C1542 (blink 42) on Toyota Corolla E120: Speed Sensor Malfunction

Short answer: C1542 means “Speed Sensor Malfunction”. The car’s computer has found a fault in the EMPS system and turns on the EPS (electric power steering) warning. First check: workshop check order (RM821E): CHECK POWER STEERING ECU ASSY (EMPS ECU) -> CHECK WIRE HARNESS OPEN AND SHORT CIRCUIT (EMPS ECU − COMBINA-.

Code

C1542 · blink 42

System

EMPS

Dashboard light

EPS (electric power steering) warning

Applies to

Cars with electric power steering only. NOT fitted on PK cars: the EPC fig 4502 hydraulic vane pump covers ZZE12#..PKN and NZE120.

Market note

EMPS (electric power steering) is not fitted on PK cars; PK cars use hydraulic steering.

Confidence

high (official Toyota RM821E)

Source

toyotamanuals.gitlab.io

Symptoms and when it is set

1. Speed sensor malfunction

Likely causes

1. Speed sensor; Combination meter; EMPS ECU

What to check, in order

1. Workshop check order (RM821E): CHECK POWER STEERING ECU ASSY (EMPS ECU) -> CHECK WIRE HARNESS OPEN AND SHORT CIRCUIT (EMPS ECU − COMBINA-

Related on this car

• All fault codes for this car
• Warning lights
• Where the parts are (parts map)
• Common problems

← C1541/41 C1544/44 →

Clearing the code does not fix the fault. If it comes back, the problem is still there. For brakes, airbags and steering, see a trained mechanic.