Circuit Description

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 7 other vehicles, including the 1997 GMC Savana Special, 1997 GMC Savana Camper Special, 1997 GMC Savana, 1997 Chevrolet RV Cutaway, and 1997 Chevrolet Cutaway. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Three-Way Catalytic Converter (TWC) controls emissions of hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx). Catalyst within converter promotes a chemical reaction which oxidizes HC and CO present in exhaust gas, converting them into water vapor and carbon dioxide. Catalyst reduces NOx, converting it to nitrogen. VCM monitors this process using HO2S located in exhaust stream after catalyst.

HO2S produces a signal indicating oxygen storage capacity of catalyst and indicates catalyst's ability to convert exhaust emissions effectively. If catalyst is properly functioning, HO2S signal will be less active than other HO2S located further upstream from catalyst. DTC P0420 will set is HO2S signal is outside of acceptable range for an extended period of time, indicating 3-way catalytic converter oxygen storage capacity is below acceptable threshold. DTC will set when the following conditions are present: