December 2022 - S10
CAT CHASE
The real cause of P0420/P0430 DTCs
The 'Catalytic Converter Efficiency' codes might imply a failed converter,
but odds are the ultimate fault lies somewhere else.
By Pete Meier
many P0420/P0430 codes are corrected
without replacing the cat!
If the converter has failed, you also
need to identify what caused the converter
to fail. Sure, age is a factor - but
there are other factors that can result in
premature failure and if left uncorrected,
the new replacement won't last long.
And if it the converter hasn't failed,
you need to determine what caused the
ECM to set the code(s) anyway. False catalytic
converter codes are not uncommon
and in many instances, a reflash is all that
is required to correct the concern.
Start by taking the vehicle for a test
drive. Is there any indication of sluggish
response or low power that might indicate
Common sources of air leaks into the exhaust system that can skew the ECM's tests include damaged
flex pipes and stripped or damaged sensor threads.
T
he " Cataly tic Conver ter
Efficiency " Diagnostic Trouble
Codes (DTCs) P0420 and
P0430, are among the top 10 DTCs
technicians face. And while the
description might imply a failed converter,
odds are the ultimate fault lies
somewhere else.
The catalytic converter is the last stop
for the exhaust gasses generated by the
engine during operation. It is here that the
last remaining pollutants are cleaned up
before finally exiting the tailpipe.
There are three ways a converter
can fail:
Overheated, melted, or a broken
substrate in the converter. This
is usually caused by any factor that
affects the engine's air/fuel mixture
and the resulting feed gasses being sent
to the converter. Even slight variations
10 DECEMBER 2022 VehicleServicePros.com
will cause the converter temperature to
rise significantly.
Converter poisoning: Converter
poisoning means that the substrate has
been coated by a foreign substance and is
no longer exposed to the exhaust stream.
Excessive oil consumption and coolant
leaks past the intake or head gaskets are
common contaminates, as is the improper
use of certain sealants.
Structural
damage: Structural
damage can be physical damage like
dents caused by road debris striking the
housing, stripped oxygen sensor threads,
thermal shock to the converter, and metal
fatigue at mounting points or welds.
HOW TO TACKLE THESE DTCS
When tackling these DTCs, you must
first determine if the converter has truly
failed or not. You'll be surprised at how
After a quick visual, you can use a thermal
imaging camera to " see " the converter in action.
Allow the engine to reach operating temp, and then
check the temp of the converter's front weld ring.
http://www.VehicleServicePros.com
December 2022
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of December 2022
EDITOR'S NOTE
NEW PRODUCTS
TOOL BRIEFING
DIAGNOSTIC TECH
TOOL REVIEWS
CATEGORY SPOTLIGHT
TOP 100 PRODUCTS
SEMA/AAPEX EDITOR'S PICKS
INNOVATION AWARDS PROFILE
SEMA/AAPEX WRAP UP
BIG-TIME BOXES
Diagnosing Progress
Common diagnostics and trends in hybrid and electric vehicles
Diagnosing faults on modern vehicles
The real cause of P0420/P0430 DTCs
How diagnostic tools cut through the ADAS confusion
When the tools become the tutor
Diagnostic products
December 2022 - 1
December 2022 - 2
December 2022 - 3
December 2022 - 4
December 2022 - 5
December 2022 - 6
December 2022 - EDITOR'S NOTE
December 2022 - NEW PRODUCTS
December 2022 - 9
December 2022 - 10
December 2022 - RSC1
December 2022 - RSC2
December 2022 - 11
December 2022 - TOOL BRIEFING
December 2022 - 13
December 2022 - 14
December 2022 - 15
December 2022 - 16
December 2022 - 17
December 2022 - DIAGNOSTIC TECH
December 2022 - 19
December 2022 - 20
December 2022 - 21
December 2022 - TOOL REVIEWS
December 2022 - 23
December 2022 - 24
December 2022 - 25
December 2022 - CATEGORY SPOTLIGHT
December 2022 - 27
December 2022 - 28
December 2022 - 29
December 2022 - 30
December 2022 - 31
December 2022 - TOP 100 PRODUCTS
December 2022 - 33
December 2022 - 34
December 2022 - 35
December 2022 - SEMA/AAPEX EDITOR'S PICKS
December 2022 - 37
December 2022 - INNOVATION AWARDS PROFILE
December 2022 - SEMA/AAPEX WRAP UP
December 2022 - 40
December 2022 - 41
December 2022 - BIG-TIME BOXES
December 2022 - 43
December 2022 - 44
December 2022 - S1
December 2022 - S2
December 2022 - S3
December 2022 - Diagnosing Progress
December 2022 - S5
December 2022 - Common diagnostics and trends in hybrid and electric vehicles
December 2022 - S7
December 2022 - Diagnosing faults on modern vehicles
December 2022 - S9
December 2022 - The real cause of P0420/P0430 DTCs
December 2022 - S11
December 2022 - How diagnostic tools cut through the ADAS confusion
December 2022 - S13
December 2022 - S14
December 2022 - S15
December 2022 - When the tools become the tutor
December 2022 - S17
December 2022 - S18
December 2022 - S19
December 2022 - S20
December 2022 - Diagnostic products
December 2022 - S22
December 2022 - S23
December 2022 - S24
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