P0420 code

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

4 Replies

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

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
48,363 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

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

KEN L