Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 1
Table of contents
- Possible Causes
- How To Fix
- Tech Notes
- Cost To Diagnose
- When is the code detected
- Possible Symptoms
- Description
P0420 SCION Possible Causes
- Faulty Three-way Catalyst Converter Bank 1
- Exhaust Tube
- Intake Air Leaks
- Faulty Oxygen (O2) Sensor
- Faulty Fuel injector(s)
- Leaking Fuel Injector (s)
- Faulty Spark plugs
- Improper Ignition Timing
- Faulty Engine Control Module (ECM)
- Dirty Air Filter
How do I fix code P0420 SCION?
Check the “Possible Causes” listed above. Visually inspect the related wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and look for broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded connector’s pins.
Tech Notes
- As the code description implies the P0420 code means that 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. If the P0420 code is combined with other codes, try fixing the other codes first.
Cost of diagnosing the P0420 SCION code
The cost of diagnosing the P0420 SCION code is 1.0 hour of labor. The auto repair labor rates vary by location, your vehicle’s make and model, and even your engine type. Most auto repairs shops charge between $75 and $150 per hour.
When is the code detected
– Three way catalytic converter Bank 1 does not operate properly.
– Three way catalyst converter Bank 1 does not have enough oxygen storage capacity.
Possible Symptoms
- Engine Light ON (or Service Engine Soon Warning Light)
P0420 SCION Description
The ECM uses the 2 Heated Oxygen (HO2) sensors, mounted in front of and behind the Three-Way Catalytic Converter (TWC), to monitor its efficiency. The first sensor, Sensor 1, sends pre-catalyst information to the ECM. The second sensor, Sensor 2,
sends post-catalyst information to the ECM. The ECM compares the information transmitted by these 2 sensors to determine the efficiency of the TWC performance and its ability to store oxygen. When the TWC is functioning properly, the variation in the oxygen concentration in the exhaust gas, after it has passed through the TWC, is small. In this condition, the voltage output of sensor 2 slowly alternates between the rich and lean signal voltages (shown in the illustration below). As the TWC performance efficiency deteriorates, its oxygen storage capacity decreases, and the variation in the oxygen
concentration in the exhaust gas increases. As a result, the sensor voltage output fluctuates frequently. While the catalyst monitor is running, the ECM measures the signal lengths of both sensors 1 and 2, and calculates the ratio of the signal lengths to determine the extent of the TWC deterioration. If the deterioration level exceeds the preset threshold, the ECM interprets this as the TWC malfunction. The ECM then illuminates the MIL and sets the DTC.