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Catalyst inefficiency

L

Lt_hailBob

Veteran CEG'er
Joined
Oct 27, 2007
Messages
504
Location
Charlottesville
My Engine light came on in my 98 Countour SVT so I went down to my local autozone and used their code reader. It came back saying there was a catalyst inefficiency. Now, my big question is what do you think it is? I know the cats last for a long time, so I was thinking it might be the sensor. Let me know what you guys think.​
 
what was the actual code number that was thrown?

The Code reader that autozone uses displays the correct code, but usually what is in the code reader to interpret what the code means is completley wrong.

For example; I replaced my timing belt in my car, drove it for about a week and the CEL poped on, Autozone got the code reader and on the code reader it said "Ignition coil" so I purchased an ignition coil and went home and get on CEG, checked the CEL code number they gave me... The code ACTUALLY meant that my cam timing was off. HUGE difference, I had to re-install my timing belt all over again.

Post the code number.
 
At 9 years old, and assuming over 100k miles, there is a very good chance that it is a "legitimate" P0420. I would suggest going to another Autozone or Advance and getting the code read again. This time making sure you write down the EXACT code and post here.

You may want to consider installing mileliminators.

From M&M how to.
http://www.contour.org/ceg-vb/showthread.php?t=760
 
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