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1990 code 42 airbag

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Old Jan 23, 2010 | 06:45 PM
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Default 1990 code 42 airbag

I checked today to try and get the airbag,and seat belt lights to clear. the code im getting is 42.
Any I checked the fuses and all are good, the light is on so I assume the bulb I read about is good. Any ideas on what to look at next I would really appreciate. I was told by a friend change the clock spring but I hate to go there without checking other areas first. I also cleaned the throttle body today which made the car idle smoother but it seems to have a slight hesitation off the line. I installed new plugs and the car has tons of power just wont spin the tires off the line. Im thinking bumping up the timing but thought Id ask here first. thanks Rich
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Old Jan 23, 2010 | 06:49 PM
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Welcome to the forum. The MY 90 had an issue with a grounding wire on the chasis that controls the DERM (Air bag brain). In most cases all you will need to do is clean the area where the grounding wires contacts the frame and free the area from rust/corrosion. Apply dielectric grease and hope for the best after your reset the code. Code 42 is an open fault BTW.


Look at this post. Go to response number #22 on the 2nd page it will tell you where the sensor is located and where you need to go from there. GC

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-z...problem-2.html

Last edited by Goldcylon; Jan 23, 2010 at 06:59 PM.
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Old Jan 25, 2010 | 05:00 PM
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I wrote an article back in the 90's on clearing the Infl Rest light. If you got to Other on the menu above and select Tech Tips and C4, you'll see a link to Infl Rest light on 90 Corvettes. You can IM me if you have any questions. Good luck.
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Old Jan 25, 2010 | 09:42 PM
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So could my code 43 also be from the sensor to ground? Also are there any other sensors besides the 2 mentioned in youre article? Any help or guidance is greatly appreciated; I purchased the GM service manual but I must admit even with the manual this leaves me with many questions about where to head. It mentions the "derm" where is this located? Again thanks for the help Rich
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Old Jan 26, 2010 | 08:34 PM
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Originally Posted by rlf105
So could my code 43 also be from the sensor to ground? Also are there any other sensors besides the 2 mentioned in youre article? Any help or guidance is greatly appreciated; I purchased the GM service manual but I must admit even with the manual this leaves me with many questions about where to head. It mentions the "derm" where is this located? Again thanks for the help Rich
I wish I knew the answer on the code 43. It's been over 10 years since I owned my 90 and I gave up my manuals when I sold the car.
As far as the DERM:
The derm module is an orange box with yellow wires located under the radio. Again, use caution when dealing with anything with yellow wires. I use to leave my battery unhooked for 24 hours before messing with the sensors on the frame rail.
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Old Jan 28, 2010 | 02:26 PM
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On a '90 Code 42 is the infl light circuit. Check the cluster fuse first. There can be other problems that need attention. A shop manual will be necessary.

Code 43 is not listed in my 90 FSM however I have the early white cover manual. It may be listed in the later red book.
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Old Jan 28, 2010 | 11:14 PM
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Sorry about the confusion. code 42 is the only code. I checked the fuse; in fact I checked every fuse and all are good. Like you I only have the white service manual and and am finding the diagnostics for this code confusing. It mentions check the bulb. obviously the bulb is good or the light wouldnt be on, or is there another bulb I should look for? If its any help the fasten seatbelt light also stays on. Any help or guidance is greatly appreciated. Thanks Rich
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Old Jan 29, 2010 | 03:20 AM
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Originally Posted by rlf105
Sorry about the confusion. code 42 is the only code. I checked the fuse; in fact I checked every fuse and all are good. Like you I only have the white service manual and and am finding the diagnostics for this code confusing. It mentions check the bulb. obviously the bulb is good or the light wouldnt be on, or is there another bulb I should look for? If its any help the fasten seatbelt light also stays on. Any help or guidance is greatly appreciated. Thanks Rich
You need to start on step three for the testing since your bulb checks out fine. There is an error in step three. The manual states "between ground and blue connector terminal D". The connector is actually brown.

It's an easy step through circuit, if you know how to test electrical.
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Old Jan 29, 2010 | 09:30 AM
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Following the FSM is in itself a challange as well as the location & access to the individual components.

The information in this link may help if you are unable to resolve the current problem.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-t...elt-light.html

No link for the following info, I have it stored on a e-file.

"just had my DERM repaired by Airbags-OEM in Texas. They removed the codes and fixed the electrical problem. It costs about $150. Contact Kevin Kevin Ashworth at 1-877-636-2247. "

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ABC 123 -- Thank you for the correction of the connector colors, I will note it in my FSM.

Last edited by Churchkey; Jan 29, 2010 at 09:32 AM.
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