Airbag code
B1342: Control module fault (airbag or body)
How this range is built
| Part of the job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Parts | $250 | $1,500 |
| Labor: 1.5 to 4 hours × $125 to $175 an hour | $188 | $700 |
| Fees: shop supplies, disposal, diagnostics | $0 | $150 |
| Total, rounded | $430 | $2,350 |
The hourly rate is the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 average pay for this trade in Boston, $31.54 an hour, times 4 to 5.5 to cover what a shop bills (overhead, tools, insurance, profit). Parts are a band from budget aftermarket to the manufacturer part. Full method.
Not a repair shop, estimates only. Typical range, estimate. Not a quote. Your car, parts and shop change the number.
This is the range for the most common fix, ecu / engine control module replacement. Which repair your car needs depends on a proper diagnosis.
A control module in the car has reported that it is defective. On many cars this is the airbag module or a related one, but the code can vary by make, so check the scan tool or manual to see which module set it. Low voltage, water in the wiring or a corroded plug can also cause it.
- Safe to drive?
- No, get it looked at first
- Most common cause
- Failed control module
The airbag system may be turned off, so the airbags may not deploy in a crash. Get it checked soon and avoid putting children in the front seat.
What you may notice
- Airbag light on
- Other warning lights
- Features not working
- Sometimes no symptoms
Common causes, most likely first
- Failed control module
- Low voltage
- Water damage to wiring or module
- Corroded connector
- Software problem
Check this first
Confirm which module set the code, test the battery, and look for wet carpets or damaged connectors.
Other repairs that sometimes fix B1342
| Repair | Typical range, Boston |
|---|---|
| Airbag / occupant sensor replacement | $240 to $800 |
| CAN bus wiring repair | $190 to $1,275 |
| Battery replacement | $150 to $490 |
Before you pay
- Ask the shop what test showed this part is the cause, not just that the code appeared.
- Ask for parts and labor listed separately, and for the hours.
- Ask for a written OK before any extra work. Massachusetts rules require written authorization before repairs.
Got a quote already? Check it against the range. Want to see if your car has a recall tied to this problem? Check recalls by VIN.
Need to read a code yourself? OBD-II scanners on eBay (affiliate link, disclosure).
B1342 questions
Is it the airbag computer?
Not always. On some makes the code points at another module, such as a body or seat module. The scan tool shows which module set the code, which tells the shop where to begin.
Can it be repaired?
Some modules can be repaired or rebuilt for less than a new one. Ask the shop whether that is an option for yours, and how long the repair is covered.
Will I need programming?
Replacement modules often need to be set up to the car with a scan tool, so ask whether the quote includes that step. A part without programming may not work.
How much does it cost to fix B1342?
The most common fix, ecu / engine control module replacement, has a typical range of $430 to $2,350 in Boston. It is an estimate built from parts prices and local labor wages, not a quote. Your car and shop change it.
Related codes
- B1000: Airbag control module internal fault
- B1325: Restraint system voltage or circuit fault
- U0100: Lost communication with engine computer
More airbag codes
Code meaning written in our own words. Some codes mean different things on different makes, so check your scan tool or manual. Not a repair shop, estimates only.