AutoCodes – Mercury – P142A Mercury

P142A Mercury Code - Conditions Incorrect for Secondary Air Self Test

Quick Answer

The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) monitors the Secondary Air System. Common causes include Faulty Secondary Air System. 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: P142A Mercury indicates Conditions Incorrect for Secondary Air Self Test.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Secondary Air System.
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 1,224

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 Sep 24, 2019

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P142A Mercury Description

The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) monitors the Secondary Air System. The PCM sets the OBDII code when the Secondary Air System is not to factory specifications.

OBDII Code P142A Mercury - Conditions Incorrect for Secondary Air Self Test - AutoCodes.com — P142A Mercury Code - Conditions Incorrect for Secondary Air Self Test

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P142A Mercury?

Faulty Secondary Air System

How to Fix the DTC P142A Mercury?

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 P142A Mercury 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 P142A Mercury code?

Need more information on how to fix the P142A Mercury code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P142A Mercury 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 P142A Mercury Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P142A in a Mercury vehicle?

- Common symptoms include rough idling, engine misfires, reduced fuel efficiency, and the illumination of the check engine light.

2. What does the OBDII code P142A in a Mercury indicate?

- This code indicates that the conditions are incorrect for the secondary air self-test to run properly.

3. What are the potential causes of OBDII code P142A in a Mercury?

- Potential causes include a faulty secondary air injection pump, damaged hoses, vacuum leaks, electrical issues, or a malfunctioning air flow sensor.

4. How can I diagnose the OBDII code P142A in my Mercury?

- A thorough inspection of the secondary air injection system, checking for leaks, testing the pump, and verifying electrical connections can help diagnose the issue.

5. Can I continue driving my Mercury with OBDII code P142A?

- While it may be possible to drive the vehicle, it is recommended to address the issue promptly to prevent further damage to the engine or emissions system.

6. How can I repair OBDII code P142A in my Mercury?

- Repair may involve replacing the secondary air injection pump, repairing damaged hoses, fixing vacuum leaks, addressing electrical issues, or replacing faulty components.

7. Will resetting the check engine light resolve OBDII code P142A in my Mercury?

- Simply resetting the check engine light will not fix the underlying issue causing the code. Proper diagnosis and repair are necessary to address the problem.

8. Does OBDII code P142A affect vehicle performance in a Mercury?

- Yes, this code can lead to poor engine performance, reduced fuel efficiency, and potential emissions issues if left unresolved.

9. Can a DIY enthusiast fix OBDII code P142A in a Mercury?

- Depending on the cause, some DIY enthusiasts with automotive repair experience may be able to address this code themselves by following repair guides and using the right tools.

10. How can I prevent OBDII code P142A from recurring in my Mercury?

- Regular maintenance, such as checking for vacuum leaks, ensuring proper connections, and replacing aging components, can help prevent the reoccurrence of this code.