What does the P0420 code on a Chevy Malibu mean?

The P0420 code in a Chevy Malibu will often be thrown one of your oxygen sensors are not functioning properly. Typically, the code will be triggered by the upstream oxygen sensor (before the converter). There aren’t usually any drivability issues associated with P0420.

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 does the OBDII code mean on a Chevy Malibu?

This page is meant to help you troubleshoot the Chevy Malibu P0420 trouble code. It covers Chevy Malibu P0420 meaning, symptoms, causes, and possible solutions. In the Malibu, OBDII P0420 is often caused by a bad oxygen sensor, but there can be other causes as well. One of the most common trouble codes with all Chevy vehicles is the P0420.

What are the symptoms of a P0420 trouble code?

Possible Symptoms. You will probably not have any symptoms except check engine light by just the P0420 code itself, and you may have other problems with your engine that is damaging the catalytic converter that can have symptoms like rough idle, rough acceleration, misfires, and hard shifting.

When do I need to fix error code P0420?

If the voltage of the downstream O2 sensor is constantly jumping between 0.1V and 0.9V, the catalyst is worn and the catalytic converter needs to be replaced. Estimated Cost of Repair For error code P0420, one or more of the below repairs may be needed to solve the underlying issue.

What does the P0420 code on Honda Accord mean?

Check for damaged components and look for broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded connector’s pins. As the code description implies the P0420 code means that the vehicle’s control module has detected that the three-way catalytic converter is not working properly (is not as efficient as the factory is expecting).

What does P0420 code mean on catalytic converter?

This sensor checks the performance of the catalytic converter, making sure it scrubs the last vestiges of pollution from your exhaust. Oxygen sensors are only a part of a greater system, meaning if the p0420 code (or p0141, or p0135) is thrown, that doesn’t necessarily indicate the oxygen sensors need replacement.

Why does my Toyota Corolla have a P0420 trouble code?

The most common cause when you find the P0420 on the Toyota Corolla is a bad catalytic converter. But, this can often be caused by oil going through the piston rings to get stuck on the catalytic converter if you have a Toyota Corolla that is struggling with the trouble code.

What exactly is code P0420?

The definition of the OBD-II P0420 code is ” Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1) “. When the ECU stores this code, it means that the catalytic converter is not operating at maximum efficiency and may need replacement. Car fault code: P0420

What does the service code P0420 mean?

P0420 is a trouble code that gets stored in your car engine’s control unit when it recognizes a problem with the catalytic converter’s efficiency . There are many different reasons for this, so you need to know how to diagnose this trouble code properly.

What does a computer code P0420 mean?

P0420 code is associated with catalytic converters. Catalytic converters break down the harmful pollutants generated during the combustion cycle. The converter is fitted with gold and platinum mesh to filter the exhaust fumes.

What is check engine code P0420?

In short, engine code p0420 means Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold. If your catalyst system isn’t functioning in a proper manner, the ‘Check Engine’ light may be triggered.

What is the trouble code on a Chevy Malibu?

One of the most common trouble codes with all Chevy vehicles is the P0420. This code number references a number that is given to you when you plug your Chevy Malibu into a OBDII scanner.

Are there any other codes along with P0420?

Do not overlook other codes that are paired along with P0420. Chevrolet codes P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304, P0305, P0306, P0307, P0308, P0174, and P0171 can give false data readings that create conditions which trigger code P0420. If any other codes are present, they should be addressed first.

When to replace catalytic converter in Chevrolet P0420?

If the voltage of the downstream O2 sensor is constantly jumping between 0.1V and 0.9V, the catalyst is worn and the catalytic converter needs to be replaced. If playback doesn’t begin shortly, try restarting your device.

One of the most common trouble codes with all Chevy vehicles is the P0420. This code number references a number that is given to you when you plug your Chevy Malibu into a OBDII scanner.

What causes a service engine light on a Chevy Malibu?

Whenever the engine is put under a heavy load it’ll feel like it is running out of gas. It’s very similar to the symptoms of a bad fuel filter. Service Engine Light – Often, this is the only symptom of the Chevy Malibu P0420 code. There are many things that can cause the P0420 trouble code in your Malibu.

What happens when the oxygen sensor goes bad on a Chevy Malibu?

Your Malibu can exhibit symptoms when the Oxygen sensor has gone bad. Or, it may exhibit none at all. Often enough, the only sign of the problem at all is the service engine soon light being on. The good news is, if you end up discovering that the oxygen sensor is bad, they really aren’t that expensive to replace.

What does the p0440 code on a Chevrolet mean?

P0440 CHEVROLET Tech Notes. The P0440 code means that the control module has detected a leak in the Evaporative Emission (EVAP). Loose fuel tank filler cap is the most common cause that triggers the P0440 code.

Why does the Check Engine light come on on a Chevy Malibu?

Oxygen sensors can change the way that your Malibu’s engine runs. Most of the time, the check engine light will come on. It’s a good thing that the check engine light would come on, as there is more than one oxygen sensor, and they can be difficult to get to and test.

Why is a P0420 trouble code never a bad oxygen sensor?

NOTE: This is why a P0420 trouble code is almost never a bad oxygen sensor — because the ECM has already tested the downstream sensor. If it isn’t responding properly, it will set a trouble code. The same applies to the upstream sensor.

Where is the P0420 OBD2 trouble code stored?

The front O2 sensor measures the mixture, and it tells the engine control unit if the engine is running with a rich or lean mixture and adjusts it. The rear O2 sensor is just a diagnostic O2 sensor for this trouble code. If the rear O2 sensor is getting faulty values, the p0420 code will get stored in the engine control unit.