Check Engine Light-what's this code mean?
 

Check engine light came on last night, I bought an odbII scanner and it gives me code P0420. Book says that code is for Catalyst system efficiency below threshhold (Bank 1).

Is this an o2 sensor or clogged catalytic converter?
Is Bank 1 driver or passenger side.

Car has a cut out on it, other than that it's a stock 2002 SS exhaust system and only mod is a lid.

Thanks

This code is thrown when the rear o2 sensor starts to switch like the front one. Normally the front o2 alternates between 0-1 volt and the "o2 monitor" rear o2 stays at a constant voltage. This code is thrown when the rear o2 signal matches up to closely with the front o2. Indicating the cat is not doing its job.

Sometimes slow responding upstream O2s will cause this.

Thanks, so will gutting/removing my converter fix this?

No. Gutting/removing the converter will CAUSE this.

Do a search for "P0420". This is a pretty common problem.

If you gut it or remove it you will still be getting that code. You could gut both of the cats and get a set of o2 simulators for the rear o2 sensors though. It really depends on what time of emissions testing they do in your area.

He is right. The code is for your cat not working very well. Gutting it or removing it isn't going to make it work any better so you will still get the code. However gutting them and getting o2 sims would work if you are not worried about emissions testing.

OK, Thanks Guys.
BTW, Black01, that is a beautiful ride you have there!

OK, did a search and saw one post that GM extended the warranty on 00-02 F bodys for the cat problem to 10 years 120K, is that true?

True
Notes

Subject:
Special Coverage Adjustment - Catalytic Converter Extended Warranty
# 05513 - (11/27/2006)

Models:
2000-02 CHEVROLET CAMARO
2000-02 PONTIAC FIREBIRD

EQUIPPED WITH 5.7L V8 (RPO LSI - VIN G) ENGINE

Condition

Some customers of 2000-02 Chevrolet Camaro and 2000-02 Pontiac Firebird model vehicles, equipped with a 5.7L V8 (RPO LSI - VIN G) engine, may experience a failure of the left or right catalytic converter.

Special Coverage Adjustment

This special coverage covers the condition described above for a period of 10 years or 120,000 miles (193,000 km), whichever occurs first, from the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, regardless of ownership. The repairs will be made at no charge to the customer.

For vehicles covered by Vehicle Service Contracts, all eligible claims with repair orders on or after November 27, 2006 are covered by this special coverage and must be submitted using the labor operation codes provided with this bulletin. Claims with repair orders prior to November 27, 2006 must be submitted to the Service Contract provider


Hope this helps.

Absolutely so, Thank you very much. I'm gonna call the dealership in the morning and have them fix it.:D

No problem, I'm glad you mentioned it because I forgot all about it.

Thanks! I've changed up a few things since the pic was taken. It now has Prostars and nice polished SS badges to match...oh, and a FMIC behind my new black billit grille:devil: