What is the Check Engine Light code for a catalytic converter?
“Check Engine Light” Codes P0420 and P0430 Replacing a catalytic converter or “cat” has become a big, expensive drain on a lot of people’s budgets these days. I want to share some information about what’s happening here with emissions testing, and some ways to get emissions-compliant without shelling out piles of money.
What happens if you replace the catalytic converter?
If you spend $900 or more to replace the catalytic converter, you may discover the check engine light coming on again later. Some mechanics will tell you to try replacing the oxygen sensors first, to see if that solves the problem. There are two of them, one before and one after the catalytic converter.
What does the OBD2 code mean on a catalytic converter?
Answer: The P0420 OBD2 code indicates that the efficiency of the catalyst system is below the threshold. But that doesn’t necessarily mean you have a bad catalytic converter. The code will happen if the upstream and downstream oxygen sensors indicate similar readings. They won’t match if the catalyst system is within a proper threshold.
How does the rear oxygen sensor work on a catalytic converter?
The rear oxygen sensor (the one behind the converter) monitors how much oxygen is coming out of the converter at any time. A healthy converter will use a lot of oxygen, and so the rear oxygen sensor will see that there is little oxygen coming out of the back of the converter.
What does check engine light mean on catalytic converter?
The check engine light will come on if it’s below this threshold, determined by oxygen sensors that are located before and after the catalytic converter. The sensors will trigger an Onboard Diagnostics (OBD) trouble code that’s stored in your car’s computer. OBD Code P0420 means the catalyst system efficiency is below the threshold.
If you spend $900 or more to replace the catalytic converter, you may discover the check engine light coming on again later. Some mechanics will tell you to try replacing the oxygen sensors first, to see if that solves the problem. There are two of them, one before and one after the catalytic converter.
The rear oxygen sensor (the one behind the converter) monitors how much oxygen is coming out of the converter at any time. A healthy converter will use a lot of oxygen, and so the rear oxygen sensor will see that there is little oxygen coming out of the back of the converter.
Is it safe to drive with the catalytic converter warning light on?
Is it safe to drive with the catalytic converter warning light on? Catalytic converters are one of the most important additions to the modern automobile. Without them, the quality of air around areas with lots of traffic would be significantly worse.