P0420 code

Tiny
RRBUTLER1222
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 LEXUS RX 330
  • 3.3L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 225,000 MILES
I have the check engine, VSC, and Trac Off lights on my instrument panel. When I have had it checked, I was told it was reading P0420 - catalytic converter issue.

I cannot afford to have it fixed yet and I have only been driving it around town. Is it safe to keep driving it around town? Could I drive it further? I just do not want to make it worse until I can have it fixed.

Thanks
Wednesday, November 28th, 2018 AT 6:07 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
DANNY L
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,648 POSTS
Hello, I am Danny,

I would not say it would do any damage however, you will notice possibly lack of performance and poor gas mileage. Get it fixed as soon as possible though. I have attached a tutorial for you to view. Hope this helps and thanks for using 2Carpros.
Danny-

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/bad-catalytic-converter-symptoms
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Wednesday, November 28th, 2018 AT 6:44 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,256 POSTS
I agree with Danny it will not hurt the car. Here is a step by step guide on how to replace it with diagrams below to show you how on your car:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/catalytic-converter-replacement

Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed. Clear the codes once you are done.

Cheers, Ken
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Thursday, November 29th, 2018 AT 7:09 PM
Tiny
RRBUTLER1222
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Guys, thank you for your quick and helpful answers to my questions. I feel better about driving the vehicle. However, I will get it fixed as soon as I can.
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Friday, November 30th, 2018 AT 5:16 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,256 POSTS
Good to hear, please use 2CarPros anytime we are here to help.

Cheers, Ken
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Friday, November 30th, 2018 AT 11:48 AM

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