Notices
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks 1987 - 1996 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350 and larger pickups - including the 1997 heavy-duty F250/F350+ trucks

1994 Lightning getting 542 error code

Old Dec 4, 2019 | 10:31 PM
  #1  
litng's Avatar
litng
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Exclamation 1994 Lightning getting 542 error code

I'm getting a 542 error code on my 1994 F150 Lightning w/ dual tanks

Do you have scan tool or a code reader?
  • Yes I have a scan tool and have used it
Are you fixing your F150 yourself? What have you tried so far?
  • Yes, myself.
  • I checked the fuel pump relay, the emergency fuel shut off switch, all fuses, jumpered the relay and checked the fuel tank switch
It is not making the whirr noise that it used to make when you turned the key on

Any ideas or help would be appreciated. I cant believe both fuel pumps would go bad at the same time
 
Reply
Old Dec 4, 2019 | 11:04 PM
  #2  
Conanski's Avatar
Conanski
FTE Legend
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Community Builder
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
Likes: 1,499
From: Ottawa, Ontario
Does the motor start and run normally on both tanks?
 
Reply
Old Dec 5, 2019 | 09:54 AM
  #3  
litng's Avatar
litng
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
No. I can't get it to start on either tank. It is cranking though and has a fully charged battery
 
Reply
Old Dec 5, 2019 | 11:32 AM
  #4  
rla2005's Avatar
rla2005
Fleet Owner
20 Year Member
Community Builder
Liked
Community Favorite
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 20,786
Likes: 1,751
From: Kentucky
Could be the fuel selector switch on the dash is bad.



Use a test light to verify power is getting to the switch on Pin 5. If that is good use the test light to verify power is leaving on Pin 4 or Pin 6. Be aware power is there for only 1-2 seconds when cycling the key from Off to Run. To keep the fuel pump relay energized with the key in the Run position jumper Pins 2 & 6 on the data link/diagnostic port.

a photo courtesy of Subford
Attachment 277274
 
Reply
Old Dec 5, 2019 | 02:10 PM
  #5  
litng's Avatar
litng
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Thanks for the info but I have already done this and the switch is fine
 
Reply
Old Dec 5, 2019 | 03:30 PM
  #6  
rla2005's Avatar
rla2005
Fleet Owner
20 Year Member
Community Builder
Liked
Community Favorite
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 20,786
Likes: 1,751
From: Kentucky
Originally Posted by litng
Thanks for the info but I have already done this and the switch is fine
How did you determine that?

Is there power coming into the switch? Then out of it as I previously stated?

If there is power into, then out of the switch the only other common tie points are connector C205 and ground G100. If the path to G100, located on the driver side of the radiator support, is open then the fuel level gauge would not operate.

C205 is located on the left hand rear side of the firewall.


 
Reply
Old Dec 5, 2019 | 03:38 PM
  #7  
litng's Avatar
litng
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
I checked the power in and out with my SST test light. There is power into and out of the switch.

The fuel gauges don't seem to be working. They show as full on both tanks and I know for a fact they haven't been full in years. I will take your advice and check those 2 points and get back to you.

Thanks for the great diagrams!
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Miranda93
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
6
Jan 20, 2025 05:07 PM
puck1263
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
26
Aug 21, 2024 04:03 PM
RanB
Big Block V8 - 385 Series (6.1/370, 7.0/429, 7.5/460)
3
Jun 16, 2018 07:26 PM
RanB
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
16
Mar 29, 2018 07:29 PM
mirrormaker
Ford Inline Six, 200, 250, 4.9L / 300
3
Jun 17, 2003 11:37 PM


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:47 AM.

story-0
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-30 18:33:59


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-2
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-4
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-5
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-6
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-8
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

Slideshow: Everything You Need to Know about the 2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-07 17:51:06


VIEW MORE