99 Blazer p420 code

Tiny
TOM WOOP
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 CHEVROLET ASTRO
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 155 MILES
Changed everything. MSD 8, 5 mm spark cables, Cap, Rotor, change all O2 sensors at same time.
P420 still shows up. Engine runs real smooth. Cat converter 6 months old. Any thoughts.
Monday, November 29th, 2010 AT 12:43 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
ERNEST CLARK
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,730 POSTS
P0420 means (Converter Low Effeciency)
The computer measures the difference between the up stream 02 sensor and the down stream sensor. If the difference is out of spec it'll set the code.

The only possible causes are:
One/more 02 sensors are bad
the sensor wires/connectors are bad
the converter is bad
there's a leak in the exhaust up stream of cat
Damaged exhaust pip up stream of cat
bad computer

If you've put new sensors and cat, then eliminate those from
the list and check the other possible causes starting with the easiest.
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Monday, November 29th, 2010 AT 1:12 AM
Tiny
TOM WOOP
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thank you. Some one said check the PINK wire for voltage.
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Tuesday, November 30th, 2010 AT 12:30 AM
Tiny
ERNEST CLARK
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,730 POSTS
That's not correct. Voltage doesn't mean the sensor or wires are good. There has to be a specific voltage at a specific engine output that the computer then compares to a preprogrammed map and the up or downstream sensor.

Anytime one of these values is out of spec, the computer will tell you. And these voltage values vary every second.
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Tuesday, November 30th, 2010 AT 12:44 AM

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