P0420 Code
The engine control module (ECM) uses two O2 sensors. One is on the front of the catalytic converter and the other is on the back to measure efficiency. If the catalytic system is inefficient, the P0420 code will be triggered. In most cases, the P0420 trouble code is due to a defective catalytic converter.
Efficiency Reduction
Improper air-fuel mixture can temporarily or permanently reduce the efficiency of the catalytic converter, resulting in a PO420 code. In most cases, the P0420 code will not cause any other problems with the car engine.
Damage
The only thing that can happen is that the catalytic converter is so damaged that the internal components of the catalytic converter loosen and obstruct the flow of the exhaust, which is rare. However, the P0420 trouble code can worsen your car’s emissions and it is bad for the environment and should be fixed as soon as possible.
Precautions
Before attempting to clean the catalytic converter, there are a few things to consider. The pieces inside the catalytic converter might become loose in several instances. If this is the case, the catalytic converter will have to be removed and replaced. If the catalytic converter is so blocked that the engine won’t start, it’ll need to remove and replace with either special equipment or a new catalytic converter.
Examining the Parts
A rubber hammer can be used to carefully hit the catalytic converter and listen to see if there are any loose bits within. If it loses components, It’s recommended to remove and examine the catalytic converter because the loose parts could come looser and completely plug the exhaust pipe, causing the car to come to a halt while driving. Keep in mind that the catalytic converter may have been cleaned on the inside, and parts inside it may have blown out through the exhaust pipe. It’s difficult to detect without removing the catalytic converter, so if it the suspicious, take it out and inspect it.
Checking Oil Leak
Oil entering the cylinders and being combusted and burned inside the hot catalytic converter may have caused the catalytic converter to become clogged. If this is the case, it should always fix the internal oil leak before trying this remedy, as it may only work for a short period before the catalytic converter becomes blocked again. Clogged crankcase ventilation, broken valve seals, or worn piston rings are common signs of an internal oil leak.
Read if you want to know: Jeep JK Exhaust System
Cat-con Unclogging
Uncovering the Converter
Find Catalyst, they are located in the center or edge of the exhaust system and can take the form of square or rounded devices. When you find the screw, carefully loosen it with a wrench. Oil can be used if needed to loosen the bot. However, if you are welding instead of bolting, you may need the help of a mechanic here.
Pre-processing
Examine the catalyst if it breaks or melts completely, this method will not work and all that remains is to replace it, so this procedure should be done fairly carefully. Hit or shake the cat-con to see if anything is broken inside. However, if it is not broken or melted, you can move on to the next step.
Cleaning the Catalytic Converter
Wipe the outer body of the Cat-con with a clean towel or cloth to remove any surface residue. Then use a pressure washer to remove the debris or debris from the Cat-con. Be careful not to use very high pressure and enter both the outlet pipe and the inlet pipe. Prepare a solution of hot water and a degreasing agent in a container large enough to hold the cat-con. Place the cat-con in a container for about 45 minutes. However, do not leave it for more than a few hours as it can have adverse effects. After removing the catalytic converter from the canister, allow sufficient time for it to dry completely before reattaching it. Dry with a towel if necessary. If you do this, you can also use a pressure washer to wash it off.
Place the Converter Back
Now that all the steps are complete, the catalyst can be safely returned to its original location. At this point, you can very much expect that the blockage has been successfully removed. Ironically, after all these efforts, there is still no certainty. You can then board and see if the code reappears. However, if you still get the code and check the engine lights, the problem is out of reach and it may be unavoidable to avoid the help of a mechanic or replace it completely.
Read: Exhaust Clamps for Cars, Trucks & Suvs
Converter Cleaning Product
Using a catalytic converter cleaner product is the simplest way to clean a catalytic converter without removing it. It doesn’t matter if it has a petrol, diesel, or hybrid automobile; simply insert it into the fuel tank. This will aid in the cleaning of the catalytic converter, as well as the O2 sensors and the entire exhaust system.
Examine the Converter Condition
Remember that if the catalytic converter is fractured, broken, or overly blocked, this solution will not fix the problem. This is a cleaner for a catalytic converter that has become slightly clogged and has lost its power over time. It can certainly use other brands of catalytic cleansers, but this one has proven to be the most effective.
Read to know: Straight Pipe Exhaust : Advantages
Measure the Cleaner Amount
Check the cleaner’s instruction booklet and pour the exact amount of cleaner into the fuel specified. Make sure the use the right amount of product for the automobile and engine, since using too much might harm the catalytic converter even more.
Test Drive
Drive the automobile for a few miles to see if it performs better than it did previously. It can also try driving the car at high RPMs (above 3000) over a long distance to burn out the clog inside the catalytic converter.
Check the Temperature
However, keep an eye on the coolant temperature to ensure that the automobile does not overheat. If it can pull the rusted bolts out, removing the catalytic converter on most cars is usually pretty simple.
Check for Clogging
In some vehicles, the catalytic converters are mounted directly on the turbocharger, making removal more difficult. If it still believes the catalytic converter is clogged even though it appears to be in good condition when inspected, it might try cleaning it in a bath with water and lacquer thinner. This does work on occasion, and it may save it money.
Read also: Fixing Reduced Engine Power On A Chevy Impala
Avoid Preventive Maintenance Additives
There’s a slim chance that fuel or oil additives will help a catalytic converter that has grown overly clogged. In reality, preventative maintenance additives will exacerbate the problem or completely clog the catalytic converter. If the additives fail to fix the problem, they will have to be removed and cleaned (which is still not guaranteed) or replaced, which is an expensive option.
Final Thoughts
Now that you understand the importance of cleaning the catalytic converter for both the environment and the health of the vehicle, listen carefully to the symptoms and make sure that the catalytic converter is being repaired first.
