Test Procedures
WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.
- HF1 DTC P0420: CHECK FOR MISFIRE DETECTION MONITOR DTCS NOTE: Be sure the customer has not:
- Fueled the vehicle with leaded gasoline.
- Noticed a high vehicle oil consumption. (An engine that consumes oil at a high rate deposits high levels of phosphorus on the catalyst and reduces the catalyst efficiency).
NOTE: Internal deterioration of a catalytic converter is usually caused by abnormal engine operation upstream of the catalyst. Events that can produce higher than normal temperatures in the catalyst are particularly suspect. For example, misfiring can cause higher than normal catalyst operating temperatures.- Check for self-test DTCs:
Are DTCs P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303 or P0304 present?
Yes No DISREGARD the DTC P0420 at this time.
GO to DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) CHARTS AND DESCRIPTIONS and REPAIR misfire DTCs.GO to HF2. - HF2 CHECK FOR HO2S DTCS NOTE: Incorrect HO2S signal input can cause an abnormal temperature in the catalyst.
- Check for self-test DTCs:
- If DTCs P0053, P0054, P0132, P0133, P0135, P0138, P0141, P1127, P2195, P2196, P2270 or P2271 are present, diagnose those DTCs first.
Are there any HO2S DTCs?
Yes No DISREGARD the DTC P0420 at this time.
GO to DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) CHARTS AND DESCRIPTIONS and REPAIR HO2S DTCs.GO to HF3. - HF3 CHECK FOR CHT SENSOR DTCS NOTE: Temperature sensor DTCs can indicate the thermostat is not operating correctly or the engine coolant level is not filled to specification, producing above normal operation temperatures.
- Check for self-test DTCs:
Are DTCs P0128, P1285, P1288, P1289, P1290 or P1299 present?
Yes No DISREGARD the DTC P0420 at this time.
GO to DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) CHARTS AND DESCRIPTIONS and REPAIR CHT DTCs.GO to HF4. - HF4 CHECK FOR FRP SENSOR DTCS WARNING: THE FUEL SYSTEM REMAINS PRESSURIZED WHEN THE ENGINE IS NOT RUNNING. TO PREVENT INJURY OR FIRE, USE CAUTION WHEN WORKING ON THE FUEL SYSTEM.NOTE: Fuel pressure above specification can produce an abnormally rich air/fuel mixture. This rich air/fuel mixture can cause higher than normal catalyst operating temperatures.
- Check for self-test DTCs:
Are DTCs P0190, P0191, P0192 or P0193 present?
Yes No DISREGARD the DTC P0420 at this time.
GO to DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) CHARTS AND DESCRIPTIONS and REPAIR FRP DTCs.GO to HF5. - HF5 CHECK FOR ANY OTHER DTCS
Are there any other DTCs recorded in HF1 (not including the initial P0420)?
Yes No DISREGARD the current diagnostic trouble code (DTC) at this time. ADDRESS the next DTC. GO to DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) CHARTS AND DESCRIPTIONS . GO to HF6. - HF6 CHECK FOR LEAKS IN THE EXHAUST SYSTEM NOTE: If a catalyst is in series with a leaking exhaust system, it can fail the Catalyst Efficiency Monitor test.
- Inspect the exhaust system for leaks, cracks, loose connections, punctures, or non-factory modifications.
Are any concerns present?
Yes No REPAIR as necessary. GO to HF7. - HF7 CHECK FOR RESTRICTIONS IN THE EXHAUST SYSTEM NOTE: A slight pressure in the exhaust system is normal, but excessive exhaust back pressure seriously affects engine operation.
- Inspect the following for damage or restrictions:
- Front and rear exhaust pipes.
- Catalytic converter.
- Muffler and tailpipe assembly.
Are any concerns present?
Yes No REPAIR as necessary. GO to HF8. - Inspect the following for damage or restrictions:
- HF8 CHECK THE HO2S ACTIVITY
- Access the freeze frame data (if available) and record the DTC malfunction conditions.
- Clear the PCM DTCs.
- Access the PCM and monitor the O2S11 and O2S12 PIDs.
- Observe the sensor waveform using a diagnostic tool. If waveform mode is not available on the diagnostic tool, use an oscilloscope.
- Start the engine and warm it until engine temperature is stable.
- Test drive using the freeze frame data conditions.
- If the freeze frame data is not available, drive at 64 - 80 km/h (40 - 50 mph) for 5 minutes.
- Observe sensor operation and the waveform of each sensor. Refer to CATALYST EFFICIENCY MONITOR for monitor operation.
Does the catalyst monitor sensor O2S12 oscillate/switch at the same rate as O2S11?
Yes No INSTALL a new catalyst between the monitored HO2Ss (O2S11 and O2S12).
CARRY OUT the catalyst monitor drive cycle and VERIFY the repairs. REFER to ON BOARD DIAGNOSTIC (OBD) DRIVE CYCLE .GO to HF9. - HF9 CARRY OUT THE CATALYST MONITOR DRIVE CYCLE
- Carry out the catalyst monitor drive cycle. Refer to ON BOARD DIAGNOSTIC (OBD) DRIVE CYCLE .
- Carry out the self-test.
Is DTC P0420 present?
Yes No INSTALL a new PCM. REFER to FLASH ELECTRICALLY ERASABLE PROGRAMMABLE READ ONLY MEMORY (EEPROM) .
CARRY OUT the catalyst monitor drive cycle and VERIFY the repairs.Test is complete and no faults were found.