P0420 Cat Converter DIY Fixes Work?

[bwhite8889]

Since I‘m being told catalytic converters are on back order nationwide, anyone have any experience doing these DIY solutions to clear the P0420 code?

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1. Cat converter cleaner
2. Soaking cat in dish soap overnight
3. Extending O2 sensor(s)

 

[Yupster Dog]

Not really much about cleaning them here, take some pics and let us know how it goes. I am sure there are many others here who are curious about this.

 

[duneslider]

Just curious but how did they decide that the catalytic converter was bad? If it is in fact bad then there isn't anything you can do to fix it but I would be a little surprised a converter this new would be bad. It very well could be a bad o2 sensor though and I would think you could find one of those, also a good tech can test your o2 sensor to verify it is bad before throwing parts at it. It could also be an exhaust leak near the sensor, or a wiring issue, or a ground issue. I would think the CAT would be the least likely thing at this age though.

 

[JimR_TN]

That code shouldn’t impact your engine. As long as you don’t have to pass emissions testing it won’t be bad to leave it like that. You could always try the extenders or a mini cat adapter. I use the one below on my 3rd gen.

 

[bwhite8889]

Just curious but how did they decide that the catalytic converter was bad? If it is in fact bad then there isn't anything you can do to fix it but I would be a little surprised a converter this new would be bad. It very well could be a bad o2 sensor though and I would think you could find one of those, also a good tech can test your o2 sensor to verify it is bad before throwing parts at it. It could also be an exhaust leak near the sensor, or a wiring issue, or a ground issue. I would think the CAT would be the least likely thing at this age though.

Not entirely sure, but when I mentioned trying to clean it they said the honeycomb structure itself was damaged. Might have been a lie, but I’m inclined to take a man at his word. Worth noting I had the cam phaser job done twice, the second time because of seriously bad engine knocking. Also the turbo was recently replaced. I’ve read (on the internet, I know) that CATs can fail early under poor engine performance.

Besides, trying to find a good, honest mechanic right now is like looking for Santa Clause riding a golden unicorn fighting with a lottery-winning Sasquatch. Skilled, hands-on labor is quickly becoming the new six-figured job while the C-Suite is getting replaced by AI.

But I digress. I ended up just having them replace the CAT (aftermarket was all that was available) and O2 sensors to keep the wife on the road. What husband/father has the time/energy to chase issues like this…

 

[drscanman]

That code shouldn’t impact your engine. As long as you don’t have to pass emissions testing it won’t be bad to leave it like that. You could always try the extenders or a mini cat adapter. I use the one below on my 3rd gen.

View attachment 78362

Do you recall the part number for this one? I can't figure out which one ordered off of the Walmart website. Thanks.

 

[Ugh_J]

Seems like I recall some video I saw on youtube a while back when I had the same code, and the result was that adding one of those sensor "extenders" can create other problems. I'd do some research before trying that.

 

[DieselMonk]

If something left the engine and went through the turbo, or some piece left the turbo, it will physically destroy your CAT. If they left that piece in it, it will continue destroying your CAT.