1996 GMC Yukon Logo
Anonymous Posted on May 14, 2009

02 sensors not ready

: I replaced all 4 O2 sensors on my 1996 GMC 5.7L Yukon. My scan tool shows "Sensors not ready to communicate or available" for #2 &
#4 ( downstream. #1 & #3 are fine and reading.)

  • 1 more comment 
  • Anonymous May 14, 2009

    The code is P0420 but when you run a sensor check on the scanner that is the message I get

  • Dave  C
    Dave C May 11, 2010

    You'll simply need to drive it further. There is a drive cycle to reset the readiness monitors. I will see if I can dig it up.

  • mike loshbough
    mike loshbough May 11, 2010

    what are the code #s

×

2 Answers

Dave C

Level 3:

An expert who has achieved level 3 by getting 1000 points

All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.

MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

President:

An expert whose answer got voted for 500 times.

  • Master 1,050 Answers
  • Posted on May 14, 2009
Dave  C
Master
Level 3:

An expert who has achieved level 3 by getting 1000 points

All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.

MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

President:

An expert whose answer got voted for 500 times.

Joined: Dec 29, 2008
Answers
1050
Questions
2
Helped
527185
Points
4030

The code P0420 indicates that the catalytic converter is not functioning efficiently. This could be because the cat is damaged or the engine is not running very well and the cat cannot keep up with the emissions. You should ensure that the spark plugs and ignition components are in top shape before replacing anything else. If a compression check reveals a low cylinder, you will not be able to prevent this code as even a new cat cannot keep up with a dead miss. If the state of tune and the compression is good, then you'll likely need a cat.

I've posted the drive cycle just so you know what to do when you have resolved the code.

  1. Cold Start. In order to be classified as a cold start the engine coolant temperature must be below 122°F (50°C) and within 11°F (6°C) of the ambient air temperature at startup.
    Do not leave the key in prior to the cold start or the heated oxygen sensor diagnostic may not run.
  2. Idle. The engine must be run for two and a half minutes with the air conditioner on and rear defroster on. The more electrical load you can apply the better. This will test the O2 heater, Passive Air, Purge "No Flow", Misfire, and - if closed loop is achieved- Fuel Trim.
  3. Accelerate. Turn off the air conditioner and all the other loads and apply half throttle until 55mph (88km/hr) is reached. During this time the Misfire, Fuel Trim, and Purge Flow diagnostics will be performed.
  4. Hold Steady Speed. Hold a steady speed of 55mph (88km/hr) for 3 minutes. During this time the O2 response, air Intrusive, EGR, Purge, Misfire, and Fuel Trim diagnostics will be performed.
  5. Decelerate. Let off the accelerator pedal. Do not shift, touch the brake or clutch. It is important to let the vehicle coast along gradually slowing down to 20 mph (32km/hr). During this time the EGR, Purge and Fuel Trim diagnostics will be performed.
  6. Accelerate. Accelerate at 3/4 throttle until 55-60mph (88-96 km/hr). This will perform the same diagnostics as in step 3.
  7. Hold Steady Speed. Hold a steady speed of 55mph (88km/hr) for five minutes. During this time, in addition to the diagnostics performed in step 4, the catalyst monitor diagnostics will be performed. If the catalyst is marginal or the battery has been disconnected, it may take 5 complete driving cycles to determine the state of the catalyst.
  8. Decelerate. This will perform the same diagnostics as in step 5. Again, don't press the clutch or brakes or shift gears.

mike loshbough

Level 3:

An expert who has achieved level 3 by getting 1000 points

All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.

MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

President:

An expert whose answer got voted for 500 times.

  • Master 1,011 Answers
  • Posted on May 14, 2009
mike loshbough
Master
Level 3:

An expert who has achieved level 3 by getting 1000 points

All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.

MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

President:

An expert whose answer got voted for 500 times.

Joined: Jan 24, 2009
Answers
1011
Questions
0
Helped
504552
Points
3546

This code means your catalytic converter is below efficiency status .the o2 sensors will not fix this problem ,the ceramic in the converter is broke down ,so the converter it self is the problem.So many people think that it is a bad o2 but it is the converter!

Ad

Add Your Answer

×

Uploading: 0%

my-video-file.mp4

Complete. Click "Add" to insert your video. Add

×

Loading...
Loading...

Related Questions:

0helpful
1answer

2000 GMC Yukon. I just changed the battery in it. When I switched on the a/c, the air started coming out of the defrost vents, then rotated to passenger facing vents, then rotated to floor vents.

For strangeness like that, you need a good local auto electrician with a pro grade scan tool computer. Sounds like a communication issue with sensors and the BCM.
1helpful
1answer

Will my 02 sensor cause my 02 gmc sonoma 2.2 L. Not to start

An o2 will not cause a no start and j1850 is the communication of the pcm
0helpful
1answer

How many oxygen sensors are there in a99 gmc yukon denali

I have an 02 Silverado. It has 4. Two upstream left and right bank, two downstream left and right bank.
1helpful
2answers

I tried to get a sticker and failed because it stated that 2 (02)sensors, catalyst and evap were not ready on my 2001 saturn sw2. How do I fix this? I have been over 300 miles and have failed twice.w

It is not something you fix, the system self tests after any time the battery is disconnected or the system reset with a scanner tool. Drive it until it clears, take about 20 miles of mixed driving, idle time, freeway, moderate speeds like in town. Gas tank must be at least 3/4 full for the test to complete. This is known as an OBD2 drive cycle. If you had a check engine light and it comes on again then you did not fix the problem.
0helpful
1answer
0helpful
2answers

Sensors not ready 2001 Chevy S10. I have driven more than 500 miles and sensors still read not ready. 02 Sens Not Ready, 02 Sens Htr Not Ready, Catalyst Not Ready.

This is the heater side of the sensor. It has shorted out. You can replace it, but check for broken or melted wires (around the exhaust).
0helpful
1answer

I have a 2002 gmc yukon. When i press my brakes my antilock brakes go off and stopping is tough. what could this be?

you need to connect a diagnosing scan tool and go for a drive. during an ABS event, watch the values of the wheel speed sensors on the scan tool. chances are one will not be accurate, causing the abs to activate. the sensors are integral to the wheel bearings, and are changed as a complete unit. this is a common failure. good luck!
2helpful
1answer

Replace 02 sensors 2004 yukon Denali

7/8 WRENCH AND GO UNDER THE CAR, THEY ARE LOCATED ON THE EXHAUST. ONE IS UP ( UP STREAM ) AND THE OTHER IS LOWER ( DOWN STREAM )
1helpful
1answer

1996 yukon Question: I replaced all 4 O2 sensors on my 1996 GMC 5.7L Yukon. My scan tool shows "Sensors not ready to communicate or available" for #2 & #4 ( downstream. #1 & #3 are fine and...

If your scan tool shows - " READINESS MONITORS ok- You are all set. Just replaced all 4 O2 sensors and CATS on a 1996 Yukon & I have an Autoxray EZ5000 scanner which gave me the same readings but the truck passed emissions here in mass.
Not finding what you are looking for?

2,169 views

Ask a Question

Usually answered in minutes!

Top GMC Experts

ZJ Limited
ZJ Limited

Level 3 Expert

17989 Answers

john h

Level 3 Expert

29494 Answers

Thomas Perkins
Thomas Perkins

Level 3 Expert

15088 Answers

Are you a GMC Expert? Answer questions, earn points and help others

Answer questions

Manuals & User Guides

Loading...