i just came back from autozone to get a code pulled b/c my SES light came on yesterday. i got a p0420 code. what does this mean? what can i do about it so that i won't have to take it to a mechanic? any help would be appreciated...

 

that code means if you have under 80k then take it to a dealer for an ecu flash. its covered under a federally mandated emissions warranty for 8yrs/80k miles. this cures most of the 0420 codes but some have had to replace their cat after the ecu flash did not fix it.

 

I just had this done recently. They will reprogram your ECU. This will be covered under your emissions warranty. It is listed in one of the TSBs. Go to the following site to get a full list of TSBs for your car. There are others things it could be, but if it is the ECU or the catalytic converter, it will be covered under your warranty.

http://maxima.theowensfamily.com/tsb/

 

What about 0430? Is that an 02 also, if so which one. Or is it cat trouble. I had 0420 taken care of at dealership and it was an 02 sensor problem. Thanks

 

P0420 Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)
P0430 Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 2)

 

How do you guys know all this?!

Cool!

 

Google search, my friend.

I found this site. http://www.obdii.com/codes.html

P0**** codes are generic OBDII codes. The same code list will apply to all cars manufactured or sold in USA after 1996.

P1**** codes are specific to a manufacturer so if it was a code in which the first 2 digits were P1, he'd have to get a manufacturer specific list.

I bought an OBDII scanner kit for a PC through www.ghg.net/harrison

Its worked well so far.

 

Cool. Google does the wonder these days.

Nice finds!

 

So in theory the 420 code can be:

• O2 sensor in bank 1
• ECU needs to be flashed
• Main cat
• can it be the air intake?

 

I have gotten this same code too. However, the shop reset my code and nissan wont do anything until my CEL comes back on! Also, do any of you guys now how long it will take the light to come back on? I've heard the computer has to experience this problem so many times before it comes on. Thanks!