C0242
PCM Indicated ABS Malfunction
The powertrain control module reports a fault that the ABS module must consider (e.g. traction control engine torque request fault).
- Check engine light: Not always
- Emissions related: No
- Repair difficulty: medium
Symptoms
- ABS warning light on
- ESC/stability control deactivated
- Possible reduced brake assist
- Speedometer may behave erratically
Common causes
Ordered by how often each turns out to be the cause.
- Traction control torque request faultCommon
- Bus communication lossPossible
Parts involved
- Powertrain Control Module
- ABS Control Module
- Communication Bus
C0242 is a generic OBD-II code defined by SAE J2012. Exact wording and diagnostic procedure vary by manufacturer and model. Code definitions are drawn from the public-domain OBDex dataset; the workshop notes are our own.