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 Posted: Wed Dec 17, 2014 4:30 pm |
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Joined: Aug 24, 2014
Posts: 27
Trade Rating: 0
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Hey guys
Any help here would be much appreciated, basically I have a 1.1 LX 2001 Peugeot 206, after about an hour of motorway driving the "check engine" light came on.
Thought nothing of it and continued the hour and a half journey but it stayed on.
Basically the light had been on previously for a couple of months when I first bought the car which MOT people said to ignore, then the coil pack... packed up.
So after some very kind help on here identifying the issue, I saved myself 100 quid and changed the coil pack myself, all was good again, car started perfectly and what was unexpected was this light disappeared. I though this must have been the old coil pack that was slowly deteriorating hence the light was on so happy days.
Now it has come back on 6 months later! Car starts perfectly, purrs along- seemingly no coil pack issues now? As stated it finished my journey fine for the next hour...
Bought an OBD II reader to have a look at the check engine light and see the route of the problem, it came up with:P0420 - (catalyst efficiency below threshold bank1)
Can anyone help me with identifying exactly what this would be and how to fix it? I googled this and it could be the cat or lamba sensor apparently?
Can someone list what it might be and ill look through and tick them off.
Also would it be the coil pack/is it a possibility? I will do a through checkover of the car this weekend.
Any help would be greatly appreciated, would rather fix it myself than get a new CAT exhaust part which seems expensive!
Also i bought the OBD II reader to clear check engine faults, if it was like I thought- the efficiency, which is not going to stop me driving it home for Christmas next week! However when I try clear the code it says clear failed, any ideas to why this is? Thought they should clear check engine lights!
Thanks in advance guys!!
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Posted: Wed Dec 17, 2014 5:02 pm |
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Joined: Oct 16, 2014
Posts: 267
Trade Rating: +1
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when clearing a code, sometimes once cleared you need to turn the ignition on and off again.
With the engine management light was it flashing or constantly on?
If flashing you should be okay to continue driving however if the light is constantly on, it really isnt a good idea to continue driving the car.
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Posted: Wed Dec 17, 2014 11:27 pm |
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Joined: Jan 29, 2011
Posts: 6526
Trade Rating: +10
Location: Westhoughton, Lancashire
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P0420 OBD-II Trouble Code
Technical Description
Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)
What does that mean?
This diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is a generic powertrain code. It is considered generic because it applies to all makes and models of vehicles (1996-newer), although specific repair steps may be slightly different depending on the model. So this engine code article applies to Nissan, Toyota, Ford, GM, etc.
The catalytic converter is a part of the exhaust system that looks kind of like a muffler, although it's job is very different from that of a muffler. A catalytic converter's job is to reduce emmissions from the exhaust.
The catalytic converter has an oxygen sensor in front and behind it. When the vehicle is warm and running in closed loop mode, the upstream oxygen sensor waveform reading should fluctuate. The downstream O2 sensor reading should be fairly steady. Typically the P0420 code triggers the Check Engine Light if the readings of the two sensors are similar.
This is indicative of (among other things) a converter that is not working as efficiently as it should be (according to specs). Catalytic converters are not normally a "wear" type item, that is they are not deisgned to wear out and need replacement. If they have failed, it is likely due to something else that caused it to fail.
Symptoms
The main symptom to the driver is the illumination of the MIL (malfunction indicator lamp). You will likely not notice any drivability problems, although there may be symptoms. For example, if the substance inside the catalytic converter is broken or failed, it may be restricting the exhaust which will result in a feeling of reduced power output from the vehicle.
Causes
A code P0420 may mean that one or more of the following has happened:
Leaded fuel was used where unleaded was called for
A damaged or failed oxygen sensor (HO2S)
Downstream oxygen sensor (HO2S) wiring damaged or connected improperly
The engine coolant temperature sensor is not working properly
Damaged or leaking exhaust manifold / catalytic converter / muffler / exhaust pipe Retarded spark timing
The oxygen sensors in front and behind the converter are reporting too similar of readings
Leaking fuel injector or high fuel pressure
Cylinder misfire Oil contamination
Possible Solutions
Some suggested steps for troubleshooting a P0420 error code include:
Check for exhaust leaks at the manifold, pipes, catalytic converter. Repair as required.
Use a scope to diagnose the oxygen sensor operation (Tip: The oxygen sensor in front of the catalytic converter normally has a fluctuating waveform. The waveform of the sensor behind the converter should be more steady).
Inspect the downstream heated oxygen sensor (HO2S), replace if necessary
Replace the catalytic converter
Overall probably the biggest mistake vehicles owners make when they have a P0420 code is to simply replace an oxygen sensor (H02S).
It is important to do proper diagnosis so you're not wasting money replacing parts unnecessarily.
Copyright © OBD-Codes.com
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Posted: Thu Dec 18, 2014 5:01 pm |
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Joined: Aug 24, 2014
Posts: 27
Trade Rating: 0
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Hi Carlos,
The light is on all the time, I did turn the ignition on and off but it wouldnt clear it, any idea to why this is? Thought they are meant to clear all codes...
Thanks for the clarification of what it might be but that is a large list, any specific advice for Peugeot 206's handy? So I can start ticking off what it might be and identify the real cause, the error code covers a pretty large bracket.
Thanks guys
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Posted: Sat Dec 20, 2014 8:57 am |
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Joined: Aug 24, 2014
Posts: 27
Trade Rating: 0
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Just had a look under the bonnet... the air filter had fallen off... so it probably was sucking in unfiltered air!
How bad is this guys? Probably done about 80 miles or so without an air filter!
Is this what caused the light to turn on ? (pretty sure it is now)
cars running fine, have been using it all week, no change in power etc, any way to see if there has been any damage because of the unfiltered air, or is it just the light came on because of the difference in the amount of air/air quality? Will it turn off by itself now its back on clear air?
Thanks!
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Posted: Sat Dec 20, 2014 9:36 pm |
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Joined: Apr 01, 2014
Posts: 668
Trade Rating: 0
Location: Cornwall
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Fine no filter . You need a new cat pal . I say fine to drive . Mot fail thou . Get emissions checked ?
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Last edited by Project2062014 on Sat Dec 20, 2014 9:49 pm; edited 1 time in total
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Posted: Sat Dec 20, 2014 9:47 pm |
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Joined: Apr 01, 2014
Posts: 668
Trade Rating: 0
Location: Cornwall
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Mine comes on all time because of decat . It dont always clear . So i switch ignition off wait turn back on & clear faults . .02 sensor is reading to high ( ive got an o2 extension ) because its below efficiency . It needs to read correct before it clears eml light or the light stays on . After you clear the fault & dont fix it .
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| If it aint broke dont fix it ! | |
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Posted: Sun Dec 21, 2014 5:03 am |
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Joined: Aug 24, 2014
Posts: 27
Trade Rating: 0
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Thanks Project! It is annoying, it passed its MOT like 4 months ago!!
New cats are the one of the most expensive parts I assume?
Thanks for your help, will probably fix it in the new year but least it will get me home for Christmas!
Also is there anyway I can check what part it is specifically, if its the cat or is it the 02 sensor, etc.
How did you know its below efficiency? I should probably buy that tool first and test to see if it is the cat or just the sensor which I suppose would be cheaper
thanks
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Posted: Sun Dec 21, 2014 6:40 pm |
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Joined: Apr 01, 2014
Posts: 668
Trade Rating: 0
Location: Cornwall
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£ 70-120 for a cat .
Check emissions at a mot station .garage . If passed mot 4 months ago it maybe ok .
If emissions are ok then its a sensor ? if not its a cat .
clear faults and see if it pops on again ?
If so just wait till next mot and see what they say .
No immediate expense ..i wouldnt worry
If its the cat they tell you its failed emissions you at the next mot .
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| If it aint broke dont fix it ! | |
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Posted: Mon Dec 22, 2014 5:58 pm |
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Joined: Aug 24, 2014
Posts: 27
Trade Rating: 0
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Thanks again for your answers, owch thought it would be expensive.
Yeah it passed the emissions test recently :/
I did try clearing the fault and it says error clear? it wont clear it off the system, any idea why this is?
Thats good, hoping it will turn off itself with a long drive! we shall see!
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