DTC P0420 Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Subaru Outback. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

DTC DETECTING CONDITION:

Two consecutive driving cycles with fault
GENERAL DESCRIPTION < Ref. to DTC P0420 CATALYST SYSTEM EFFICIENCY BELOW THRESHOLD (BANK 1) , Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Detecting Criteria. >

TROUBLE SYMPTOM:

Engine stalls.
Idle mixture is out of specifications.

CAUTION: After repair or replacement of faulty parts, perform Clear Memory Mode < Ref. to OPERATION , Clear Memory Mode. > and Inspection Mode < Ref. to PROCEDURE , Inspection Mode. >.

WIRING DIAGRAM:

Fig 1: Rear Oxygen Sensor - Wiring Diagram

DTC P0420 CATALYST SYSTEM EFFICIENCY BELOW THRESHOLD (BANK 1) - DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE

Step	Check	Yes	No
1 CHECK FOR ANY OTHER DTC ON DISPLAY.	Is any other DTC displayed?	Check the appropriate DTC using the "List of Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Trouble Code (DTC)". < Ref. to LIST OF DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) . > NOTE: In this case, it is not necessary to inspect DTC P0420.	Go to step 2.
2 CHECK HARNESS BETWEEN ECM AND REAR OXYGEN SENSOR CONNECTOR. Turn the ignition switch to OFF. Disconnect the connector from ECM and rear oxygen sensor. Measure the resistance of harness between ECM and rear oxygen sensor connector. Connector & terminal (B135) No. 4 - (E61) No. 3: (B135) No. 30 - (E61) No. 4: (B135) No. 15 - (E25) No. 3: (B135) No. 30 - (E25) No. 4:	Is the resistance less than 1 Ω?	Go to step 3.	Repair the open circuit of harness between ECM and rear oxygen sensor connector.
3 CHECK HARNESS BETWEEN ECM AND REAR OXYGEN SENSOR CONNECTOR. Measure the resistance between rear oxygen sensor harness connector and chassis ground. Connector & terminal (B135) No. 1 - Chassis ground:	Is the resistance less than 1 Ω?	Go to step 4.	Repair the open circuit between ECM and rear oxygen sensor connector.
4 CHECK EXHAUST SYSTEM. Check for gas leaks or air suction caused by loose or dislocated nuts and bolts, and open hole at exhaust pipes. NOTE: Check the following positions. Between cylinder head and front exhaust pipe Between front exhaust pipe and front catalytic converter Between front catalytic converter and rear catalytic converter	Is there any fault in exhaust system?	Repair or replace the exhaust system. < Ref. to GENERAL DESCRIPTION . >	Go to step 5.
5 CHECK CATALYTIC CONVERTER.	Is there damage at rear face or front face of catalytic converter?	Replace the catalytic converter. < Ref. to FRONT CATALYTIC CONVERTER . >	Contact with the SOA Service Center.