C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

P0420 DTC Now What?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 30, 2007 | 10:08 AM
  #1  
Vettehappy's Avatar
Vettehappy
Thread Starter
Instructor
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 121
Likes: 0
From: Wellington Fl
Default P0420 DTC Now What?

Hello again,

I need some help and advice on my 96 LT1 Auto Coupe. SES Light is on and I have a DTC P0420 Which is TWC System Low Efficiency Bank 1.
Per the FSM I have checked for exhaust leaks and HOS wiring and connections, all seems good. Next step per FSM is to change TWC.
My questions are; Code was set after 1/4 tank of Chevron super premium, could this have anything to do with it? I have since run through severa tanks of Chevron mid range, no effect; Also if I do need to change the TWC, should I change both? Also what replacement would you recommend?
Any ideas would be welcome.
Thanks in advance.
Reply
Old Sep 30, 2007 | 12:22 PM
  #2  
LouisvilleLT4's Avatar
LouisvilleLT4
Drifting
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,326
Likes: 18
From: Los Angeles California
Default

I have a '96 as well. Changing your TWCs is a pain. I have made several posts/threads about it so search for them. If your TWCs are clogged, you should notice pinging sounds and hesitation when you floor it in high gear at low rpm (oh wait, just noticed you have a friggin slushbox so I guess you can't try this without your nanny transmission downshifting for you, ha ha, that sucks.).

If this is not the case, it was probably just bad gas as you said. Go to autozone and make them clear the codes out once all that gas is out of the system, and see if the code comes back. I bet it won't.

Last edited by LouisvilleLT4; Sep 30, 2007 at 12:25 PM.
Reply
Old Sep 30, 2007 | 12:59 PM
  #3  
Vettehappy's Avatar
Vettehappy
Thread Starter
Instructor
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 121
Likes: 0
From: Wellington Fl
Default

Thanks for the quick reply, I have already cleared the code and it's back, even took it on a highway 300 mile trip yesterday, but no luck.
Reply
Old Oct 1, 2007 | 06:12 AM
  #4  
toptechx6's Avatar
toptechx6
Safety Car
15 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,629
Likes: 28
From: FL
Default

OBDII cars use the downstream O2 sensors to monitor cat function, slower cross counts compared to the upstream indicate a good cat. If your scan tool will monitor the sensor in question see what it is doing.
Personally, I would try a new sensor before buying a cat simply from the cost/benefit standpoint
You don't say how many miles you have, but if you do need to replace the cat be sure you do not have an underlying problem that is damaging the cat especially if the miles are low, good luck.
Reply
Old Oct 1, 2007 | 08:24 AM
  #5  
Vettehappy's Avatar
Vettehappy
Thread Starter
Instructor
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 121
Likes: 0
From: Wellington Fl
Default

Hi,

Thanks for the input, I have 89K miles on the car and no other codes or problems that I know of. What would suggest to look for in underlying problems?
Since I am having this problem I decided to do some PM I have four new HO2 sensors ordered and am pulling the TB and intake manifold (leaking) will clean TB and replace all vacuum hoses that I can, 12 years under the hood is taking its toll, also new PCV, EGR & Solenoid, and fuel filter.
Thanks
Reply
Old Oct 1, 2007 | 10:19 AM
  #6  
toptechx6's Avatar
toptechx6
Safety Car
15 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,629
Likes: 28
From: FL
Default

Some maintenance can't hurt but I prefer a less shotgun approach. If you do get lucky and fix it you will never know what did it.
I would try to address the problem first then do the maintenance. You could still need a cat after spending all that money, good luck.
Reply
Old Oct 1, 2007 | 03:04 PM
  #7  
Vettehappy's Avatar
Vettehappy
Thread Starter
Instructor
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 121
Likes: 0
From: Wellington Fl
Default

Originally Posted by toptechx6
Some maintenance can't hurt but I prefer a less shotgun approach. If you do get lucky and fix it you will never know what did it.
I would try to address the problem first then do the maintenance. You could still need a cat after spending all that money, good luck.
Thanks, I will start with the HO2 sensors and work from there. Any other suggestions would be appreciated.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To P0420 DTC Now What?





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:40 PM.

story-0
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-1
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-2
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-5
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette lineup vs the world.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-24 16:12:42


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

Slideshow: 10 major Corvette problems from the last 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-14 16:37:05


VIEW MORE
story-8
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

Slideshow: 5 most and least popular Corvette model years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-08 13:25:01


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette buyer's guide

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-17 16:41:08


VIEW MORE