2005 Caravan po420 Cheap Fix

2005 Dodge caravan 3.8 v6 Keeps throwing Po420 Code For Exh Cov . Needs to be replace . Call dodge we need to look at it first 120.00, Yea you no how that going... . Ok here we go , Take a spark plug fouler put it under the o2 senso the one mounted in the cat . Make sure the sensor does nt bottom out in the fouler, You may have open the hole up a little . Tighten up fouler then install o2 sensor . Clear codes , my light has not come back on yet ! This is just a cheap fix until u can replace the cat....:lol2: Update replace with new dodge cov ,under warranty ...... No more code po420 !

I don't think the inpection stations know that trick!

Blocking some of the holes on the down stream HO2 sensor probably has the same effect.

The computer (ECU/PCU) just wants to see if there's a difference in the catalyst between the upstream and the downstream of the catalytic converter.

Federal warrenty might be 8yr/80K miles, so a new one should be free.

If not, see OEM DEC catalytic conveters @ http://www.catalyticconverterwarehouse.com for around $200 plus $50 shipping.

I have the same code on a Ford WIndstar only I do notn have the oil consumption problem you have. I found that my upstream 02 sensor is lazy. I am waiting on a new sensor to try on mine. Might worth a try to see if your upstream sensor is working correctly. I have a scanner that I can watch the sensors on my laptop. Was your code intermittendt or light on full time??

I agree, something made your catalytic converter go bad.
Check fuel economy and do a good tune up.

I agree, something made your catalytic converter go bad.
Check fuel economy and do a good tune up.

29,000 Miles dont thing soo . The van runs great , these caravans have trouble with the cats !

I don't think the inpection stations know that trick!

Blocking some of the holes on the down stream HO2 sensor probably has the same effect.

The computer (ECU/PCU) just wants to see if there's a difference in the catalyst between the upstream and the downstream of the catalytic converter.

Federal warrenty might be 8yr/80K miles, so a new one should be free.

If not, see OEM DEC catalytic conveters @ http://www.catalyticconverterwarehouse.com for around $200 plus $50 shipping.

Your right both sensor are reading the same and you get the old po420 Sensors are fine . I have a snap on scanner and check it...

Are you still covered by Federal warranty?

Are you still covered by Federal warranty?

Oh yes , but still I Still have to pay dodge too look at 120.00 . I have a problem with that. The newer caravans are using oil , that oil is going thur the cats . End result new cat . Just my two cents ! Not every one is under warranty , this might help get it by emissions . In maryland thet wont even test it with the check eng light on .

You could have the local muffler shop do it for $50!

You could have the local muffler shop do it for $50!

That sounds great , here in maryland your nt getting the replaced for 50.00 dollars... Or i just could leave it alone and have about 3.00 Dollars in it.. Iam going to take it to emissions and let them test it , stay tuned ! Before the 8 years 80,000 Federal Warr up .

You probably need to take out your down stream H2O simulator, and fail the local inspection 1st, so you have the paper work toget your free catalytic converter.

If the CEL bothers you, put the H20 simulator back in until you get your free catalytic converter.

If your new cat is a direct fit, you might decide todo it yourself for free too.

Auto:

I think they are quoting you the $120 as a diagnostic charge. If they are able to verify that the cat is bad, I believe they will waive the fee as part of the covered repair.

However, I don't think they HAVE to waive it. Still, $120 for a new factory cat which probably runs $500+ on any given day is still a good deal IMO.

Cats do occasionally go bad, but many, many cars these days go to the junk yard with their original cats, brake fluid, axle fluid, etc.

Don

Auto:

I think they are quoting you the $120 as a diagnostic charge. If they are able to verify that the cat is bad, I believe they will waive the fee as part of the covered repair.

However, I don't think they HAVE to waive it. Still, $120 for a new factory cat which probably runs $500+ on any given day is still a good deal IMO.

Cats do occasionally go bad, but many, many cars these days go to the junk yard with their original cats, brake fluid, axle fluid, etc.

Don

Your right , Iam not getting that 120.00 Back, but thats a great deal for a dealer converter , the converters are going bad on theses caravans because They use oil , all my customers have caravans and some use 1.5 ouarts of oil in 3000 miles... Burning it out the tail pipe ! Just my two cents .

See if the federal gov. will give you a $500 check for a new cat, and buy a new OEM DEC from http://www.catalyticconverterwarehouse.com
Do it yourself, and put $250 in your pocket.

Auto:

Really weird that the cat died at 29k. In any case, I don't believe the oil consumption is a factor.

We had quite a few Ford 4.6L engines at work through the years that had high oil consumption rates due to bad valve seals, and the cats kept on doing their thing.

One vehicle was burning 3 quarts in 2500 miles. You would get a puff of smoke out of the passenger side tail pipe only after sitting at idle for 15 min or more.

I think your cat was a tainted unit from the get go. Our 05 Grand Caravan had both upper and lower O2 sensors croak before 20k on the odo.

Just a bad run of parts IMO.

Don

Auto:

Really weird that the cat died at 29k. In any case, I don't believe the oil consumption is a factor.

We had quite a few Ford 4.6L engines at work through the years that had high oil consumption rates due to bad valve seals, and the cats kept on doing their thing.

One vehicle was burning 3 quarts in 2500 miles. You would get a puff of smoke out of the passenger side tail pipe only after sitting at idle for 15 min or more.

I think your cat was a tainted unit from the get go. Our 05 Grand Caravan had both upper and lower O2 sensors croak before 20k on the odo.

Just a bad run of parts IMO.

Don

Thanks Don , I looked at the sensors real time on my snanon scanner , they do not look lazy , My wife drive this thing every where . I do not wont her wheeling my truck . Maybe i give the o2 sensors a shot thur cheap enough . Still have alot of time on that federal warr . Thanks for everyones input...