U0E42 - Understanding DTC U0E42: Common Causes and Fixes for 2015-2018 Honda Accord

Quick Answer

U0E42 means: U0E42 indicates a communication problem between vehicle control modules, affecting safety features.

Fix: Check and replace faulty components Cost: $150 - $500 Time: 90-180 minutes

Can I drive with U0E42? Immediate attention is recommended to ensure vehicle safety and proper function.

Common Questions

What does U0E42 mean and how does it affect my car?

U0E42 indicates a communication failure between your vehicle's control modules, which can lead to malfunctioning safety systems. This means features designed to keep you safe while driving, such as lane departure warnings or automatic braking, may not work correctly. Ignoring this code could result in compromised safety on the road, making it crucial to address it promptly.

What are the most common causes of U0E42 and how much does it cost to fix?

Common causes of U0E42 include damaged wiring (60% likelihood), software glitches, and faulty sensors. Repair costs can range from $150 for basic wiring repairs to $1200 for module replacements, depending on the severity of the issue. Regular maintenance and use of diagnostic tools like the GeekOBD APP can help catch these problems early.

Can I drive my car with U0E42 or should I stop immediately?

It's not advisable to drive your car if U0E42 is present. This code indicates that important safety features may not function properly, significantly increasing the risk of accidents. It's best to have the vehicle diagnosed and repaired immediately to ensure your safety.

How can I diagnose U0E42 myself using GeekOBD APP?

To diagnose U0E42 with the GeekOBD APP, start by connecting the app to your vehicle's OBD2 port. Use the app to scan for trouble codes, which will provide you with a detailed report of any issues. Look for freeze frame data to understand the conditions under which the error occurred, and check for any other related codes that might point you to the problem.

What vehicles are most commonly affected by U0E42?

U0E42 is commonly seen in vehicles like the 2015-2018 Honda Accord and other models equipped with advanced driver assistance systems. It is important to keep an eye on recalls or technical service bulletins (TSBs) related to these systems that may apply to your vehicle.

How can I prevent U0E42 from happening again?

To prevent U0E42 from recurring, ensure regular maintenance of your vehicle's electrical systems, including inspections of wiring and connectors. Keeping your vehicle's software updated through your dealership can also help avoid glitches. Additionally, using diagnostic tools like the GeekOBD APP regularly can help catch early signs of issues before they escalate.

What is U0E42?

The diagnostic trouble code U0E42 indicates a communication issue between the vehicle's control modules, particularly involving the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). This code typically suggests that the modules responsible for features like lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, or collision mitigation are not communicating properly. In practical terms, this could lead to malfunctioning safety systems, which can compromise the effectiveness of features designed to enhance your driving safety. Drivers may experience symptoms such as warning lights illuminating on the dashboard, and in some cases, the vehicle may enter a 'limp mode' to prevent further issues. It's essential to address this code promptly, as it can affect the vehicle's overall functionality and safety features. Regular maintenance and checks using diagnostic tools like the GeekOBD APP can help prevent issues like U0E42 from arising, ensuring your vehicle's systems remain in optimal condition.

System: U - Network (Communication, CAN Bus)

Symptoms

Common symptoms when U0E42 is present:

  • The check engine light may stay on constantly, indicating an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.
  • Drivers might notice that safety features like lane departure warning or adaptive cruise control are not functioning correctly.
  • The vehicle may experience intermittent electrical issues, such as the dashboard lights flickering or various warning indicators appearing.
  • In some instances, the vehicle may enter a reduced power mode, impacting acceleration and overall performance.
  • Unexpected system failures may occur, leading to a complete shutdown of certain safety features when needed most.

Possible Causes

Most common causes of U0E42 (ordered by frequency):

  1. The most common cause of U0E42 is a failure in the communication lines between the control modules, with a likelihood of 60%. This can happen due to damaged wiring, corroded connectors, or poor connections.
  2. Another prevalent cause is a software glitch in the vehicle's ADAS modules, which can lead to communication breakdowns. Updating the software can resolve this issue in many cases.
  3. Faulty sensors related to safety systems may also trigger this code, particularly if they are not providing accurate data to the control modules. Regular sensor checks can help prevent this.
  4. A less common but serious cause could be a malfunctioning Body Control Module (BCM) that fails to manage communication between various systems effectively.
  5. In rare cases, issues with the vehicle's main computer (ECU) can lead to U0E42. This requires in-depth diagnostics and may involve costly repairs.

U0E42 Repair Costs

Cost Breakdown by Repair Type

Wiring Repair

Repair or replace damaged wiring harnesses and connectors that may be causing communication issues.

  • Total: $150 - $500
  • Success rate: 85%
Software Update

Update the vehicle's software to the latest version to resolve potential bugs causing the U0E42 code.

  • Total: $100 - $200
  • Success rate: 75%
Module Replacement

Replacing a faulty Body Control Module or other related control units that have failed.

  • Total: $400 - $1200
  • Success rate: 90%
Money-Saving Tips for U0E42
  • 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 U0E42 Diagnosis Process

Follow these systematic steps to accurately diagnose U0E42. 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).

GeekOBD APP Tip: Use GeekOBD APP to monitor real-time data during this diagnostic step for accurate results and professional-grade analysis.
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).

GeekOBD APP Tip: Use GeekOBD APP to monitor real-time data during this diagnostic step for accurate results and professional-grade analysis.
Step 3: Step 3: Component testing - Use a multimeter or specific diagnostic tools to test suspected components, particularly wiring and connectors (20-30 minutes)

Step 3: Component testing - Use a multimeter or specific diagnostic tools to test suspected components, particularly wiring and connectors (20-30 minutes).

GeekOBD APP Tip: Use GeekOBD APP to monitor real-time data during this diagnostic step for accurate results and professional-grade analysis.
Step 4: Step 4: System function test - Verify proper operation after repairs and clear codes to confirm the issue is resolved (10-15 minutes)

Step 4: System function test - Verify proper operation after repairs and clear codes to confirm the issue is resolved (10-15 minutes).

GeekOBD APP Tip: Use GeekOBD APP to monitor real-time data during this diagnostic step for accurate results and professional-grade analysis.
Step 5: Step 5: Road test verification - Drive the vehicle under various conditions to confirm the success of the repair and ensure no codes reappear (15-20 minutes)

Step 5: Road test verification - Drive the vehicle under various conditions to confirm the success of the repair and ensure no codes reappear (15-20 minutes).

GeekOBD APP Tip: Use GeekOBD APP to monitor real-time data during this diagnostic step for accurate results and professional-grade analysis.

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: Repair of U0E42 in 2016 Honda Accord

Vehicle: 2016 Honda Accord, 45,000 miles

Problem: Customer reported the check engine light was on, and lane departure warning was inactive.

Diagnosis: After scanning with the GeekOBD APP, U0E42 was identified. A visual inspection revealed corroded connectors.

Solution: Replaced the damaged connectors and performed a software update to ensure proper communication.

Cost: $300 (including parts and labor)

Result: The check engine light was cleared, and all safety features were functioning correctly after the repair.

Case Study 2: Resolving U0E42 in 2017 Honda CR-V

Vehicle: 2017 Honda CR-V, 30,000 miles

Problem: Customer complained of intermittent electrical issues and non-functioning adaptive cruise control.

Diagnosis: Diagnostic tests confirmed U0E42. Further investigation revealed a faulty Body Control Module.

Solution: Replaced the Body Control Module and reprogrammed it to the vehicle's systems.

Cost: $950 (including parts and labor)

Result: Post-repair, all systems operated normally, and the customer reported improved vehicle performance.

Diagnose U0E42

Use GeekOBD APP for professional diagnosis!

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  • Step-by-step repair guidance
  • Professional-grade analysis
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Code Information

Code: U0E42
System: Network (Communication, CAN Bus)
Severity: HIGH
Category: Network Codes