Home/Toyota/RAV4/Toyota RAV4 I (1994-2000)/Repair manual/Testing & Diagnostics/DTC P0420: CATALYST SYSTEM EFFICIENCY BELOW THRESHOLD
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DTC P0420: CATALYST SYSTEM EFFICIENCY BELOW THRESHOLD Toyota RAV4 I

Note. Sensor No. 1 refers to sensor closest to engine block. Sensor No. 2 refers to sensor furthest from engine block.

Circuit Description

The ECM compares waveform of oxygen sensor located before catalytic converter with waveform of oxygen sensor located after converter to determine if converter performance has deteriorated. If both waveforms change at similar rate, catalyst performance has deteriorated. DTC is set when both oxygen sensors have same amplitude after vehicle is driven for 5 minutes at 20-50 MPH. Possible causes are

  1. Catalytic converter.
  2. Oxygen sensor open or short circuit.
  3. Oxygen sensor.