saj07

Can someone help we what i can do MY nissan MAxima SE 2001 engine light came on 3 days ago I have no warranty because 45,000 miles on 2001 maxima, Dealer told me 100 dollar for inspection and upto 1000 doaller to fix it, Can some 1 guide me on what i can do


Thanks

error code 420 catalyst system effiency below threshold bank 1


What does this mean and what i do know

Thanks

BennysMAXIMA

What code are you pulling?

saj07

I have no code i need help how to do it or who do i take it to

Thanks

OSoFast

Don't go to any dealer for service-unless it's still under warranty. I think autozone can scan your ECU for free, i'm not sure. I have my own hand held scanner that i've purchased from SEARS awhile back. Works wonder! It give that exact problem or problem codes, less headache and less money spending on going to a dealer for services.

saj07

Thaankoyu for the quick response i appreciate all your help I will try to goto Auto zone see what they can do

Thanks

saj07

Code 420 auto zone pulled for me it says

Catalyst System Effieniency Below Threshold Bank 1

What do I do Know Change the converter or keep driving

Thanks

maseo77

iTrader: (1)

that 0420 code means one of your precats has failed i had that same code, get a y-pipe and it will go away or buy a new oem y-pipe from the stealership and pay a left leg & a right ball 4 it.

maseo77

iTrader: (1)

and it doesnt hurt to keep driving with it on, just gotta have a staring contest with the check engine light which you will lose.

saj07

Thankyou so I dont have to get it change ? I thought is this a catalyst conveter,

maseo77

iTrader: (1)

u dont HAVE to get it changed i think the dealership will replace a cat for free, but if u plan on getting an after market y-pipe there is no need for a new precat because u will be eliminating them with the new y-pipe

cgmaxx00

There is a TSB about this. It happened to me too. There's nothing wrong. Just bring the car to the dealer and they will reprogram your ECU free of charge.

saj07

But I do not have warranty will the dealer still do it or have shall i proceed.

Everyone thanks again for you kind help

cgmaxx00

This just happened to me about 6 weeks ago. I do not have a waranty either. It has nothing to do with the Cat. Don't worry at all. It's a malfunction in the ECU, and it just needs to be reset. As long as the dealer pulls the same code which I'm sure they will if Autozone did, it will be free. They won't even charge you an hour labor to pull the code. Tell the dealer that you went to Autozone and they pulled the 0420 code, and you will be all set.

cgmaxx00

I forgot to mention that my Max is 00 GLE with 41000 miles and no waranty.

maseo77

iTrader: (1)

FREE??!?! ecu reprogram out of warranty?!?! Those ho's told me 80 bucks

cgmaxx00

That's weak. I think I'm the only one I know who has had nothing but good experiences with Nissan service! They do owe you 80 bucks. Check the TSB.

jonbth

I copied and pasted this right from a Nissan service manual, Code 420


SEF484Y
On Board Diagnosis Logic
NFEC0214
The ECM monitors the switching frequency ratio of heated oxygen
sensors 1 (front) and 2 (rear).
A three way catalyst (Manifold) with high oxygen storage capacity
will indicate a low switching frequency of heated oxygen sensor 2
(rear). As oxygen storage capacity decreases, the heated oxygen
sensor 2 (rear) switching frequency will increase.
When the frequency ratio of heated oxygen sensor 1 (front) and 2
(rear) approaches a specified limit value, the three way catalyst
(Manifold) malfunction is diagnosed.
Malfunction is detected when three way catalyst (Manifold) does
not operate properly, three way catalyst does not have enough
oxygen storage capacity.
Possible Cause


NFEC0504
I Three way catalyst (Manifold)
I Exhaust tube
I Intake air leaks
I Injectors
I Injector leaks
I Spark plug
I Improper ignition timing

DTC P0420 (BANK 1), P0430 (BANK 2) THREE WAY CATALYST FUNCTION
On Board Diagnosis Logic
EC-357

MAX_AE

I just took mine to the dealer yesterday for the same service light problem (P0420 code). I told them I took it to Autozone. They said the ECU needed reflashing and it usually cost around $65. I asked if this fell under the emissions warranty since it was a catalyst problem. They said they'd check. It ended up being free. I have 47K miles on mine.

maxi-freak

Use the search feature. I've posted many posts regarding the PO420, and have become an expert on it.

Spend no money! Get the ECU updated. If that doesn't get it, then your cat is under warranty for 80k!

saj07

OK once again thanks, Autozone has already reset my service engine light to go off. Do i still need to goto the dealer and reset the ECU ? or what.

Or shall i wait till service lights comes on. If understood you correct autozone already reset my ECU ?pllease verify if so then i will not need to goto the dealership, if they just switch it off then the chance's are it will come back on.

Thanks for everyone kind and generous help bare with me i am new. A female owner and dont know much about cars. I just hate when dealers charge me arm and a leg for no reason.

Thanks again

maxi-freak

Hi saj07,

I agree with you about dealerships. You have to go in there "educated" then they'll treat you differently.

OK...Autozone reset your code. Odds are it's gonna come back. When and if it does, take it to the dealership (with the service engine soon light on)and tell them to "update the ECU" per the Nissan technical service bulletin. It's free. Don't let them hastle you about it.

If you need help, you can get it here.