have codes, unsure what they mean?

dejavu33 · Post by **dejavu33** » 25 Jun 2012, 02:24

ok bare with me! not sure if i have what I need to figure out the check engine light being on? We plugged into a code reading device and this is what it gave me (keep in mind it was one a friend had) lol! so the code was P0420 generic and when I plugged that into the computer at home on thecanobd2.com repair solution it said = Three way catalytic converter efficiency power deterioration... can anyone explain this in plain english please! I am a mother of two who just needs the basics of what to do next and how bad is it!! thanks a billion.

Post by **zulu-v40** » 25 Jun 2012, 11:46

When this happened to me, it was a clogged, defective catalytic converter, but it can mean a lot of different things. This code is tricky to track down. There are oxygen sensors connected to the catalytic converter. These could be faulty too. It could also mean you have vacuum leaks. It could mean the engine coolant temperature sensor is faulty. Are you using unleaded fuel, 91 or higher? How many miles are on the car? Before throwing parts and money at it, I would remove the catalytic converter and inspect. Is it clogged?