1997 Ford Taurus Logo
Posted on Jul 30, 2010
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Camshaft sensor and catalytic converter

Check engine light is on and indicates camshaft sensor and catalytic converter.. How extesive are these repairs? Can I do this? Pricing?

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  • Ford Master 5,692 Answers
  • Posted on Jul 30, 2010
fordexpert
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Sometimes one problem causes many more. The camshaft sensor should be easy to access. Go to a good parts store and have a look at the diagram for part location. You may not need a Catalytic converter yet.

If the camshaft sensor went crazy you will not fire on all cylinders. Therefore the exhaust mixture will be rich and can damage the Catalytic converter. But when the repairs are made to the Camshaft sensor, give it some time to run correctly and see if the Catalytic converter clears up.

As with any repair, disconnect the NEG battery cable for 10 minutes to clear the old codes. Then use the car and let the car go for 300 miles or so to purge the Catalytic converter of excess fumes. Then if you need a newer Catalytic converter its almost like installing a muffler. You may need a special socket to change out O2 sensors from old to new.

Costs vary, Sensors are $20 to $50. Catalytics can be expensive, but Salvage yards have them used.

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Anti pollution light on Peugeot 207 vti

If the anti-pollution light on your Peugeot 207 VTi is on, it usually indicates a problem with the vehicle's emission control system. This light may appear in different ways, depending on the model and year of your vehicle, but it usually looks like a picture of an engine with "check" written on it.
Here are some steps you can take to address this issue:
  1. Check the gas cap: A loose or damaged gas cap can cause the anti-pollution light to come on. Make sure the gas cap is tightened securely and that it is not damaged.
  2. Check the oxygen sensor: The oxygen sensor is responsible for monitoring the level of oxygen in the exhaust and adjusting the fuel-to-air ratio. If the sensor is damaged or malfunctioning, it can cause the anti-pollution light to come on. A qualified technician can diagnose and repair the sensor.
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Kia carnival 2006 PO420 code

The PO420 code is a generic code indicating a problem with the catalytic converter system efficiency below threshold. This issue can be caused by several factors, including:
  1. A clogged or failing catalytic converter
  2. An exhaust leak before the catalytic converter
  3. A malfunctioning oxygen sensor
  4. Fuel system issues, such as a clogged fuel injector
  5. Engine misfire
  6. A damaged or failing ignition system
  7. A vacuum leak
Here are the steps you can take to diagnose and fix the issue:
  1. Check the catalytic converter: If the converter is clogged, it may need to be replaced.
  2. Examine the exhaust system for leaks: Leaks before the catalytic converter can reduce its efficiency. If a leak is found, it should be repaired.
  3. Replace the oxygen sensor: If the oxygen sensor is malfunctioning, it can cause the engine to run too rich or too lean, which can affect the catalytic converter.
  4. Check the fuel system: Clogged fuel injectors can cause a lean fuel mixture, which can harm the catalytic converter. Have the fuel system checked and cleaned as necessary.
  5. Repair any engine misfires: An engine misfire can damage the catalytic converter over time. Fix the misfire and see if the code returns.
  6. Check the ignition system: A faulty ignition system can cause a misfire and damage the catalytic converter. Have the ignition system checked and repaired as needed.
  7. Find and fix any vacuum leaks: Vacuum leaks can cause a lean fuel mixture and damage the catalytic converter.
It's best to have a mechanic diagnose the problem and perform the necessary repairs, as some of these repairs can be complicated and require specialized tools.
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What can i do to fix p0420 & p0430 code.. 2005 ford expedition 5.4 ,,,, can you please tell me where is located p0010 code, A camshaft position actuator circuit/open bank 1... Same truck .. Thank you

p0420 and p0430 both indicate a clogged catalytic converter. the vehicle's control module has detected that the three-way catalytic converter is not working properly (is not as efficient as the factory is expecting). Replacing the oxygen (O2) sensors may sometimes fix the code, but in most cases the catalytic convert needs to be replaced to fix the problem. The p0010 indicates camshaft sensor. The camshaft sensor may be the main problem, as it will affect your timing and fuel/air ratio, which in turn can effect what your Oxygen sensors detect, throwing the p0420 and p0430.

Make sure your car is timed correctly by the timing chain/belt, reset light, then if it dont' solve the problem, change oxygen sensors, if those don't help, catalytic converter is clogged.
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How many oxygen sensors are there on a 1996 ford explorer 8 cyl., 4.0 eng.

The answer depends on the type of exhaust system you have. You will have either 3 or 4 total O2 sensors on your V8. If you have single exhaust with a single catalytic converter then you will have 3 O2 sensors (2 upstream sensors & one downstream sensor - "up or down stream" meaning before of after the catalytic converter). If you have either dual exhaust and/or two catalytic converters then you have 4 O2 sensors (2 upstream & 2 downstream). If you have an MIL light (malfunction indicator light, or "check engine light") the code will indicate "front bank / bank one", which is one of the 2 upstream O2's before the catalytic converter(s), or "rear bank / bank two", which is one of the O2's after the catalytic converter(s).
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2001 Nissan Sentra. Car starts with no power, but after a few restarts, gain power again. Code is PO420.

Hi, P0420 code means a catalytic converter fault.
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.
  • 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
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What is engine code P0420

P0420 - Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)
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.

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


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.

Hope this helps (remember to rate and comment this answer).
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P0422 general evap failure i tested gas cap and it failed replaced gas cap and repaired a vac hose to the purge soilniod light comes back on within 10 min of clearing it

P0422 Buick - Catalyst below threshold.

Catalytic converter is clogged or out of medium.

Replace it.


ACTUAL DIAGNOSTIC:

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.
1helpful
1answer

My check engine light came on with P0422 and P0455 codes. Any suggestions as to the cause.

P0422 - Catalyst below threshold.

Catalytic converter is clogged or out of medium.

Replace it.


ACTUAL DIAGNOSTIC:

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.*&#$%
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1answer

Check engine light-on OBD code's P0420 & P0430

The codes are Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)&(Bank 2).

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.

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
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.
1helpful
1answer

Engine code p0421

Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)

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.

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


To Do list

* 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

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