Airbag light on! Error code 42
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Member
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Central Wisconsin
Airbag light on! Error code 42
On the way home from work, I noticed my airbag light came on. It gives off 4 flashes pause then 2 more. So I assume error code 42. Can someone tell me what this means and can I fix this myself or does it have to go to the dealership to get fixed.
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,472
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From: Des Moines, IA
It's the front impact sensor. It's located on the front radiator support. If you open the hood and look right in from of the radiator on a metal support piece there should be a sensor with a bar code sticker on it.
The terminals on the sensor have a tendency to corrode and when that happens it screws up the connection and sends off an airbag code.
Disconnect the battery and unplug any accessories (phone chargers, inverters, etc) and let the system drain for a few hours. You need to make sure ALL of the power is out of the system so you don't accidentally set off the air bags. Unplug the sensor and clean the terminals, hopefully that will solve your problems.
If the sensor is bad, you can get a new one from Ford for around $45
Good luck
The terminals on the sensor have a tendency to corrode and when that happens it screws up the connection and sends off an airbag code.
Disconnect the battery and unplug any accessories (phone chargers, inverters, etc) and let the system drain for a few hours. You need to make sure ALL of the power is out of the system so you don't accidentally set off the air bags. Unplug the sensor and clean the terminals, hopefully that will solve your problems.
If the sensor is bad, you can get a new one from Ford for around $45
Good luck
Thread Starter
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Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 43
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From: Central Wisconsin
Thank-You for your help. Am I correct to assume that with the light on the airbag system is de-activated. Do I have to worry about the bag going off if I can't look at it until saturday.
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Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Indiana
ya... its simple to replace it. Check first to see if you just need to clean the connector... but if its like mine then one of the pins might have broken and you'll need a new sensor. Hopefully the connector is ok... if you need a new wire it gets more expensive.
See this thread
https://www.f150online.com/forums/20...then-back.html
You don't have to worry about the airbag going off if you don't replace it... but you do have to worry about the airbag NOT going off. If you get in an accident that is...
As for the unplugging the battery and everything... I didn't bother to do that with my truck and I didn't have any issues. The Airbag control module ties into speed sensors and everything else so I'm pretty sure it won't go off if the truck is sitting still and the key is off. Its not like the old ones where you can hit the bumper and set it off (like in the Fight Club movie).
Good luck!
See this thread
https://www.f150online.com/forums/20...then-back.html
You don't have to worry about the airbag going off if you don't replace it... but you do have to worry about the airbag NOT going off. If you get in an accident that is...
As for the unplugging the battery and everything... I didn't bother to do that with my truck and I didn't have any issues. The Airbag control module ties into speed sensors and everything else so I'm pretty sure it won't go off if the truck is sitting still and the key is off. Its not like the old ones where you can hit the bumper and set it off (like in the Fight Club movie).
Good luck!