Q: Repeated Cat Code: P0420 keeps coming up.

asked by on February 25, 2017

I bought this small pickup after a friend of mine passed away from a heart attack. 1999 Dodge Dakota Sport 4x4 with 82,500 miles. I got it for cheap, replaced the transmission, tires, etc. to get it up and running. About a year after having small problems, a larger problem popped up. Check Engine Code: P0420. Took it to Firestone and had the Catalytic Converter replaced for a not so fun charge. 3 months later, the same code comes up. Took it back to Firestone, and they replaced the O2 Sensors. Again, around 3-4 months later, the same code arises. They replace the Catalytic Converter again free of charge because it is under warranty. 3 months. Same code. Took it to Firestone, and they refunded my money and told me to go to Dodge themselves. Dodge tells me 97% sure, they need to replace the O2 sensors for $600. Okay. Done. 50 miles later....same code. How do I get rid of this??

My car has 82500 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Check Engine Light is on Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Hi there. The code is coming up for more than the O2 sensors or Catalytic Converter. Perform the following steps to determine what is the cause for the code P0420.

Check the following

  • A damaged or failed oxygen sensor
  • The oxygen sensor wiring damaged or connected improperly
  • The engine coolant temperature sensor is not working properly
  • A leaking exhaust manifold or a leak in the exhaust system
  • The spark timing is retarded
  • There is a leaking fuel injector or there is high fuel pressure
  • The engine has a cylinder misfire
  • The engine oil is contaminated

If you need further assistance with your check engine light being on, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Headlights not working.
Hello, the first thing to check would be the fuse(s) for the headlamps (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/headlight-is-not-working-inspection). If the fuses are good, if it's just the low beam and the hi beams that work ok, I would suspect the multifunction switch. The multifunction...
What does the charge Warning Light mean?
The charge Warning Light is located on the instrument panel, and will illuminate when your battery is not charging properly. When this light comes on, have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible to avoid having the battery die. Tips...
Problem with door locks
At first I was going to guess that the door ajar switch had failed. However, if that were the case, your interior lights would also stay illuminated. I can't find a reliable wiring diagram for your vehicle, but I believe...
Ball joint boots are cracked.
Hello, thanks for writing in about your Toyota Tacoma. You will not find any glue to repair ball joint boots. The boots are sealed on most ball joints and any break in the boot allows dirt, debris, and water to...
Starter? Battery connection? Something else?
Hi, thanks for writing in. Based on your situation, I would say your starter is fine, but your battery is bad. Cold Cranking Amps (CCAs) are what you use to start your car. They cannot be tested and they can't...
Brake pedal goes to the floor
Normally, if there is a hydraulic leak that lets the brake pedal go to the floor, the condition remains until its repaired. with your brakes coming back as you describe, it's hard to say what occurred without knowing more of...
I have a 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo. 4 wheel drive. I have an oxygen sensor bad. Code p0152 and P0132. Are these upstream or
Hello - both of these sensors are "pre-catalytic converter" or in front of the cats in the exhaust stream (P0152 (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0152-obd-ii-trouble-code-o2-sensor-circuit-high-voltage-bank-2-sensor-1-by-jay-safford)/P0132 (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0132-obd-ii-trouble-code-o2-sensor-circuit-high-voltage-bank-1-sensor-1)). This is what the "Sensor 1" portion of the problem code means. I recommend an oxygen sensor replacement...
My truck had a hard time starting after sitting for over 30 minutes every time I would start it. Now it dies after driving a bit.
A problem like this can be due to causes such as partially plugged fuel injectors, weaknesses in the ignition system, and possibly even low engine compression due to leaking valves or rings. Whether the vehicle does not start, starts and...
The radiator fan of my 2015 Chevy Cruze is running more often and at a much faster speed than normal.
Hi James. Thanks for sending your question today. It's not uncommon for the radiator fan to run more frequently from time to time. This often happens when there it is taking longer for the radiator to cool the hot "coolant"...

Related articles

P0117 OBD-II Trouble Code: Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Circuit Low Output Problem
P0117 P0117 code definition Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor circuit low output problem What the P0117 code means P0117 is the OBD-II generic code that indicates the engine control module (ECM) has seen the ECT sensor output go less than...
P0720 OBD-II Trouble Code: Output Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction
P0720 means there is an issue with the output speed sensor circuit. Issues may include engine stalling, misfiring and hesitation when accelerating.
P0391 OBD-II Trouble Code: Camshaft Position Sensor "B" Circuit Range/Performance (Bank 2)
P0391 code means indicates that the problem is on the side of the engine which does not contain cylinder #1 due to bad sensors, or connectors.