Codes p420 and p430

Tiny
DIVIDES
  • MEMBER
  • 2013 BUICK ENCLAVE
  • 100,000 MILES
I just had the Buick as an example. I see these codes on many cars, so common, can you tell me what is the usual cause or the most common cause for these codes?
Sunday, November 7th, 2021 AT 2:44 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,179 POSTS
Hi,

Both of these codes are related to a catalytic converter that is performing under the threshold set by the manufacturer.

P0420 is a bank 1 catalyst efficiency

P0430 is a bank 2 catalyst efficiency

From experience, in most cases, the converter will need to be replaced. However, there are other things that can set the codes such as a faulty oxygen sensor or wiring problem. Basically, the ECM has identified an O2 sensor with a low switching frequency (heated O2 sensor/sensor 2). You can confirm that by using a live data scan tool to watch voltage changes from a specific sensor.

Here are two links you may find of interest:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-an-oxygen-sensor-works

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-an-oxygen-sensor-02-sensor

One more thought. Here is a link related to the symptoms of a failing catalytic converter. Hopefully, it will help you.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/bad-catalytic-converter-symptoms

I hope this helps. Let me know if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe
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Sunday, November 7th, 2021 AT 8:48 PM

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