2011 Chevy Equinox 2.4L P0420 Code

[chevyguy]

So my check engine light came on and I was able to pull a code P0420 Catalyst system low efficiency. Now I know this could mean a bad cat, bad O2 sensor(s) or even a crack in the manifold. I have a 2011 Chevy Equinox 2.4L with a little over 80k on it. Does anyone know if there is a common fix for this? I was hoping it was a loose gas cap or something lol...But seems from looking online it can be a variety of things. 

[Alex]

Yes it could be a variety of things and the right thing would be to have it diagnosed either at a repair shop or a dealer, unless you are able to run some test on the 02 and exhaust. The other thing to consider is if there are some warranty or added warranty items available on this vehicle. If you haven't already, get your car loaded into myChevy 

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 . You'll be able to see if there are any recalls and service items extended to 150k. Some of these GM vehicles have additional coverage added to them because of known issues and some include the catalytic converter, fuel pump, and also oil consumption which could trigger your code as well. 

[partsman]

Could be a misfire also, clear the code and see if it comes back again. If it does, you need diagnostics to determine what the issue is. The code isn't exact where you know what part to replace to fix it.

[MCT]

here are a number of things that could be causing this p0420 catalyst efficiency code. The most common thing is the catalytic converter itself is no longer functioning properly.
The other likely thing is the rear O2 (oxygen) sensor is no longer working properly. Other things could include exhaust leaks, damaged exhaust pipes, damaged O2 sensor wiring/connectors, plugged catalytic converter, etc.
The easiest thing to do first is a visual check of things. Visually inspect the exhaust system for leaks, check the catalytic converter for dents, holes, severe discoloration, and check for a rattle inside. If any of those syptoms are there, the converter likely needs replacement.
Then, visually inspect the downstream O2 sensor (behind the converter). Check for broken wires, obvious faults, etc. If all that checks out, you'll want to check the operation of the O2 sensor. To do that, you'll need access to a scan tool or oscilliscope. Check that the waveform is pretty steady. If the reading fluctuates then the sensor is likely bad and will need to be replaced.
Try this, turn the ignition key to the on position, (engine not running) and pull the fuse to your ECM for 30 seconds and then re-install it. Once re-installed, start the engine and let idle for 1 min and then go for a test drive.
If the engine stalls, let it. The ECM is relearning the sensors and engine, just restart it and after 1 min when the RPM drops. Go for a test drive and see if the service engine light comes back on and re-scan for the DTC codes and address the issues indicated by the DTC code.
 

Edited August 11, 2017 by MCT
Misspell

[chevyguy]

Yeah, I'm leaning towards a clogged catalytic converter.

[MCT]

Sometimes you can bang it with a small hammer, and it;ll run a tad better.

[MCT]

Got it fixed yet?

[chevyguy]

Nope, we are going to drop it off at the dealer in a couple of weeks so they can check it out. Hopefully its part of one of the added special warranties...

 

 

 

[MCT]

Since your taking to a dealer, Might wanna ask for a raise.....

[MCT]

How is your car coming?  @chevyguy

[chevyguy]

16 hours ago, MCT said:

How is your car coming?  @chevyguy

Haven't taken it yet, check engine light still on. Might have to bring it after vacation.

[MCT]

[MCT]

14 hours ago, chevyguy said:

Haven't taken it yet, check engine light still on. Might have to bring it after vacation.

Have fun!

[chevyguy]

So we left Saturday on vacation and left the equinox at the dealer to check into the car efficiency code, oil consumption, occasional hard shift, and slow l/f tire leak. So we'll see, they have it for the week. I also dug up a letter from GM for an extended warranty on replacing the cat if needed.

[chevyguy]

Back from vacation and got the equinox back from the dealer. They changed the converter under recall and also changed the fuel pump and an adjustable seat bolt, which were also both under recall. No check engine light and runs great so far. 

[MCT]

Alright! good!