 5 Volt reference circuits). Each internal reference circuit provides external 5 Volt reference circuits for more than one sensor. A short to ground or short to voltage on one external 5 Volt reference circuit can affect all the components connected to the same internal 5 Volt reference circuit. The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be set when the ECM detects a lower than the expected voltage on any of the 5 Volt reference circuits for greater than 0.5 s.
OBDII Code P0642 2018 Chevrolet Silverado - 5 Volt Reference 1 Circuit Low Voltage - AutoCodes.com
P0642 2018 Chevrolet Silverado Code - 5 Volt Reference 1 Circuit Low Voltage

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0642 2018 Chevrolet Silverado?

  • Faulty Sensor on 5 Volt circuit
  • Sensor on 5 Volt circuit harness is open or shorted
  • Sensor on 5 Volt circuit poor electrical connection
  • Faulty Engine Control Module (ECM)

How to Fix the DTC P0642 2018 Chevrolet Silverado?

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.

Code Tech Notes

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0642 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 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 P0642 2018 Chevrolet Silverado code?

Need more information on how to fix the P0642 2018 Chevrolet Silverado code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

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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 P0642 2018 Chevrolet Silverado Code

1. What does OBDII code P0642 mean on a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado?

Code P0642 indicates a low voltage issue in the 5-volt reference 1 circuit, which is used to supply voltage to certain engine sensors.

2. What are the symptoms of code P0642 on a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado?

Symptoms may include poor engine performance, reduced power mode, erratic sensor readings, difficulty starting, or an illuminated check engine light.

3. What causes the P0642 code to appear on a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado?

Common causes include a shorted sensor, damaged wiring, a faulty Engine Control Module (ECM), or a bad ground connection in the 5-volt reference circuit.

4. Can a faulty sensor trigger code P0642 on my Silverado?

Yes, a shorted or malfunctioning sensor that relies on the 5-volt reference circuit can cause this code to appear.

5. How do I fix code P0642 on a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado?

Start by inspecting the wiring and connectors for damage, checking sensors connected to the 5-volt reference circuit, and replacing any faulty components. If the problem persists, the ECM may need to be tested.

6. Is it safe to drive with code P0642 on my Silverado?

Driving with this code is not recommended, as it can lead to reduced power and engine performance issues that may compromise safety.

7. How do I diagnose code P0642 on a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado?

Use a scan tool to identify affected sensors, inspect the 5-volt reference wiring for shorts or damage, and test the sensors and ECM for proper operation.

8. Which sensors are typically connected to the 5-volt reference circuit on a Silverado?

Sensors may include the throttle position sensor (TPS), manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor, and other critical engine sensors.

9. Can a bad ECM cause code P0642 on my Silverado?

Yes, a malfunctioning ECM can result in improper voltage regulation on the 5-volt reference circuit, causing this code to set.

10. How much does it cost to repair code P0642 on a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado?

Repair costs vary but may range from $100 to $500 depending on whether the issue is a damaged sensor, wiring repair, or ECM replacement.

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