P0420 code from check engine light 2000 Mazda Protege?

Got this code and it says something abt catalytic
converter system. God I hope not cause that's expensive
to replace?

Do cat system even wear out?

Car has 140k on it and was bought new.

(E-Mail Removed) wrote:

> Got this code and it says something abt catalytic
> converter system. God I hope not cause that's expensive
> to replace?

Define "expensive". Does it cost more than you want to spend? Yes.

> Do cat system even wear out?

Yes.


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I would "reset" the system and see if it comes back before I changed
anything.

I had the CEL come on in my 2003 Miata for the : o11 and 012 code.
"That", said that my ignition was too far advanced and too far retarted
at the same time. Well, the 2003 has VVT and I had high reved it when
the engine was not warmed up enough and the VVT hit the stops on high
and low range of the VVT. I disconnected the battery for 3 tree min.,
Reset my radio stations and it all went away.

We all know that computers "can't" make errors ! :-)


Bruce Bing '03 LS

It's also possible that the first O2 sensor is getting a bit long in the
tooth.
Usually, the front sensor fails before the rear one. On my Miata, the front
sensor had a slightly lower output and had a bit slower response than a good
sensor. This caused the 420 code to set periodically. A reset might be OK
for months, a week, or a day. I only spent about two years screwing around
with this and that before I broke down and replaced the sensor.

<(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:(E-Mail Removed)...
> Got this code and it says something abt catalytic
> converter system. God I hope not cause that's expensive
> to replace?
>
> Do cat system even wear out?
>
> Car has 140k on it and was bought new.

"Chuck" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote:

>It's also possible that the first O2 sensor is getting a bit long in the
>tooth.
>Usually, the front sensor fails before the rear one. On my Miata, the front
>sensor had a slightly lower output and had a bit slower response than a good
>sensor. This caused the 420 code to set periodically. A reset might be OK
>for months, a week, or a day. I only spent about two years screwing around
>with this and that before I broke down and replaced the sensor.

Ok thanks..... should I go ahead and replace BOTH
sensors if getting the job done by a mechanic?

I'm unemployed and would MUCH rather replace a couple
of sensors than a catalytic converter itself as I'm
assuming a new converter is gonna cost abt $500 or
more. yes?

(E-Mail Removed) wrote:

> Ok thanks..... should I go ahead and replace BOTH
> sensors if getting the job done by a mechanic?

It can't hurt, but it likely not needed, especially the rear one. How
many miles do you have on the Protege?

> I'm unemployed and would MUCH rather replace a couple
> of sensors than a catalytic converter itself


The front oxygen sensor is $144.00, and the rear one is $103.00, so it
will actually be more expensive to replace both of them than it would be
to replace the catalytic converter. Add shipping and labor, of course.
(I am looking at only one parts source)

http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/se...294967019+9189

> as I'm assuming a new converter is gonna cost abt $500 or
> more. yes?

Unless something fouled up the catalytic converter, 8 years is a pretty
short life for it.
The original 14 year old one on my parent's Camry has 156,000 miles, and
while it can't be as good as new, it is not tripping any engine codes
and it passes strict emission tests.

If it is the catalytic converter causing the problem, you can get an
after market one at the same supplier for $235.32.
It is a direct bolt-in and is very easy to replace if you are
comfortable getting underneath cars.

I would charge about $40.00 to swap the catalytic converter on that car,
not sure what a shop would charge.

Good luck!

Pat

pws <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote:

>> Ok thanks..... should I go ahead and replace BOTH
>> sensors if getting the job done by a mechanic?
>
>It can't hurt, but it likely not needed, especially the rear one. How
>many miles do you have on the Protege?

Have 143k miles on it

And, for whatever it's worth, sensors are designed to work for 80k or more,
I.E. 80-100k miles.
A universal sensor (four lead, with splicer) is usually less than $100.

<(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:(E-Mail Removed)...
> pws <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote:
>
> >> Ok thanks..... should I go ahead and replace BOTH
> >> sensors if getting the job done by a mechanic?
> >
> >It can't hurt, but it likely not needed, especially the rear one. How
> >many miles do you have on the Protege?
>
> Have 143k miles on it