catalytic converter xc60 2012
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catalytic converter xc60 2012
My CEL light came on in 2020 with error code PO420 and the dealer stated I needed both catalytic converters replaced. There was no other indication that there were any problems with my engine. My brother replaced both with Dorman cats in december 2020 at 178,000 miles. This month at 194,000, the CEL came on again and I am told that both CATS need replacing again pulling the same code as before PO420. Can this be possible? The mechanics do not suggest anything else to do but to replace them. They are under warranty from Dorman and I will just pay labor to install.
I have read in this forum that it could be the O2 sensors or the vacumn/intake could have air leaks. I have also read a comment to clean the air flow sensor with goof-off and a stainless steel brush.... and installing a dorman 42009 spark plug fooler to the read O2 sensor.
Before I take this car back to the mechanic to install the CATS, can any mechanic out there weight in on this please?
I have read in this forum that it could be the O2 sensors or the vacumn/intake could have air leaks. I have also read a comment to clean the air flow sensor with goof-off and a stainless steel brush.... and installing a dorman 42009 spark plug fooler to the read O2 sensor.
Before I take this car back to the mechanic to install the CATS, can any mechanic out there weight in on this please?
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Joined: Jul 2020
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From: GA
A 420 converter efficiency code is generated from the signals from the front and rear oxygen sensors. The converter is supposed to use the left over HC, O2, and CO after combustion and convert it into H2O and CO2. If the rear sensor detects too much O2 after that process you will get a 420 code. (since it was all supposed to be used up during the catalytic process).
O2 extenders (your dorman 42009 spark plug fooler perhaps) put the rear sensor slightly away from the exhaust stream. The extenders have been used for years to fool o2 sensors, usually in modded cars (think a ricer with a big aftermarket intercooler) And I as a shop owner would not install one for a customer if asked. (something about the federal law making modifying emissions equipment illegal)
It's certainly possible your rear sensor (or front, or both - or what engine do you have? 5?6cyl?) is contaminated or slow or lazy enough @194000 miles to need replacement. That stuff sure gets expensive
Do you need to pass an emissions inspection in your area? If not ignore it. If yes, sorry about that.
O2 extenders (your dorman 42009 spark plug fooler perhaps) put the rear sensor slightly away from the exhaust stream. The extenders have been used for years to fool o2 sensors, usually in modded cars (think a ricer with a big aftermarket intercooler) And I as a shop owner would not install one for a customer if asked. (something about the federal law making modifying emissions equipment illegal)
It's certainly possible your rear sensor (or front, or both - or what engine do you have? 5?6cyl?) is contaminated or slow or lazy enough @194000 miles to need replacement. That stuff sure gets expensive
Do you need to pass an emissions inspection in your area? If not ignore it. If yes, sorry about that.
Last edited by hoonk; Feb 16, 2022 at 05:05 PM.
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