Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
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HOMESERVICE MANUALSCHEVROLET1987HI-CUBE 6.2 J, 475/M40REPAIR AND DIAGNOSISEXTERNAL PAGESDIFFERENT CARSECTION 18 (ENGINE CONTROLS - TESTS W/CODES - 7.4L)TROUBLE CODE CHARTSCODE 42 - IGNITION CONTROLNOTES
1987 Chevrolet Hi-Cube 6.2 J, 475/M40
Code 42 - Ignition Control: Notes
1987 Chevrolet Hi-Cube 6.2 J, 475/M40SECTION Notes
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 18 other vehicles, including the 1994 GMC Vandura Special, 1994 GMC Vandura, 1994 GMC Suburban, 1994 GMC Rally Camper Special, and 1994 GMC Rally. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Code 42 indicates ECM has seen an open or short to ground in the Ignition Control (IC) or by-pass circuits.
NOTE:
Test numbers refer to test numbers on diagnostic chart.
- This test confirms Code 42 and determines if fault is a hard failure or intermittent condition.
- This tests for a normal IC ground path through ignition module. If circuit is shorted to ground, reading will be less than 500 ohms.
- As test light voltage touches by-pass circuit, module should switch. This causes ohmmeter to "over-range" with meter in 100-200 ohm range. A higher ohm range will indicate over 5000 ohms. This test assures module switched.
- If module did not switch, this step tests for a short in IC circuit, an open in by-pass circuit and a faulty ignition module connection or module.
- This step confirms Code 42 is a faulty ECM and not an intermittent problem in IC and by-pass circuits.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.