purenathan

I've been having an issue with my car for a while now, its been progressively getting worse although over a long time. Basically what happens is at times usually sometime just after starting the car and driving off (I'd say 5-10 secs) the car loses all power, rpm falls down and it starts to jerk a little bit like its trying to go forward but can't. Before the problem didn't make the car stall as I have a manual but now it does if I don't hold down the clutch. No amount of pressing the gas helps however when I shut the car off then turn it back on it goes away.

I recently got some error codes (The check engine light comes on and goes off as it pleases) PO 420 01/02 and PO 420 01/02. I'm thinking it may be O2 sensors but I don't know much about cars and was wondering if anyone dealt with anything similar so I can know which fix to go with.

cssmith

If you are not also getting any codes related to the o2 sensors then it would make you think that it is going to be a bad CAT. Then again, I have heard of people who replaced the o2 sensors with no codes pertaining to them and it fixed their p0420. If the P0420 code is combined with other codes, try fixing the other codes first.


Also could be something as simple as a failing spark plug or exhaust leak.

NDNV

P0420 means your Cat Converter is faulty and the lack of power certainly would indicate the Cat is toast. Ensure you don't have any other codes that may have caused the Cat to go bad first.

I replaced my Cat (which includes the front exhaust pipe) with a BOSAL unit when I popped the P0420 code a couple of years ago. Didn't the code come back after a year. So instead of frigging around trying to get warranty (it was an online purchase) consideration on this Cat, I installed the spark plug anti-fouler trick for the O2 sensor. If you search on O2 anti-fouler you will see that it will remove the in-the-Cat O2 (secondary O2) sensor from the exhaust stream so that the ECM will not trigger a P0420 code. This is a Band-Aid fix and can last many years. Mine has for 2 years now. I installed both primary and secondary O2 sensors at the same time as the Cat. This method may not work if you have emission testing in your jurisdiction.

lowlife9

well considering the 03 came with a narrow band oxygen sensor which can be had for less then 50 bucks i would start there even if it is a bad cat your still going to want to replace the sensor since there only good for 60,000 miles. just make sure you only use DENSO or NTK sensors thats extremely important.