P0420

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 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?

  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

  User Submitted Video

Cost of diagnosing the P0420 code

  The cost of diagnosing the P0420 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 Description

  The Engine Control Module (ECM) monitors the switching frequency ratio of heated oxygen sensors 1 (front O2 sensor) and heated oxygen sensors 2 (rear O2 sensor).
A three way catalyst converter (Manifold) with high oxygen storage capacity will indicate a low switching frequency of heated oxygen sensor 2. As oxygen storage capacity decreases, the heated oxygen sensor 2 switching frequency will increase.
When the frequency ratio of heated oxygen sensors 1 and 2 approaches a specified limit value, the three way catalyst malfunction is diagnosed.