• | Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure. |
• | Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach. |
• | Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category. |
In order to maintain a reasonably low emission level of hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO), and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) a 3-way catalytic converter (TWC) is used. The catalyst within the converter promotes a chemical reaction that oxidizes the HC and CO present in the exhaust gas. This reaction converts the gases into harmless water vapor and carbon dioxide. The catalyst also reduces the NOx , converting the NOx into nitrogen. The engine control module (ECM) monitors this process using the post catalyst heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) signal. The post-catalyst HO2S located in the exhaust stream after the TWC, produces an output signal that indicates the oxygen storage capacity of the catalyst. The oxygen storage capacity (OSC) determines the ability of the catalyst to convert the exhaust emissions effectively. If the catalyst is functioning correctly, the post-catalyst HO2S signal will be far less active than the signal produced by the pre-catalyst HO2S.
To determine OSC, the ECM commands a rich air/fuel mixture until all oxygen is removed from the catalyst. The ECM then commands a lean air/fuel mixture and monitors the rear heated oxygen sensors to calculate the oxygen storage capacity. The catalyst is operated in this mode until one of the following conditions occur:
• | The oxygen stored in the catalyst exceeds a calibrated threshold, which is determined from the HO2S 2 signal. |
• | The ECM detects the catalyst to be completely saturated with oxygen, which is determined from the HO2S 2 signal. |
• | Before the ECM can report DTC P0420 or P0430 failed, DTCs P0030, P0031, P0032, P0036, P0037, P0038, P0050, P0051, P0052, P0056, P0057, P0058, P0100, P0101, P0102, P0103, P0121, P0122, P0123, P0131, P0132, P0133, P0135, P0137, P0138, P0140, P0141, P0151, P0152, P0153, P0155, P0157, P0158, P0160, P0161, P0221, P0222, P0223, P0335, P0336, P0338, P2096, P2097, P2098, P2099, P2195, P2196, P2197, P2198, P2232, P2235, P2237, P2240, P2243, P2247, P2251, P2254, P2270, P2271, P2272, P2273, P2297, P2298, P2626, and P2629 must run and pass. |
• | DTC P000A, P000B, P000C, P000D, P0010, P0011, P0013, P0014, P0020, P0021, P0023, P0024, P0030, P0031, P0032, P0050, P0051, P0052, P0100, P0101, P0102, P0103, P0116, P0117, P0118, P0119, P0121, P0122, P0123, P0128, P013A, P013C, P013E, P0130, P0131, P0132, P0133, P0135, P0137, P0138, P014A, P0140, P0141, P0150, P0151, P0152, P0153, P0155, P0157, P0158, P0160, P0161, P0221, P0222, P0223, P0300, P0301-P0306, P0443, P0455, P0458, P0459, P0496, P2088, P2089, P2090, P2091, P2092, P2093, P2094, P2095, P2096, P2097, P2098, P2099, P2100, P2101, P2107, P2119, P2122, P2123, P2127, P2128, P2138, P2176, P2177, P2178, P2179, P2180, P2187, P2188, P2189, P2190, P2232, P2235, P2270, P2271, P2272, or P2273 is not set. |
• | The engine speed is 1,080-3,000 RPM, or 1,160-2,440 RPM for LLT. |
• | The engine load is 13-45 percent, or 13-80 percent for LLT. |
• | The air flow into the engine is between 4-20 g/s and steady, 3-28 g/s for LLT. |
• | The engine intake air temperature (IAT) is warmer than -30°C (-22°F). |
• | The HO2S 2 is at operating temperature for greater than a range of 140-300 seconds, or 140-210 seconds for LLT. |
• | The engine is operating in Closed Loop. |
• | The calculated TWC temperature is between 480-750°C (896-1,382°F) and steady, 500-900°C (932-1,652°F) for LLT. |
• | The difference between the expected TWC temperature and the calculated TWC temperature is less than 40°C (72°F). |
• | The difference between the expected exhaust gas mass flow and the calculated exhaust gas mass flow is less than 11 g/s. |
• | The above conditions exist for approximately 17 minutes. |
• | DTCs P0420 and P0430 run once a drive cycle. The ECM will attempt to run this diagnostic up to 3 times per drive cycle. |
The ECM determines the oxygen storage capacity (OSC) of the catalyst has degraded below a calibrated threshold. The DTC sets when the condition exists during the sample period, then a 5 second delay for the MIL.
DTCs P0420 and P0430 are Type A DTCs.
DTCs P0420 and P0430 are Type A DTCs.
Inspect for the following conditions, which may cause a catalytic converter to degrade:
• | An engine misfire |
• | High engine oil or high coolant consumption |
• | Retarded spark timing |
• | A weak or poor spark |
• | A lean fuel mixture |
• | A rich fuel mixture |
• | A damaged oxygen sensor or wiring harness |
Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions
Control Module References for scan tool information
⇒ | If there are any HO2S, fuel system, or misfire DTCs set, diagnosis the applicable DTC before proceeding with this diagnostic procedure. Refer to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle. |
• | The catalytic converter is an original part |
• | The HO2S 2 is secure and the wiring is not damaged, or contacting the exhaust |
• | The exhaust system for leaks, damage, or missing hardware |
⇒ | If a condition is found, repair as necessary. |
Note: Before replacing the catalytic converter, correct any conditions that may have damaged the converter.
Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.