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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

    P0300: Random misfire

    P0301-P0304: No. 1, No. 2, No. 3, or No. 4 cylinder misfire detected

  • Poor quality fuel may cause this DTC.
  1. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
  2. Clear the DTC with the HDS.
  3. Start the engine. Hold the engine speed at 3, 000 rpm without load (in P or N) until the radiator fan comes on, then let it idle.
  4. Test-drive under these conditions:
    • Engine coolant temperature (ECT SENSOR 1) above 158°F(70°C)
    • Transmission in D
    • Vehicle speed between 45-75 mph (70-120 km/h) for 5 minutes or more with cruise control set
    • Vehicle speed between 55-75 mph (90-120 km/h) for 10 seconds, then decelerate (with the throttle fully closed). Repeat this three times or more
    • Maintain the vehicle speed at 55 mph (88 km/h) for 5 minutes or more with cruise control set
  5. Monitor the OBD STATUS for DTC P0420 in the DTCs MENU with the HDS.

    Does the HDS indicate FAILED? 

    YES  -Go to step 6.

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

  6. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0).
  7. Replace the WU-TWC (see WARM UP TWC REMOVAL/INSTALLATION ).
  8. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
  9. Reset the PCM with the HDS.
  10. Do the PCM idle learn procedure (see PCM IDLE LEARN PROCEDURE ).
  11. Start the engine. Hold the engine speed at 3, 000 rpm without load (in P or N) until the radiator fan comes on, then let it idle.
  12. Test-drive for about 10 minutes, varying the vehicle speed.
  13. Check the CATALYST MONITOR CONDITION in the DATA LIST with the HDS.

    Is the temperature OK? 

    YES  -Go to step 14.

    NO  -Go to step  11, and recheck.

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

    Does the HDS indicate OUT OF CONDITION? 

    YES  -Go to step  12, and recheck.

    NO  -Go to step 16.

  16. Check for Pending or Confirmed DTCs with the HDS.

    Is DTC P0420 indicated? 

    YES  -Check the fuel quality, then go to step  1.

    NO  -Go to step 17.

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

    Does the HDS indicate PASSED? 

    YES  -Troubleshooting is complete. If any other Pending or Confirmed DTCs were indicated in step  16, go to the indicated DTC'S TROUBLESHOOTING .

    NO  -If the HDS indicates FAILED, check the fuel quality, then go to step  1. If the HDS indicates EXECUTING, keep driving until a result comes on. If the HDS indicates OUT OF CONDITION, go to step  11.

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