The subject code indicates catalyst efficiency below normal on the left bank. Catalytic converters replaced in the last year. The first time the code was differnet indicating the problem was on the right bank. I cleared the code and the left bank came up instead. Truck runs fine other wise.
I must admitt, I did not use OEM catalytic converters and yes, they were cheaper. I must admitt, I did not use OEM catalytic converters and yes, they were cheaper.
New information - The Service Engine Soon light comes on inconsistently. Yesterday to work, 14 miles, and from work each triggered the code. Today, to and from and still not code. Short or failing sensor? ckNew information - The Service Engine Soon light comes on inconsistently. Yesterday to work, 14 miles, and from work each triggered the code. Today, to and from and still not code. Short or failing sensor? ck
Did you think that perhaps the sensor is bad? I would change both cat sensors and clear the code.Did you think that perhaps the sensor is bad? I would change both cat sensors and clear the code.
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Did you use oem catalytic converters????? the aftermarket converters break down very fast. thats why they are cheap. we have to replace them all the time due to bad catalytic converters.
also if you have a good scanner you can watch the o2 sensors. front sensors should move rich to lean often while the rear should just have a faint waveform. make sure your at operating temp. if they are the same the cats bad... if you dont have any movement the o2 is bad..... good luck jimmyalso if you have a good scanner you can watch the o2 sensors. front sensors should move rich to lean often while the rear should just have a faint waveform. make sure your at operating temp. if they are the same the cats bad... if you dont have any movement the o2 is bad..... good luck jimmy
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Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1). OK, now tell me that again in plain English please.... let's break it down: the catalyst system being referred to is your three-way catalytic converter; so the catalytic converter is not working properly (i.e. it's not efficient). Bank 1 refers to the side of the engine which contains cylinder #1. On inline engines such as 4 & 5 cylinder engines, there is only one bank. So, to really simply things let's just say that the efficiency of the catalytic converter and/or exhaust pipe and/or O2 sensor is not so great. Hope this helps.
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
Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1) What does that mean?
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. Symptoms
You will likely not notice any drivability problems, although there may be symptoms. 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 Solutions
Some suggested steps for troubleshooting a P0420 error 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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Yes it can be determined by the DTC (Data Trouble code). If the DTC is P0420 (catalyst system efficiency below threshold Bank-1) then the side of the engine with the #1 spark plug and cylinder is always Bank-1, and the O2 sensor that monitors the catalyst efficiency is usually after or (post) of the catalytic converter.
The #1 cylinder is located at the front spark plug on the right or the passenger side of the vehicle, so Bank-1 is on the right side of the vehicle, and the O2 sensor that monitors the catalyst efficiency should be located after or (post) of the catalytic converter. It would be the post right O2 sensor.
There is also the possibility that the catalytic converter is actually starting to fail, and if changing the O2 sensor and clearing the DTC does not solve the problem them the catalytic converter is most likely faulty.
Fault Code Definition
Code P0422 indicates that the Bank 1 Main Catalytic Converter's
emissions efficiency has fallen below the minimum allowable limit. This
threshold is tracked by a Catalyst Monitoring Oxygen Sensor located on
or near the outlet of the Catalytic Converter.
Symptoms
* Check Engine Light will illuminate
* In many cases, no abnormal symptoms may be noticed
Common Problems That Trigger the P0422 Code
* Defective Catalytic Converter
* Engine misfires have damaged the Catalytic Converter
* Internal engine damage resulting in high oil consumption and/or a leaking Head gasket has damaged the Catalytic Converter
Common Misdiagnoses
* Oxygen Sensors are replaced when the real problem is a damaged Catalyst
* Catalyst is replaced when the real problem is internal engine damage, which is producing elevated emissions levels
* Catalyst is replaced when a misfiring engine is the real problem
Thanks for using FixYa - a 4 THUMBS rating is appreciated for answering your FREE question.*$%
Fault Code Definition
Code P0422 indicates that the Bank 1 Main Catalytic Converter's
emissions efficiency has fallen below the minimum allowable limit. This
threshold is tracked by a Catalyst Monitoring Oxygen Sensor located on
or near the outlet of the Catalytic Converter.
Symptoms
* Check Engine Light will illuminate
* In many cases, no abnormal symptoms may be noticed
Common Problems That Trigger the P0422 Code
* Defective Catalytic Converter
* Engine misfires have damaged the Catalytic Converter
* Internal engine damage resulting in high oil consumption and/or a leaking Head gasket has damaged the Catalytic Converter
Common Misdiagnoses
* Oxygen Sensors are replaced when the real problem is a damaged Catalyst
* Catalyst is replaced when the real problem is internal engine damage, which is producing elevated emissions levels
* Catalyst is replaced when a misfiring engine is the real problem
Thanks for using FixYa - a 4 THUMBS rating is appreciated for answering your FREE question.!@#$%
Fault Code Definition
Code P0422 indicates that the Bank 1 Main Catalytic Converter's
emissions efficiency has fallen below the minimum allowable limit. This
threshold is tracked by a Catalyst Monitoring Oxygen Sensor located on
or near the outlet of the Catalytic Converter.
Symptoms
* Check Engine Light will illuminate
* In many cases, no abnormal symptoms may be noticed
Common Problems That Trigger the P0422 Code
* Defective Catalytic Converter
* Engine misfires have damaged the Catalytic Converter
* Internal engine damage resulting in high oil consumption and/or a leaking Head gasket has damaged the Catalytic Converter
Common Misdiagnoses
* Oxygen Sensors are replaced when the real problem is a damaged Catalyst
* Catalyst is replaced when the real problem is internal engine damage, which is producing elevated emissions levels
* Catalyst is replaced when a misfiring engine is the real problem
Thanks for using FixYa - a 4 THUMBS rating is appreciated for answering your FREE question.#$@!
Fault Code Definition Code P0422 indicates that the Bank 1 Main Catalytic Converter's emissions efficiency has fallen below the minimum allowable limit. This threshold is tracked by a Catalyst Monitoring Oxygen Sensor located on or near the outlet of the Catalytic Converter.
Symptoms
* Check Engine Light will illuminate * In many cases, no abnormal symptoms may be noticed
Common Problems That Trigger the P0422 Code
* Defective Catalytic Converter * Engine misfires have damaged the Catalytic Converter * Internal engine damage resulting in high oil consumption and/or a leaking Head gasket has damaged the Catalytic Converter
Common Misdiagnoses
* Oxygen Sensors are replaced when the real problem is a damaged Catalyst * Catalyst is replaced when the real problem is internal engine damage, which is producing elevated emissions levels * Catalyst is replaced when a misfiring engine is the real problem
Thanks for using FixYa - a 4 THUMBS rating is appreciated for answering your FREE question.
I must admitt, I did not use OEM catalytic converters and yes, they were cheaper.
New information - The Service Engine Soon light comes on inconsistently. Yesterday to work, 14 miles, and from work each triggered the code. Today, to and from and still not code. Short or failing sensor? ck
Did you think that perhaps the sensor is bad? I would change both cat sensors and clear the code.
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