1996 suburban code 420

[mr moose]

i have a 96 burban 5.7 4x4 200,000 miles plus that keeps showing a code 420. it will kick the code about once a week or so . mostly on the highway. burban seems to run fine . the code reads catlyst efficiency below threshold ( bank 1 ) any ideas? i just dont want things to get worse. thanks. mark.

[jtmarten]

Originally Posted by mr moose

i have a 96 burban 5.7 4x4 200,000 miles plus that keeps showing a code 420. it will kick the code about once a week or so . mostly on the highway. burban seems to run fine . the code reads catlyst efficiency below threshold ( bank 1 ) any ideas? i just dont want things to get worse. thanks. mark.

Sounds like bank 1 (left side I think) downstream O2 sensor is giving a reading the ECU doesn't like. Could be a bad upstream O2 sensor, bad downstream sensor, or a bad cat.

[mr moose]

thanks for the reply. the o2's are about six months old i was thinking maybe cat also just wanted other input. thanks . any other input welcome. mark.

[777stickman]

1. Exhaust leaks.
2. Misfire.
3. High oil and/or coolant consumption.
4. Retarded spark timing or weak spark.
5. Poor fuel quality.
6. Wiring to the O2 sensor.

[mr moose]

no exhaust leaks. my have very slight misfire only when code pops up. no oil or coolent consumption. all levels ok. as far as i know the timing is not adjustable (computer controled). i use qt fuel 87 octane. all wiring looks good. i even tryed unpluging all o2 sensers and re pluging them to ensure good connection.

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by mr moose

no exhaust leaks. my have very slight misfire only when code pops up. no oil or coolent consumption. all levels ok. as far as i know the timing is not adjustable (computer controled). i use qt fuel 87 octane. all wiring looks good. i even tryed unpluging all o2 sensers and re pluging them to ensure good connection.

Code 420 IS USUALLY CAUSED by engine running problems.
Rich or missfire are leading problems.

REQUIRES PROPER TESTING TO GET TO THE MAIN PROBLEM.

http://www.troublecodes.net/articles/catfailure/



DTC P0420, P0421, and P0430 & P0431: Check Possible Cause Of Misfire DTC P0420 and P0421 indicate bank one catalyst system efficiency is minimum requirement. DTC P0430 and P0430 indicate bank 2-catalyst system efficiency is minimum requirement. Possible causes are as follows: Use of leaded fuel. Oil contamination. Cylinder misfire. Fuel pressure too high. HO2S sensor improperly connected. Damaged exhaust system component. Faulty ECT sensor. Faulty HO2S. Ensure ignition timing is correct. Retrieve all Continuous Memory DTCs. If misfire code is not present, go to next step. If misfire code is present, isolate cylinder and repair as necessary. Check HO2S Monitor DTCs If DTCs P0136, P0138, P0140, P0141, P0156, P0158, P0160, or P0161 were present in step 1), service as necessary before continuing. If none of these codes are present in step 1), go to next step. Check ECT Sensor DTCs If DTCs P0117, P0118, P0125 or P1117 were present in step 1), service as necessary before continuing. If none of these codes are present in step 1), go to next step. If any codes except P0420, P0421, P0430 and/or P0430 were present in step 1), service as necessary before continuing. If no codes except P0420 and/or P0430 were present in step 1), go to next step. Check Rear HO2S Wiring Harness Turn ignition off. Ensure HO2S wiring harness is correctly routed and connectors are tight. Repair or replace as necessary. If wiring harness and connectors are okay, go to next step. Check Fuel Pressure Turn ignition off. Release fuel pressure. Install fuel pressure gauge. Start engine and allow to idle. Note fuel pressure gauge reading. Increase engine speed to 2500 RPM and maintain for one minute. For fuel pressure specifications, see FUEL PRESSURE SPECIFICATIONS article. If fuel pressure is as specified, go to next step. If fuel pressure is not as specified, go to CIRCUIT TEST HC. Check For Exhaust System Leaks If exhaust system leaks, it may cause catalyst monitor efficiency test to fail. Inspect exhaust system for cracks, loose connections or punctures. Repair or replace as necessary. If exhaust system is okay, go to next step. Check For Exhaust System Restrictions Inspect exhaust system for collapsed areas, dents or excessive bending. Repair or replace as necessary. If exhaust system is okay, go to next step. Check Manifold Vacuum Install tachometer. Connect vacuum gauge to intake manifold vacuum source. Start engine and raise engine speed to 2000 RPM. Manifold vacuum should rise to more than 16 in. Hg. If manifold vacuum is okay, go to next step. If manifold vacuum is low, go to step 11). Leave tachometer and vacuum gauge connected. Start engine and raise engine speed to 2000 RPM. On a non- restricted system, manifold vacuum should quickly rise to normal range as increased RPM is maintained. On a restricted system, manifold vacuum will slowly rise to normal range as increased RPM is maintained. If manifold vacuum is okay, no indication of exhaust leak or restriction has been detected and testing is complete. If manifold vacuum is low or slow to respond, go to next step. Leave tachometer and vacuum gauge connected. Remove exhaust pipe from exhaust manifold. Start engine and raise engine speed to 2000 RPM. If manifold vacuum is now okay, fault is downstream from exhaust manifold. Reconnect exhaust pipe to exhaust manifold and go to next step. If manifold vacuum is still low or slow to respond, fault is in exhaust manifold or intake manifold gasket. Repair or replace as necessary and repeat QUICK TEST. Leave tachometer and vacuum gauge connected. Disconnect muffler/tailpipe assembly from rear of catalytic converter. Start engine and raise engine speed to 2000 RPM. If manifold vacuum is now okay, fault is in muffler/tailpipe assembly. Repair or replace as necessary and test-drive vehicle to verify elimination of symptom. If manifold vacuum is still not okay, fault is in catalytic converter. Repair or replace as necessary. Check tailpipe/muffler assembly for debris from catalytic converter. Test drive vehicle to verify elimination of symptom.