Airbag code 42

GREATLABGUY

MEMBER
2005 MERCURY SABLE
127,000 MILES

My car is flashing airbag code 42. I looked the code up and found two solutions. The most popular response was that it was the front sensor. We opened the hood and found that sensor assembly fairly easily (though it did not look exactly like in the Taurus diagram). We removed the sensor and assembly and cleaned and sanded it. It had some corrosion throughout but seemed fine when we were done with it. We then replaced the whole assembly that we just cleaned. Long story short, still getting airbag code 42.

I guess my question is, was this sensor (the popular response) the right one? Or was it a side sensor? Should we check another sensor or just go straight into replacing the front one? Please help I am broke now.

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros. Com. The code you have is related to the front sensor and not the side. Attached picture 1 indicates the codes. Find 42.

Note, that it indicates use pinpoint code M. Now for the crazy news, there are a slew of diagnosis and testing flow charts to help identify the problem. I have attached all of them for your review. I have kept them in order so they are easier to follow. If you do not want to just replace the sensor because you are uncertain it is the cause, this is what needs done.

Realizing that you would want to slap me once you start going through this process, I will end with. Let me know if you have questions. LOL

Take care,
Joe

Image (Click to make bigger)