CHEAT SHEET
Catalyst / Secondary Air Diagnostics
KISS Diagnostics
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P0420 Diagnostic Code
Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 1 Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold — Bank 1
P0420 Catalyst efficiency Bank 1 O2 sensor comparison
CodeDescription & Notes
P0430Catalyst system efficiency below threshold Bank 2 — same fault, opposite bank
P0136O2 sensor circuit malfunction Bank 1 Sensor 2
Aging/Degraded Catalyst 36%
Catalyst substrate has genuinely worn out and lost efficiency — most common on higher-mileage vehicles
Upstream Engine Fault (misfire/rich) 28%
Misfire or rich condition damaging or overwhelming an otherwise healthy catalyst
Downstream O2 Sensor Fault 22%
Sensor giving a false reading that mimics catalyst inefficiency
Exhaust Leak Near Sensors 14%
Leak affecting the O2 sensor comparison the PCM uses to judge efficiency
Multiple codes on the same module? Diagnose the root code first — If this code shows up alongside several other codes from the same module, or a wave of "lost communication" U-codes for other modules (PCM, TCM, BCM, etc.), treat the primary circuit or module fault as the likely root cause rather than chasing every code individually. A module that's lost power, ground, or dropped off the network can trigger a cascade of communication codes elsewhere that clear on their own once the root fault is repaired — fix it, clear all codes, then retest
Rule out an upstream engine fault first — A misfire or rich condition can damage or overload the catalyst — fix that first and recheck before replacing the cat
Compare upstream vs downstream O2 sensor activity — A healthy catalyst shows a much flatter, slower-switching downstream signal compared to upstream
Test ComponentNormal ReadingFailed Condition
Upstream vs Downstream O2 PatternDownstream flat/slow vs upstream activeDownstream mirrors upstream — cat inefficient
Engine Condition CheckNo misfire, normal fuel trimsMisfire/rich found — fix before replacing cat
NORMAL PATTERN 0.9V 0.5V 0.1V TIME (downstream sensor, warm, about 10 sec) Downstream steady about 0.6–0.7V while the upstream sensor switches FAULT PATTERN 0.9V 0.5V 0.1V TIME (downstream sensor, warm, about 10 sec) Downstream switches like the upstream — catalyst no longer storing oxygen

Catalyst monitoring compares the two Bank 1 oxygen sensors: the upstream sensor switches rapidly, while a healthy catalyst stores oxygen and keeps the downstream signal steady (typically about 0.5–0.8V). As the catalyst wears out, the downstream signal starts to mirror the upstream switching. Rule out a lazy upstream sensor, misfires, fuel trim problems and exhaust leaks before condemning the catalyst.

Diagnostic Flowchart — Continued Below
P0420 DETECTEDBank 1 catalyst efficiency below threshold
CHECK FOR MISFIRE/RICH CONDITIONReview fuel trims, misfire counters
ENGINE CONDITION OK?No misfire, normal trims
FAILFIX ROOT
CAUSE FIRST↻ retest
COMPARE O2 SENSOR PATTERNSUpstream vs downstream on scope/graph
CAT PATTERN NORMAL?Downstream flat, upstream active
FAILREPLACE
CATALYST↻ retest
CHECK PCM & TSBsVerify with OEM scan data · retest
Allow the catalytic converter to cool fully before handling — it operates at extremely high temperatures
Never tap or strike a catalytic converter to test for a rattle without proper support — internal substrate is fragile
Confirm no unburned fuel or oil consumption issue exists before condemning the catalyst — those conditions damage a new one quickly
Wear gloves when handling exhaust components — sharp edges and residual heat are common hazards

Generic/common DTC interpretation — exact descriptor, subtype, sensor architecture, test values and diagnostic procedure may vary by OEM.

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