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Home >> Ford >> 2015 >> Explorer Limited, 3.5L Eng VIN 8, AWD >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Engine Performance >> System >> Engine Controls - Powertrain DTC Charts & Descriptions (Except Diesel & Hybrid) >> Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Charts and Descriptions >> P0420 - Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1) - DTC Chart

P0420 - Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1) - DTC Chart

P0420 - CATALYST SYSTEM EFFICIENCY BELOW THRESHOLD (BANK 1) - DTC CHART

Description:  This DTC sets when the bank 1 catalyst system efficiency is below the acceptable threshold.
Possible Causes: 
  • Use of leaded fuel
  • Damaged heated oxygen sensor (HO2S)
  • Out of range engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor
  • High fuel pressure
  • Damaged exhaust manifold
  • Damaged catalytic converter
  • Oil contamination
  • Cylinder misfiring
  • Downstream HO2S wires incorrectly connected
  • Damaged exhaust system pipe
  • Damaged muffler and tailpipe assembly
  • Retarded spark timing
  • Leaking fuel injector
Diagnostic Aids:  Under normal closed loop fuel conditions, high efficiency catalysts have oxygen storage which reduces the frequency and amplitude of the downstream HO2S. As catalyst efficiency deteriorates, its ability to store oxygen declines and the downstream HO2S signal has an increased amplitude and frequency. The PCM compares the signal line length of the downstream HO2S to an expected signal line length of the downstream HO2S with a deteriorated catalytic converter.
Application  Key On Engine Off  Key On Engine Running  Continuous Memory 
All GO to Pinpoint Test HF .