2003 Pontiac Vibe Repair Question
P0420 code
2003 Pontiac Vibe 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Manual 220000 miles
hey,guys i replaced the trans.bearings,took car for a ride,the engine light came on,i pulled the code p0420 cat. eff.below threshold bank 1.i took the cat. out and it was clean could see light through.i removed code, comes back at the same time every time ,40min. of driving on hiway,i wil replace 02 sensors next,any ideas thanks
Asked by toy-8844Answer
O2 sensors would be the logical assumption, if CAT is not clogged.
replaced both 02 sensors, works great,bought both for 60.00 $ canadian from global-automotive from ebay brand name is Delphi,thanks guys for the tip
I have this same error code, I have 120,000 KM and the Cat is warranted until 130000km or 8 years
Should I take it the the dealer, or replace both o2 sensors first just like you did?
Replacing the O2 sensors is a logical step, but also check the CAT like previous poster.
Its a 2003 but the cat is still under warrenty. I just dont want to take it to the dealer and then they tell me no its not the Cat and then charge for o2 sensors that I could replace myself.
The dealer will normally check the CAT by doing a backpressure test, where they remove one of the O2 sensors and install a fitting to a gauge to test for excessive backpressure.
If CAT is not bad, you are under no obligation to have them replace the O2 sensors, just tell them you want a backpressure test performed, get results and go from there. You will, of course, have to pay for test.
OR, remove CAT yourself (it's bolted on) and inspect for black soot, melting, cracking.
Handle CAT carefully, DO NOT DROP IT.