Description
OBD-II Trouble Code Description for P0420 Pontiac
Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold
What does this mean?
OBD2 Code P0420 Pontiac definition:
The catalytic converter has an oxygen sensor in front and behind it. When the vehicle is warm and running in closed loop mode, the upstream oxygen sensor waveform reading should fluctuate. The downstream O2 sensor reading should be fairly steady. Typically the P0420 Pontiac code triggers the Check Engine Light if the readings of the two sensors are similar. This is indicative of (among other things) a converter that is not working as efficiently as it should be (according to specs). It is part of the vehicle emissions system.
Symptoms
Possible sumptoms of OBD code P0420 Pontiac
You will likely not notice any drivability problems, although there may be symptoms.
Causes
Possible causes of OBD code P0420 Pontiac
A code P0420 Pontiac may mean that one or more of the following has happened: Leaded fuel was used where unleaded was called for An oxygen sensor is not reading (functioning) properly The engine coolant temperature sensor is not working properly Damaged or leaking exhaust manifold / catalytic converter / exhaust pipe Retarded spark timing The oxygen sensors in front and behind the converter are reporting too similar of readings
Possible Solutions
Some suggested steps for troubleshooting a P0420 Pontiac error code include: Check for exhaust leaks at the manifold, pipes, catalytic converter. Repair as required. Use a scope to diagnose the oxygen sensor operation (Tip: The oxygen sensor in front of the catalytic converter normally has a fluctuating waveform. The waveform of the sensor behind the converter should be more steady). Inspect the downstream heated oxygen sensor (HO2), replace if necessary Replace the catalytic converter One thing to note is that many vehicle manufacturers offer a longer warranty on emissions-related parts. So if you have a newer car but it’s out of it’s bumper-to-bumper warranty, there still may be warranty on this type of problem. Many manufacturers give a five year, unlimited mileage warranty on these items. It’s worth checking into. See also: P0420 Pontiac.com – P0420 Pontiac Help
The OBD2 Code Information Be Applicable For Pontiac:
2010 Pontiac G8,2009 Pontiac G8,2009 Pontiac G6 ,2009 Pontiac G3,2008 Pontiac G8,2007 Pontiac Solstice SD-290 Concept,2007 Pontiac Solstice GXP,2007 Pontiac G6 GXP Show Car,2006 Pontiac Torrent,2006 Pontiac Solstice,2006 Pontiac Montana SV6,2006 Pontiac GTO,2006 Pontiac G6 GTP Coupe,2006 Pontiac G6 GTP Convertible,2005 Pontiac Vibe GT,2005 Pontiac Montana SV6,2005 Pontiac Grand Prix,2005 Pontiac Grand Am GT Coupe,2005 Pontiac GTO,2005 Pontiac G6 GT,2004 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP,2004 Pontiac Grand Am GXP,2004 Pontiac GTO 5.7,2004 Pontiac GTO,2004 Pontiac Bonneville GXP,2004 Pontiac Aztek Rally,2003 Pontiac Vibe GT,2003 Pontiac Vibe,2003 Pontiac Sunfire Coupe,2003 Pontiac Montana Thunder,2003 Pontiac Grand Prix,2003 Pontiac Grand Am SE Sedan,2003 Pontiac G6 Concept,2003 Pontiac Aztek,2002 Pontiac Sunfire GXP,2002 Pontiac Sunfire American Tuner,2002 Pontiac Solstice Concept,2002 Pontiac REV Concept,2002 Pontiac Grand Prix GXP,2002 Pontiac Grand Prix G-Force Concept,2002 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Edition,2001 Pontiac Vibe GT,2001 Pontiac Vibe,2001 Pontiac Sunfire HO,2001 Pontiac Sunfire Accessorized,2001 Pontiac Montana,2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
Note:
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