Check Engine Light

[BigBOSS]

P0420 catalyst system low efficiency bank 1


I haven't modified anything on my Camaro in a couple years, the only bolt-on's I have installed are an Airraid CAI and replaced the mufflers. I haven't touched the cats. Over the past month or so I have gotten this CEL code randomly on some days.

Any ideas?

[Ventmaster]

How many miles on your car? The driver's side cat could be failing just from use.

Data from the MAF can also cause this code, so I'd also give it a clean!

[BigBOSS]

Originally Posted by Ventmaster

How many miles on your car? The driver's side cat could be failing just from use.

Data from the MAF can also cause this code, so I'd also give it a clean!

It has around 53,500 miles. What would be the correct way of cleaning the MAF without damaging it?

[Ventmaster]

Pick up a spray can of cleaner at any auto parts store and follow instructions closely (don't hold it too closely to the sensor) and allow to dry before use. Eazy-peazy!

Cat's should be good for at least 100K miles, hopefully the cleaning will do it.

[Sikoriko]

Do you race the car? This would cause them to foul prematurely.

[BigBOSS]

Originally Posted by Sikoriko

Do you race the car? This would cause them to foul prematurely.

Nope. It's my DD.. I'll get on the throttle every once in a while since Austin drivers can be pretty retarded.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

[BigBOSS]

Originally Posted by Ventmaster

Pick up a spray can of cleaner at any auto parts store and follow instructions closely (don't hold it too closely to the sensor) and allow to dry before use. Eazy-peazy!

Cat's should be good for at least 100K miles, hopefully the cleaning will do it.

Mind giving me a link to a product you would recommend?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

[Nutbutt]

Take a look for an exhaust leak. Typically you can see leaks on the camaro since the cars run rich. Look for black carbon streaks on exhaust joints up front. Seen this before on muffler jobs where moving things around resulted in leaks by the manifold and cats.

[Ventmaster]

This what I'm currently using- http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web...-crc_7070079-p

And Nutbutt's right, could be an exhaust leak.
I've heard of a few Camaro owner's stock exhaust manifold gaskets have simply gone bad and starting leaking without provocation.

If this persists, there's always a trip to the dealer to fall back on!

[TooCool5]

That is a pesky code, MAF cleaning is a good start, also torque the exhaust manifold bolts and look for leaks, also fuel injector clean sometimes helps clean the 02's.

Check your glove box manual, the cat is covered under extended warranties.

[Flashpoint135]

I had the same issue, took it into the dealer and they replaced the cat under warranty. Mine is also a daily driver, >60,000 miles. I have a Cold Air Inductions CAI but stock exhaust.

[BigBOSS]

Is the cat covered under the 100,000 mile powertrain warranty? How many years does that come with?

I'm at 53,500 miles and have had the car 4.5 years.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

[The Stig]

Originally Posted by BigBOSS

Is the cat covered under the 100,000 mile powertrain warranty? How many years does that come with?

I'm at 53,500 miles and have had the car 4.5 years.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

5 year 100,000 miles I believe. But yes, the catalytic converter is covered under the powertrain warranty.

[BigBOSS]

Think they would give me shit for having the AIRRAID CAI and different mufflers? I know it depends on the dealer ultimately..

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk