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DTC P0420: Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold

NOTE:
  • Before you troubleshoot, record all freeze data and any on-board snapshot, and review the general troubleshooting information (see GENERAL TROUBLESHOOTING INFORMATION ).
  • If some of the DTCs listed below are stored at the same time as DTC P0420, troubleshoot them first, then recheck for DTC P0420.

    P0137, P0138: Secondary HO2S (Sensor 2)

    P0141: Secondary HO2S (Sensor 2) heater

  • Poor quality fuel may cause this DTC.
  1. Turn the ignition switch ON (II).
  2. Clear the DTC with the HDS.
  3. Start the engine. Hold the engine speed at 3,000 rpm (min -1 ) without load (in Park or neutral) until the radiator fan comes on, then let it idle.
  4. Test-drive under these conditions:
    • Engine coolant temperature (ECT SENSOR 1) above 70°C (158 °F)
    • A/T in D position (M/T in 5th gear)
    • Vehicle speed between 72-120 km/h (45-75 mph) for 5 minutes or more with cruise control set
    • K20Z2 engine: Maintain the vehicle speed at 88 km/h (55 mph) for 5 minutes or more with cruise control set
    • K20Z3 engine: Maintain the vehicle speed at 88 km/h (55 mph) for 30 seconds
  5. Monitor the OBD STATUS for DTC P0420 in the DTCs MENU with the HDS.

    Does the screen indicate EXECUTING? 

    YES  -Go to step 6.

    NO  -If the screen indicates OUT OF CONDITION, go to step  4 and recheck. If the screen indicates PASSED, intermittent failure, the system is OK at this time. If the screen indicates FAILED, go to step  8.

  6. Continue test driving until a result comes on.
  7. Monitor the OBD STATUS for DTC P0420 in the DTCs MENU with the HDS.

    Does the screen indicate FAILED? 

    YES  -Go to step 8.

    NO  -If the screen indicates PASSED, intermittent failure, the system is OK at this time. If the screen indicates EXECUTING, keep driving until a result comes on. If the screen indicates OUT OF CONDITION, go to step  4 and recheck.

  8. Turn the ignition switch OFF.
  9. Replace the TWC (see CATALYTIC CONVERTER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION ).
  10. Turn the ignition switch ON (II).
  11. Reset the ECM/PCM with the HDS.
  12. Do the ECM/PCM idle learn procedure (see ECM/PCM IDLE LEARN PROCEDURE ).
  13. Start the engine. Hold the engine speed at 3,000 rpm (min-1 ) without load (in Park or neutral) until the radiator fan comes on, then let it idle.
  14. Test-drive for about 10 minutes, varying the vehicle speed.
  15. Check the CATA MONITOR CONDITION in the DATA LIST with the HDS.

    Is it OK? 

    YES  -Go to step 16.

    NO  -Go to step  13 and recheck.

  16. Test-drive under these conditions:
    • Engine coolant temperature (ECT SENSOR 1) above 70°C (158 °F)
    • A/T in D position (M/T in 5th gear)
    • Vehicle speed at 88 km/h (55 mph) for 5 minutes or more with cruise control set
  17. Monitor the OBD STATUS for DTC P0420 in the DTCs MENU with the HDS.

    Does the screen indicate EXECUTING? 

    YES  -Go to step 18.

    NO  -Go to step  16 and recheck.

  18. Continue test-driving until a result comes on.
  19. Check for Temporary DTCs or DTCs with the HDS.

    Are any Temporary DTCs or DTCs indicated? 

    YES  -Go to the indicated DTCs troubleshooting.

    NO  -Go to step 20.

  20. Monitor the OBD STATUS for DTC P0420 in the DTCs MENU with the HDS.

    Does the screen indicate PASSED? 

    YES  -Troubleshooting is complete.

    NO  -If the screen indicates FAILED, check the fuel quality. If the screen indicates EXECUTING, keep driving until a result comes on. If the screen indicates OUT OF CONDITION, go to step  13 and recheck.

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