WHAT IT MEANS WHEN YOUR GET A CODE READ OF PO420 OR PO430
It is important to remember that if your "Check Engine Light" illuminates and someone just simply reads a code of PO420, 421, 430 or 431 this does not necessarily mean the Catalytic Converter is bad! All that code says is either Converter operating below efficency or Converter operating below threshold. Nowhere in the interpretation of that code does it say the converter is bad.
Your vehicle may very well need a Catalytic Converter but to determine this, your mechanic or technician should perform proper engine diagnostics. Just reading a simple code is NOT considered performing diagnostics. The following material should give you a better understanding of what proper diagnostics consist of and how they should be performed. If after reading the material below you still have questions please give us a call, 888-651-0770, and we will do all we can to help you solve the problem.
THIS IS A REPAIR PROCEDURE FOR THE 1.4L GM TURBO VEHICLES WITH A CHRONIC PO420 CONVERTER EFFICIENCY CODE
PLEASE CHECK THESE FOLLOWING ITEMS BEFORE INSTALLING A NEW CONVERTER...IF ANY OF THESE CONDITIONS EXIST JUST INSTALLING A NEW CONVERTER WILL NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM
A DIAGNOSTIC MANUAL FOR TROUBLESHOOTING THE OBDII CATALYTIC CONVERTER
Following is a complete Diagnostic Manual in helping you diagnose and troubleshoot problems with a vehicles emission system and the possible replacement of emission parts including the catalytic converter.
The following TSB from Volvo doesn’t mention catalytic converter failure anywhere, however the related subject matter is VERY pertinent to both false catalyst codes and real catalyst damage.
Technical Service Bulletin 2002 - 2003 Mazda MPV Vans
date posted: 05-09-2012
Technical Service Bulletin 2002 - 2003 Mazda MPV Vans
Although this is a factory TSB, and certainly could be presented in our TSB section, I thought a little explanation to why this is pertinant with regard to catalytic converter replacement would be helpful. Any time a known fuel injection control issue is present such as the one in the bulletin that follows, it is essential that it be corrected according to factory remommendations to avoid damage to the catalytic converter. Before replacing this converter, be certain the proper PCM updates have been installed.
Toyota Camary, Solara, Sienna DTC PO171 or PO174 Engine Running Lean
date posted: 07-29-2014
Toyota Camary, Solara, Sienna DTC PO171 or PO174 Engine Running Lean
The following Toyota factory bulletin refers to codes P0171 and P0174, lean conditions on either or both banks, but this raises cause for concern when diagnosing catalytic converter codes as well. This bulletin is acknowledging there may be a problem with the Intake Air Control Valves on 2004 Camry, Sienna and Solara vehicles with 3.3L (3MZ-FE) engines.
The Vehicle Emission Control Label is located under the hood of your car and will help you identify the type of emissions platform that your vehicle came equipped with from the factory. These labels may be one of these locations:
OBDII (On Board Diagnostics Second Generation) systems are required by Federal law on all passenger cars and light trucks manufactured since 1996. It is a computer on board the vehicle that monitors the engine and emission control equipment to verify that all systems are working properly. If the monitor detects a fault, a code is stored in the computer, and the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) is illuminated.
