C5 Tech Corvette Tech/Performance: LS1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Tech Topics, Basic Tech, Maintenance, How to Remove & Replace
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

P0420 Error Code

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 18, 2005 | 01:52 PM
  #1  
Tim's black 99's Avatar
Tim's black 99
Thread Starter
Navigator
 
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Austin Texas
Default P0420 Error Code

I have a, if you can believe it, black 99 coupe. My check engine light came on. Using the excellent information on this site, I found I had multiple comm errors along with P0420 TWC System Low Efficiency Bank 1-A.
I reset the codes. About 24 hours later, the light came back on. This time only the P0420 TWC System Low Efficiency Bank 1-A error is present.
Can anybody give me some info about this problem? Easy fix? Trip to a dealer? Reset the light and sell the car?
Thanks for your time.
Tim

Last edited by Tim's black 99; Jan 18, 2005 at 06:25 PM.
Reply
Old Jan 18, 2005 | 02:03 PM
  #2  
Alex1217's Avatar
Alex1217
Team Owner
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 47,647
Likes: 1
From: Queens, New York Life begins at 183 mph....
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Default

Do you have any header, high flow cats or other exhaust mods? If not, it may be the rear 02 sensor that's starting to go. You may need to replace it.
Reply
Old Jan 18, 2005 | 03:10 PM
  #3  
DT's Avatar
DT
Le Mans Master
25 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 7,121
Likes: 0
From: Vilano Beach FL
Default

Howdy!

I get this once in a blue moon - I understand with headers and hi-flow cats, the O2 doesn't quite get the right airflow and can indicate a fault. I read that sombody said it's something to do with it heating up properly. This makes some sense considering when mine comes on: looks like it happens when it's cold and rainy. Hadn't seen this error in months, then on the way home the other night it got very cold and was raining and after I splashed through some standing water, the light came on.

I'm the in the process of pulling my cars completely, plugging the rear 02 holes and editing out all the related codes using HPTuners
Reply
Old Jan 18, 2005 | 06:24 PM
  #4  
Tim's black 99's Avatar
Tim's black 99
Thread Starter
Navigator
 
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Austin Texas
Default P0420 Error Code

Both of these replies apply to me. I've had my C5 since November and I bought it with a Borla resonating exhaust (no mufflers, twin 4" pipes) system. These messages happened when it got cold (O.K. it went from 70 to 30).
So this code is just part of having a high flow exhaust system? And speaking of my exhaust, I have about had it with the noise it makes. I'm talking about the "howl" inside the car from about 1800 to 3200 RPM. I know what the car sounds like, I want the sound outside the cabin. I like a roar when I get on it but not at cruising RPM. I must admit I do like the extra get up and go. Any suggestions how to keep the (some of) extra HP and lose the noise inside? For less than a grand? I can probably get some trade money for my system (Muffin Mufflers--Austin, TX), but I would like some suggestions from the more knowledgeable folks out there.

Thanks for your time.

Tim
Reply
Old Jan 18, 2005 | 07:01 PM
  #5  
Bill Curlee's Avatar
Bill Curlee
Tech Contributor
Supporting Lifetime Gold
Veteran: Navy
25 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Default

Tim

This is what happens when an exhaust system is installed on a C5 with out respect to driveability. The owner of the car before you was able to tolerate the noise and liked the power.

You will find out that you can install a better engineered system, get rid of the noise, STILL have a great sounding system and have little or NO in cabin resonance and loose very little HP.

The ONLY way that you are going to be able to find a system that totaly suits your need is to get a ride in a C5 simular to your set up. If you like it COPY IT!

I have an 02 Z06. I decided to take the plunge into an aftermarket exhaust system. I have a good friend who works at ZIP Products.

I took a GAMBLE on his recommendations to install a COMPLETE Stainlessworks exhaust system. It consist of Long Tube SS headers, random tech high flow CATS, 3" SS mid section with an X pipe and 3" cat back Stainlessworks duel outlet mufflers!

To be perfectly honest, it REALLY sounds GREAT! It has a deep mello idle, very nice part throttle tone and a WICKED WOT snarl! It is NOT too loud (The Wife even loves the sound ) and there in very little in cabin resonance! The resonance was really my biggest worry and on a scale of 1-10 (1 being NO resonance and 10 being BAAAAD!) I would have to rate it a 2. This is a quality system and the headers fit really well! No sparkplug wire issues and they do NOT hang down lower than the stock system.


Try to find someone who has a system installed and take a ride before you invest money in a new system.

Bill
Reply
Old Jan 19, 2005 | 08:40 AM
  #6  
Tim's black 99's Avatar
Tim's black 99
Thread Starter
Navigator
 
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Austin Texas
Default

Hey Bill,

Thanks for the feedback. I know what I will be doing at the next Corvette Club meeting. More listening than talking.

Thanks for your time.

Tim
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To P0420 Error Code





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 04:44 AM.

story-0
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-1
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-2
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-3
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-4
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-5
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-6
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-7
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-8
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-9
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