P0420 Code Explained (2025): DIY Fixes, Symptoms, & How to Save on Repair Costs
Got a P0420 code and your Check Engine Light is on? Learn what this code means, common symptoms, and simple DIY fixes you can try at home to save mone
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P0420 Code Explained (2025): DIY Fixes, Symptoms, & How to Save on Repair Costs
Hey friend, got that pesky Check Engine Light on again? If your scanner shows a P0420 code, don't panic! It sounds super technical, but often, it's something you can actually tackle yourself without a trip to the mechanic. Think of me as your friendly neighborhood car guru, here to walk you through it. What Exactly is a P0420 Code? (The "Catalytic Converter Efficiency Below Threshold" Explained) Alright, let's break it down. Your car has a magical part called a catalytic converter, or "cat" for short. Its job is super important: it cleans up your car's exhaust fumes before they go out into the air, turning harmful pollutants into less harmful stuff. Basically, it's your car's air filter for its exhaust. The P0420 code simply means your car's computer (the ECU) has noticed that your catalytic converter isn't doing its job as efficiently as it should be. It's like the computer is saying, "Hey, this cat isn't cleaning the air …