DERM Code 1042

I took my Jimmy in for some other things today and they saw the airbag light on and told me that "Performed diagnostic test. Found Code B1042. Performed fault tree test and found DERM module signal fading in and out. Needs air bag module replaced."

I assume this means the whole DERM needs replacing...since this is the whole system beside the passenger seat...is this something I can buy used out of a junk yard and install myself....part from GM is...SPENSIVE

What year?
Are you sure about the code no?

Some states it is illegal to us used air bag or parts.
MT

1997 Jimmy

Before I can do anything...I need to figure out how the passenger kick panel comes off...I have removed that panel underneath the glove compartment...the kickpanel doesn't have any screws though :banghead:

I show it behind right kick panel.
Does the code clear and come back?
Is it a part time or full time code?

Part time or intermediate code is usually a wiring problem.
Proper testing first before throwing parts at it.
I would check the derm wiring plug and wiring real close and for water or moisture getting in it.

Use caution with air bags and wiring.

Always disable the air bag system and do not use a test light or old type resistor volt/ohm meter to test circuits.

If you need a repair flow chart for the code hit me a pm e mail and i will give you a pdf on it.

I ended up replacing the air bag module behind the right kick panel. Basically, I disconnected the positive from the battery, took the airbag fuse out...waited fifteen minutes...pulled the kick panel off and did the swap and hooked everything back up....air bag light stays off now after the test blinks.

I ended up replacing the air bag module behind the right kick panel. Basically, I disconnected the positive from the battery, took the airbag fuse out...waited fifteen minutes...pulled the kick panel off and did the swap and hooked everything back up....air bag light stays off now after the test blinks.

Thas for posting back how it went and the fix.
Glad all is well and working good.
MT

Dealer quote was 595.00 with the diagnostic....I paid 32.99 with shipping and 30 minutes of my time.....

Questions about airbag systems are asked a lot in this site. Check out this website for many of your answers
http://www.airbagsolutions.com
In addition, the purpose of this website and company is to help people diagnose and repair airbag problems themselves without taking them to the dealer (if possible). It offers all the photos and data you need to understand your airbag system, read the codes and reset the light. It’s a pay site, but it certainly is worth the money ($14.95 for 1 day full access)
There’s a place to check if your car is listed on the home page
http://www.airbagsolutions.com/vehicles_list.aspx
and a working demo @ http://www.airbagsolutions.com/demo.aspx that shows just how easy these repairs can be.
This is quite an extensive website with pictures, descriptions and factory fault code charts as well as videos of both accidents and airbag deployments on these pages:
http://www.airbagsolutions.com/resources.aspx
http://www.airbagsolutions.com/movie.aspx
http://www.airbagsolutions.com/movie9.aspx

It also has a lot of information for you to check your own vehicle, like the recall search pages for both the USA and Canada:
http://www.airbagsolutions.com/nhtsa.aspx
http://www.airbagsolutions.com/Canada.aspx


Lots of insurance companies and body shops use this site for the information they need to repair your car.

I hope I helped you