Quick Answer
C0B42 means: C0B42 indicates a malfunction in the rear door lock sensor circuit.
Can I drive with C0B42? Address as soon as possible to ensure vehicle security.
Common Questions
What does C0B42 mean and how does it affect my car?
C0B42 indicates that there is an issue with the rear door lock sensor circuit, affecting the operation of the rear door locking mechanism. This can lead to safety risks, as it may prevent the rear doors from securing properly.
What are the most common causes of C0B42 and how much does it cost to fix?
The most common cause of C0B42 is a faulty rear door latch sensor, which can be replaced for $150 to $300. Other causes include damaged wiring and BCM issues, which could add up to $600 in repairs.
Can I drive my car with C0B42 or should I stop immediately?
While it's possible to drive with C0B42, it's not advisable. The malfunction can compromise your vehicle's security, making it important to address this issue as soon as possible.
How can I diagnose C0B42 myself using GeekOBD APP?
Using the GeekOBD APP, you can scan for trouble codes and access freeze frame data. This helps you understand the conditions under which the code was triggered, allowing for a more targeted inspection of the rear door latch sensor.
What vehicles are most commonly affected by C0B42?
C0B42 is frequently reported in vehicles like the 2016-2019 Chevrolet Malibu and 2017-2020 GMC Terrain, often due to similar wiring or sensor configurations.
How can I prevent C0B42 from happening again?
To prevent C0B42 from reappearing, ensure regular maintenance of electrical components, avoid water exposure to door sensors, and conduct periodic inspections on the wiring and connectors.
What is C0B42?
The DTC C0B42 is a diagnostic trouble code associated with the vehicle's body control module (BCM), indicating an issue with the sensor circuit for the rear door lock or latch. This code can appear in various makes and models, particularly in vehicles like the 2016-2019 Chevrolet Malibu and the 2017-2020 GMC Terrain. When this code is triggered, it often suggests that the BCM is not receiving the appropriate signal from the rear door latch sensor, which may prevent the rear door from locking or unlocking correctly. This malfunction might lead to safety concerns, as it can compromise the vehicle's security. Additionally, drivers may experience symptoms such as the rear door not locking automatically or the child safety locks malfunctioning. Ignoring this code can result in more severe electrical issues if the underlying problem is not addressed promptly. To resolve this issue, a thorough inspection of the wiring, connectors, and the sensor itself is recommended. Regular diagnostics can help catch these issues early, ensuring vehicle safety and reliability.
System: C - Chassis (ABS, Steering, Suspension)
Symptoms
Common symptoms when C0B42 is present:
- The check engine light remains illuminated, indicating a persistent issue.
- Rear door manually locks but does not lock automatically when the vehicle is in motion.
- Child safety locks fail to engage, potentially compromising passenger safety.
- Inconsistent locking behavior with the key fob, requiring multiple attempts to lock the vehicle.
- Unusual sounds from the door area, such as clicking or grinding, when attempting to lock or unlock.
Possible Causes
Most common causes of C0B42 (ordered by frequency):
- The most common cause is a faulty rear door latch sensor, with a likelihood of around 70%. This can often be traced back to wear and tear or exposure to moisture.
- Another cause could be damaged wiring or connectors in the door assembly, which may lead to intermittent connectivity issues.
- Corrosion at connection points can also create problems, making it essential to regularly inspect and clean these areas to prevent future issues.
- Less commonly, the BCM itself may be malfunctioning, which could require replacement or reprogramming, with a lower likelihood of around 10%.
- A rare cause could be a software glitch within the BCM, which might necessitate a software update from the manufacturer.
C0B42 Repair Costs
Cost Breakdown by Repair Type
Rear Door Latch Sensor Replacement
Replacing the faulty rear door latch sensor with an OEM part.
- Total: $150 - $300
- Success rate: 95%
Wiring Repair
Repair or replacement of damaged wiring or connectors in the door assembly.
- Total: $100 - $200
- Success rate: 90%
BCM Reprogramming
Reprogramming or replacing the body control module if necessary.
- Total: $300 - $600
- Success rate: 85%
Money-Saving Tips for C0B42
- Start with the most common and least expensive repairs first
- Use GeekOBD APP to confirm diagnosis before replacing expensive parts
- Consider preventive maintenance to avoid future occurrences
- Compare prices for OEM vs aftermarket parts based on your needs
- Address the issue promptly to prevent more expensive secondary damage
Diagnostic Steps
Professional C0B42 Diagnosis Process
Follow these systematic steps to accurately diagnose C0B42. Each step builds on the previous one to ensure accurate diagnosis.
Step 1: Step 1: Initial visual inspection - Check for obvious signs like damaged wiring, loose connections, or corrosion (5-10 minutes)
Step 1: Initial visual inspection - Check for obvious signs like damaged wiring, loose connections, or corrosion (5-10 minutes).
Step 2: Step 2: OBD2 scan with GeekOBD APP - Retrieve all codes and freeze frame data to understand the fault context (10-15 minutes)
Step 2: OBD2 scan with GeekOBD APP - Retrieve all codes and freeze frame data to understand the fault context (10-15 minutes).
Step 3: Step 3: Component testing - Use a multimeter to test the voltage and continuity of the rear door latch sensor (20-30 minutes)
Step 3: Component testing - Use a multimeter to test the voltage and continuity of the rear door latch sensor (20-30 minutes).
Step 4: Step 4: Inspect the wiring harness for any signs of wear or damage that may affect the sensor's performance (10-15 minutes)
Step 4: Inspect the wiring harness for any signs of wear or damage that may affect the sensor's performance (10-15 minutes).
Step 5: Step 5: System function test - After any repairs, verify proper operation of the locking system and clear codes with the GeekOBD APP (10-15 minutes)
Step 5: System function test - After any repairs, verify proper operation of the locking system and clear codes with the GeekOBD APP (10-15 minutes).
Step 6: Step 6: Road test verification - Drive the vehicle under various conditions to confirm the repair success (15-20 minutes)
Step 6: Road test verification - Drive the vehicle under various conditions to confirm the repair success (15-20 minutes).
Important Notes
- Always verify the repair with GeekOBD APP after completing diagnostic steps
- Clear codes and test drive to ensure the problem is resolved
- Address underlying causes to prevent code recurrence
Real Repair Case Studies
Case Study 1: Rear Door Lock Sensor Replacement in 2018 Chevrolet Malibu
Vehicle: 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 45,000 miles
Problem: Customer reported that the rear door would not lock automatically.
Diagnosis: A diagnostic scan revealed code C0B42, and a visual inspection showed corrosion on the latch sensor connectors.
Solution: Replaced the rear door latch sensor and cleaned all connectors to ensure proper connection.
Cost: $220 (including parts and labor)
Result: After the repair, the rear door locking mechanism functioned properly, and the code did not reappear.
Case Study 2: Wiring Repair for 2017 GMC Terrain
Vehicle: 2017 GMC Terrain, 30,000 miles
Problem: Customer reported inconsistent rear door locking behavior.
Diagnosis: OBD scan confirmed code C0B42; further inspection revealed damaged wiring in the door assembly.
Solution: Repaired the damaged wiring and ensured all connections were secure.
Cost: $150 (including parts and labor)
Result: The issue was resolved, and the locking system operated normally after the repair.