Check engine light comes on every 200 or so miles, code P0420. O2 sensor has been replaced. I read that there was a bad batch of catalytic converters in this model. Any other easy tests or fixes?

0 2 sensor near the catalytic converter or

replace the catalytic converter

The downstream O2 sensor reading should be fairly steady. Typically the P0420 code triggers the Check Engine Light if the readings of the two sensors are similar.

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Got it scanned and it's P0420: Catalyst efficiency below thresholdbank 1. They said it could be a bad catalytic converter or oxygen sensor. I borrowed a scanner and tried to measure the oxygen sensor readings over time.Sep 8, 2011


civic - Check Engine code P0420 Catalyst efficiency below ...

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P0420 Error Code: Catalyst System Efficiency Below ...

www.obd-codes.com/p0420
P0420 OBD-II Trouble Code. Technical Description. Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1). What does that mean? This diagnostic trouble code ...

P0420 Code Fix How Its Done Catalyst Efficiency Below ...

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Here is a tutorial on P0420 code fix catalyst efficiency below threshold How To Diagnose a p0420 code ...

1996-newer (OBD-II) vehicles use oxygen sensors and a catalytic converter to reduce emissions. There is one O2 (oxygen) sensor in front of the catalytic converter (called upstream), and one behind it (downstream). When the engine is warmed up and running normally the upstream oxygen sensor reading fluctuates and the downstream one is fairly steady. In the case where both readings are fairly steady, a P0420 check engine light code is set.
Possible Causes: Oxygen (O2) sensor not working correctly
Damaged or leaking exhuast (pipe, manifold, catalytic converter)
Damaged catalytic converter
Diagnostic Help:
To diagnose a P0420 trouble code we begin by checking for exhaust leaks under the vehicle. Then use an oscilliscope to check the waveforms of both upstream and downstream O2 sensors. The front reading should vary, the rear should be steady. Replace as necessary. Check the rear Heated O2 Sensor. Check the catalytic converter, replace if necessary. If necessary, check for wiring and component concerns. See our article "Automotive Circuit Testing 101", if you need more assistance with this. Remember to refer to an model-specific repair manual for proper instruction.

You have a fail exhaust converter on bank # 1

Google the PO420 code & read up

There is a problem with the catalytic converter. P0420 sets when the downstream o2 sensor is either reading higher than expected or reading simular to the upstream O2 sensor. Either way it is usually the catalytic converter that is the source of the problem and rarely the downstream O2 sensor.

The Catalytic converter is located in the exhaust system under the car. Catalytic converters from either the dealer or a quality direct fit part from a reputable manufacturer are recommended. Cheap cats lead to lots of problems!

I’m happy to assist further over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/jeremy_d728a59f986299fa

from what i am finding the code means o2 sensors. they recommend replacing them and if this does not work than replacing the cat converter

The catalytic converter has an oxygen sensor in front and behind it. When the vehicle is warm and running in closed loop mode, the upstream oxygen sensor waveform reading should fluctuate. The downstream O2 sensor reading should be fairly steady. Typically the P0420 code triggers the Check Engine Light if the readings of the two sensors are similar. This is indicative of (among other things) a converter that is not working as efficiently as it should be (according to specs). It is part of the vehicle emissions system.

causes

A code P0420 may mean that one or more of the following has happened:

• Leaded fuel was used where unleaded was called for
• An oxygen sensor is not reading (functioning) properly
• The engine coolant temperature sensor is not working properly
• Damaged or leaking exhaust manifold / catalytic converter / exhaust pipe
• Retarded spark timing
• The oxygen sensors in front and behind the converter are reporting too similar of readings

possible soloutions

Some suggested steps for troubleshooting a P0420 code include:

• Check for exhaust leaks at the manifold, pipes, catalytic converter. Repair as required.
• Use a scope to diagnose the oxygen sensor operation (Tip: The oxygen sensor in front of the catalytic converter normally has a fluctuating waveform. The waveform of the sensor behind the converter should be more steady).
• Inspect the downstream heated oxygen sensor (HO2), replace if necessary
• Replace the catalytic converter

One thing to note is that many vehicle manufacturers offer a longer warranty on emissions-related parts. So if you have a newer car but it's out of it's bumper-to-bumper warranty, there still may be warranty on this type of problem. Many manufacturers give a five year, unlimited mileage warranty on these items. It's worth checking into.


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I would send the car for a smoke test for the emissions leak...Find out where the leak is comming from..Repair it..Reset the codes, then do a drive cycle and see what happens...

A p0420 code is set when the computer determines that the catalytic converter isn't doing it's job. In almost all instances that code can't set as a result of a bad o2 sensor so they probably didn't have to be replaced. The catalytic converter will need to be replaced, prefferably by an oem part. This can be pretty expensive and should be considered before purchasing the vehicle.

I have replaced a few bad converters on late model subarus in the past few years.

P0420 Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)

There is one 02 sensor in front of the catalytic converter (called upstream), and one behind it (downstream). When the engine is warmed up and running normally the upstream oxygen sensor reading fluctuates and the downstream one is fairly steady. In the case where both readings are fairly steady, a P0420 check engine light code is set.

Possible Causes:
Oxygen (O2) sensor not working correctly
Damaged or leaking exhuast (pipe, manifold, catalytic converter)
Damaged catalytic converter

Causes A code P0420 may mean that one or more of the following has happened:

• Leaded fuel was used where unleaded was called for
• An oxygen sensor is not reading (functioning) properly
• The engine coolant temperature sensor is not working properly
• Damaged or leaking exhaust manifold / catalytic converter / exhaust pipe
• Retarded spark timing
• The oxygen sensors in front and behind the converter are reporting too similar of readings

Robert

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