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Chrysler Repair/'06 Chrysler Sebring: code 0420

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Expert: - 1/7/2012


Question
Hello..

I have a 2006 Chrysler Sebring Touring.  There is 63000km on it.  I was driving on the highway at 110km/hr in cruise when the check engine light came on.  I used the key on/off/on/off/on and get a P-0420 error code.  While sufing for an answer i see this can be an o2 sensor or a catalytic converter issue.  Can you please elaborate.  Is the catalytic converter warateed in Canada for 8 / 80000 as in the US.

Answer
Hi Ron,
I am ignorant about the warranty, only the regulatory agency would know for certain, though you could ask at a dealership. The code however is not directly pointing to the sensor or the converter, it is basically reporting that it appears to the upstream and downstream sensors (or at least comparing what they 'report') that the catalytic converter (the one on the right cylinder bank if you have two converters) is not doing the job as well as it should be. The possible fixes are: inspect the converter for damage, consider if the front 02 sensor itself has 'aged' or was the rear replaced without replacing the front sensor, could there be a mechanical malfunction of the engine that has increased the pollutants it puts out, or do you have a leak in the exhaust system betweem the engine and the downstream sensor? If all seem OK then replacing the catalytic converter is the last action.
So check those possibilities before pursing any one exclusively.
Roland

Chrysler Repair

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Roland Finston

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I specialize in Chrysler/Dodge/Plymouth cars, minivans, and SUV's for the model years 1982-2008 based upon my 50-year DIY experience, factory shop manuals and wiring diagrams. I offer fast repair advice to help you minimize repair costs by helping you diagnose and do it yourself. Problems with electronically controlled engines and transmissions as well as body wiring problems are my specialty.

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Five decades as a 'do-it-yourselfer' on domestic and imported cars

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Yahoo Autos Group called The Chrysler Lebaron Club (co-moderator)

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Degrees in Physics/bruised knuckles.

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"Top expert of 2010" and "2011" at Allexperts. Among top 50 experts for years 2006-2009 at Allexperts.

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