What does a P0420 code on a Prius mean?
This way if you get a code on your Prius, you will know just what to do. Here is what a P0420 code is and what you need to know to fix the root cause of it. The actual definition of a P0420 code is Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1).
What’s the trouble code on a Toyota Prius?
The way that Toyota Prius ensures that it is staying economically friendly is to monitor the catalyst and set a trouble code should it fail. This is where the powertrain code P0420 comes in to play. The ECU monitors the converter through the use of oxygen sensors. The sensors check the converter to ensure it is doing the job it is designed to.
What does P0420 mean on a catalytic converter?
P0420 means that the efficiency of the catalytic converter is below the threshold. The ECM uses two O2 sensors, one in the front and one in the back of the catalytic converter to measure the efficiency. If the efficiency is low, the P0420 code will be triggered.
Why is the P0420 code stored in the engine control unit?
If the rear O2 sensor is getting faulty values, the p0420 code will get stored in the engine control unit. It could be because the catalytic converter is defective, or a false alarm because one of the O2 sensors is damaged.
What is the P0420 error code for catalytic converter?
Error code P0420 – or Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1) – is one of several trouble codes that fall into the general exhaust system code block. All P042X codes (where “X” can be any number) refer to the catalytic converter and exhaust system.
What is the trouble code on a Toyota Prius?
One of the most common trouble codes with all Toyota vehicles is the P0420. This code number references a number that is given to you when you plug your Toyota Prius into a OBDII scanner. It doesn’t matter which model you have, this OBDII code has the same meaning for all of them. P0420 is a OBDII trouble code.
Why is my catalytic converter not working in my Toyota Prius?
If the root cause is oil consumption, then fixing or reducing that issue will prolong the life of your catalytic converter. It really is that simple. If you have experienced a P0420 trouble code with your Toyota Prius, and are experiencing oil consumption, take care of the root issue first.
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