Catalytic converter problems - 2004 Dodge Neon

The PO420 code is a generic code indicating a problem with the catalytic converter system efficiency below threshold. This issue can be caused by several factors, including:

1. A clogged or failing catalytic converter
2. An exhaust leak before the catalytic converter
3. A malfunctioning oxygen sensor
4. Fuel system issues, such as a clogged fuel injector
5. Engine misfire
6. A damaged or failing ignition system
7. A vacuum leak

Here are the steps you can take to diagnose and fix the issue:

1. Check the catalytic converter: If the converter is clogged, it may need to be replaced.
2. Examine the exhaust system for leaks: Leaks before the catalytic converter can reduce its efficiency. If a leak is found, it should be repaired.
3. Replace the oxygen sensor: If the oxygen sensor is malfunctioning, it can cause the engine to run too rich or too lean, which can affect the catalytic converter.
4. Check the fuel system: Clogged fuel injectors can cause a lean fuel mixture, which can harm the catalytic converter. Have the fuel system checked and cleaned as necessary.
5. Repair any engine misfires: An engine misfire can damage the catalytic converter over time. Fix the misfire and see if the code returns.
6. Check the ignition system: A faulty ignition system can cause a misfire and damage the catalytic converter. Have the ignition system checked and repaired as needed.
7. Find and fix any vacuum leaks: Vacuum leaks can cause a lean fuel mixture and damage the catalytic converter.

It's best to have a mechanic diagnose the problem and perform the necessary repairs, as some of these repairs can be complicated and require specialized tools.

Did you reset the code?

Try some of this to clean the fouling in the rest of the system,

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before you go changing out the catalytic converter realize that the engine light comes on with only a few percent of the catalytic converter plugged - so before you change it, clan out the engine combustion chamber. i did this on my ford Taurus and with a $5 can of carb cleaner, it solved the problem

catalytic converter part is part of the exhaust system, torque converter part of transmission.if catalytic plugged car will only go 10 miles and hour, if you have torque converter problems car will stall out when you drive 30 miles and hour, when transmission goes in over drive, torque converter lock up.when you apply brakes torque converter suppose to unlock if not car will stall out when you come to a stop.

P0422 Buick - Catalyst below threshold.

Catalytic converter is clogged or out of medium.

Replace it.


ACTUAL DIAGNOSTIC:

Fault Code Definition
Code P0422 indicates that the Bank 1 Main Catalytic Converter's emissions efficiency has fallen below the minimum allowable limit. This threshold is tracked by a Catalyst Monitoring Oxygen Sensor located on or near the outlet of the Catalytic Converter.

Symptoms

* Check Engine Light will illuminate
* In many cases, no abnormal symptoms may be noticed

Common Problems That Trigger the P0422 Code

* Defective Catalytic Converter
* Engine misfires have damaged the Catalytic Converter
* Internal engine damage resulting in high oil consumption and/or a leaking Head gasket has damaged the Catalytic Converter

Common Misdiagnoses

* Oxygen Sensors are replaced when the real problem is a damaged Catalyst
* Catalyst is replaced when the real problem is internal engine damage, which is producing elevated emissions levels
* Catalyst is replaced when a misfiring engine is the real problem



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Catalytic Converter Removal & Installation 2.2L Engine To Remove:
Catalytic converter 2.2L engine

1. Raise and safely support the vehicle.
2. Disconnect the heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) electrical connector.
3. Remove the exhaust manifold pipe flange mounting nuts from the catalytic converter.
4. Remove the catalytic converter flange mounting nuts from the muffler.
5. Remove the catalytic converter from the muffler.
6. Remove the catalytic converter from the rear hanger bracket insulator.
7. Remove the catalytic converter.
8. Remove the (HO2S) from the catalytic converter.

To Install:

1. Install the (HO2S) to the catalytic converter.
2. Install a new gasket and the catalytic converter to the muffler.
3. Install catalytic converter to the catalytic converter hanger.
4. Install the catalytic converter flange mounting nuts to the muffler flange.
   • Tighten to 26 ft lbs (35 Nm).
5. Install the catalytic converter flange mounting nuts to the exhaust manifold pipe flange.
   • Tighten to 26 ft lbs (35 Nm).
6. Connect the heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) electrical connector.
7. Lower the vehicle.

------ Catalytic Converter Removal & Installation 4.3L Engine To Remove:

1. Raise and safely support the vehicle.
2. Raise and support the transmission.
3. Remove the transmission support
4. Disconnect the left and right pre-converter heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) electrical connector.
5. Disconnect the post-converter (HO2S) connector. Muffler flange and gasket
   
   
6. Remove the catalytic converter flange mounting nuts from the muffler.
7. Remove the catalytic converter from the muffler.
8. Remove the exhaust manifold flange mounting nuts from the catalytic converter. Catalytic converter 4.3L engine
   
   
9. Remove the catalytic converter from the support bracket insulator.
10. Remove the catalytic converter and gaskets.
11. Remove the heated oxygen sensor.

To Install:

1. Install the heated oxygen sensors as needed.
2. Install a new gasket and the Install the catalytic converter to the support bracket insulator.
3. Install the catalytic converter to the exhaust manifold flange. Install the mounting nuts.
   • Tighten to 39 ft lbs (53 Nm).
4. Using a new flange gasket, install the catalytic converter to the muffler. Install the mounting nuts.
   • Tighten to 30 ft lbs (40 Nm).
5. Connect the left and right pre-converter heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) electrical connectors.
6. Connect the post-converter (HO2S) electrical connector.
7. Install the transmission support.
8. Lower the transmission.
9. Lower the vehicle.

---
It looks like you can cut them and replace them with new bolts and nuts.

P0422 - Catalyst below threshold.

Catalytic converter is clogged or out of medium.

Replace it.


ACTUAL DIAGNOSTIC:

Fault Code Definition
Code P0422 indicates that the Bank 1 Main Catalytic Converter's emissions efficiency has fallen below the minimum allowable limit. This threshold is tracked by a Catalyst Monitoring Oxygen Sensor located on or near the outlet of the Catalytic Converter.

Symptoms

* Check Engine Light will illuminate
* In many cases, no abnormal symptoms may be noticed

Common Problems That Trigger the P0422 Code

* Defective Catalytic Converter
* Engine misfires have damaged the Catalytic Converter
* Internal engine damage resulting in high oil consumption and/or a leaking Head gasket has damaged the Catalytic Converter

Common Misdiagnoses

* Oxygen Sensors are replaced when the real problem is a damaged Catalyst
* Catalyst is replaced when the real problem is internal engine damage, which is producing elevated emissions levels
* Catalyst is replaced when a misfiring engine is the real problem



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P0422 - Catalyst below threshold.

Catalytic converter is clogged or out of medium.

Replace it.


ACTUAL DIAGNOSTIC:

Fault Code Definition
Code P0422 indicates that the Bank 1 Main Catalytic Converter's emissions efficiency has fallen below the minimum allowable limit. This threshold is tracked by a Catalyst Monitoring Oxygen Sensor located on or near the outlet of the Catalytic Converter.

Symptoms

* Check Engine Light will illuminate
* In many cases, no abnormal symptoms may be noticed

Common Problems That Trigger the P0422 Code

* Defective Catalytic Converter
* Engine misfires have damaged the Catalytic Converter
* Internal engine damage resulting in high oil consumption and/or a leaking Head gasket has damaged the Catalytic Converter

Common Misdiagnoses

* Oxygen Sensors are replaced when the real problem is a damaged Catalyst
* Catalyst is replaced when the real problem is internal engine damage, which is producing elevated emissions levels
* Catalyst is replaced when a misfiring engine is the real problem



Thanks for using FixYa - a 4 THUMBS rating is appreciated for answering your FREE question.#$@!

if the converter is rattlin then it needs to be replaced because the element inside is broken. if the jeep still does not run try removing the catalytic converter to see if the restriction is too much. should start if the converter is restricted. if it doesnt maybe its whatever caused the converter to go bad in the first place

P0422 - Catalyst below threshold.

Catalytic converter is clogged or out of medium.

Replace it.


ACTUAL DIAGNOSTIC:

Fault Code Definition
Code P0422 indicates that the Bank 1 Main Catalytic Converter's emissions efficiency has fallen below the minimum allowable limit. This threshold is tracked by a Catalyst Monitoring Oxygen Sensor located on or near the outlet of the Catalytic Converter.

Symptoms

* Check Engine Light will illuminate
* In many cases, no abnormal symptoms may be noticed

Common Problems That Trigger the P0422 Code

* Defective Catalytic Converter
* Engine misfires have damaged the Catalytic Converter
* Internal engine damage resulting in high oil consumption and/or a leaking Head gasket has damaged the Catalytic Converter

Common Misdiagnoses

* Oxygen Sensors are replaced when the real problem is a damaged Catalyst
* Catalyst is replaced when the real problem is internal engine damage, which is producing elevated emissions levels
* Catalyst is replaced when a misfiring engine is the real problem



Thanks for using FixYa - a 4 THUMBS rating is appreciated for answering your FREE question.