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.
Code 42, Ic Circuit Grounded
Ignition system provides 2 timing inputs to PCM, high resolution (360 pulses per camshaft revolution) and low resolution (4 pulses per crankshaft revolution). PCM uses these 2 inputs to determine individual spark timing for each cylinder. Once PCM calculates ignition timing, timing signal will be sent to ignition coil driver on EST circuit. Each timing pulse received by ignition coil driver will trigger coil driver to operate ignition coil. EST signal voltage ranges from about .5 volt to 4.5 volts.
- If engine starts, code is intermittent.
- This test checks for an EST signal from PCM to ignition coil driver.
- Remaining tests check driver circuitry. Because coil driver gets its power from coil, check ignition coil feed circuit to ignition coil for opens.
NO RELATED
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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.