C1142 — ABS Lateral Acceleration Sensor Open/Shorted

Causes

• Broken or disconnected sensor wiring harness or connector
• Corroded or pushed‑out connector pins
• Short to battery or to ground in the sensor circuit
• Failed lateral acceleration sensor (internal open/short)
• Blown fuse or poor ground affecting sensor supply
• Faulty ABS/ESP control module or internal input driver

Symptoms

• ABS/ESP warning light illuminated
• Traction/stability assist disabled or limited
• Diagnostic trouble codes stored for ABS/ESP
• Reduced vehicle stability intervention during cornering
• Possible fault messages in instrument cluster (e.g., ESP fault)

What to check

• Read and record ABS/ESP fault codes and freeze frame data with a compatible scan tool
• View live data: lateral acceleration value should be near 0 m/s² (or 0 g) at rest
• Visually inspect sensor, connector and wiring for damage, corrosion or moisture
• Check fuses and main ground straps related to ABS/ESP
• Measure reference voltage, signal voltage and ground at the sensor connector with ignition ON
• Perform continuity and short‑to‑power/ground checks between sensor connector and ABS module

Signal parameters

• Reference supply voltage to sensor: typically ~5 V (verify manufacturer spec)
• Signal voltage at rest (0 g): approximately mid‑supply (~2.5 V) — varies by sensor
• Signal swing: should move above and below mid‑point with lateral load (values depend on sensor design)
• Open circuit: signal may float or read near 0 V; shorted to ground: ~0 V; shorted to battery: ~supply voltage
• Live data: lateral acceleration value should be ≈0 when vehicle stationary (units: g or m/s²)

Similar codes