Repair and Service Help All Repair related problems, issues, TSBs, and anything else revolving around the Repair of your Mustang

2013 boss po420 code

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Feb 23, 2022 | 10:35 AM
  #1  
Ziggy_1965's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: February 23, 2022
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
2013 boss po420 code

2013 boss302 po420 code came on. What to do to fix it?
Reply
Old Feb 23, 2022 | 10:55 AM
  #2  
Bert's Avatar
Legacy TMS Member
 
Joined: January 25, 2010
Posts: 3,971
Likes: 1,663
From: Massachusetts
Google will find lots of links with information on that, such as this one:
P0420 Code - Meaning, Causes, Symptoms (Simple Fixes) (mechanicbase.com)

Since the catalytic converter itself is very expensive, I'd look at the O2 sensor(s) first
Reply
Old Feb 23, 2022 | 02:13 PM
  #3  
houtex's Avatar
Legacy TMS Member
 
Joined: February 2, 2004
Posts: 7,648
Likes: 675
From: Insane
Yessir, Bert, it could be the downstream (post cat) passenger O2 sensor, and that's a relatively minor cost to replace. Relatively being relative to relatives and all. Your mileage may vary. And all things being fairly copacetic, it'll be that most likely.

However, one should do diagnostics on this before just aiming and firing a parts cannon. It could be the wires on the harness side, a ground, an exhaust leak at the manifold, and of course the catalytic converter itself.

Now, if it's the converter... what kills a converter? Trauma, like it's been hit with something and the substrate in it is broken up, or more likely... there's a leaky injector that's causing extra fuel to get in the cat, which burns in the cat like a furnace, and melts the substrate. This is what happened to my '97 HoopTBird, the injectors just decided to stay open a lot when off, and all three of those cats died a short time after I'd replaced the injectors.

You would think that the computer would report this, however... if the car's otherwise running right, and let's be honest the Boss 302 isn't exactly gonna be tuned for supreme emissions standards upkeep, the little bit extra that this or that cylinder might get wouldn't necessarily be noticed. The way the thing works is based on Oxygen detection, not extra fuel detection. And it's not very bright either. It figures if the O2 is in about the right place, the fuel trim (aka, injector opening timing) is right and all is well. There's no need to adjust the fuel. But the injector leaks a little bit, and over time... well, there ya go.

Theory of mine, but yeah. Check them injectors, should you find the cats have died. Which I sincerely hope has not happened.

Hope that helps, and welcome to the forums!
Reply
Old Feb 24, 2022 | 11:54 AM
  #4  
m05fastbackGT's Avatar
SUPERCHARGED RED ROCKET ------------------Master-Moderator
 
Joined: May 11, 2006
Posts: 10,645
Likes: 2,512
From: Carnegie, PA
Originally Posted by Bert
Google will find lots of links with information on that, such as this one:
P0420 Code - Meaning, Causes, Symptoms (Simple Fixes) (mechanicbase.com)

Since the catalytic converter itself is very expensive, I'd look at the O2 sensor(s) first
Start with checking the 02 sensors first, followed by the 02 wiring harness.. If both check out okay, then check for any exhaust/intake/vacuum leaks.. If the codes come back afterwards, only then would I consider suspecting the catalytic converter itself as being the cause.. However, I would look into getting your car properly diagnosed by a reputable auto repair center first before forking out $$$$ towards replacing your factory catted mid-pipe

Last edited by m05fastbackGT; Feb 24, 2022 at 11:56 AM.
Reply
Old Jun 8, 2022 | 04:19 PM
  #5  
m05fastbackGT's Avatar
SUPERCHARGED RED ROCKET ------------------Master-Moderator
 
Joined: May 11, 2006
Posts: 10,645
Likes: 2,512
From: Carnegie, PA
Your very welcome!
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
jfboy1963
2012-2013 BOSS 302
10
Oct 20, 2020 06:47 PM
Fenderaddict2
2012-2013 BOSS 302
0
Oct 20, 2013 01:22 PM
MotoChris98
2012-2013 BOSS 302
36
May 4, 2012 08:45 AM
kcsherman
2010-2014 Mustang
13
Nov 16, 2011 05:10 PM




All times are GMT -6. The time now is 02:15 PM.