OBD Guide

P1420

NOx Adsorptive Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold

Severity
🔴 High
Can you drive?
Do not drive — repair immediately
Approx. repair cost
$167–556 (est.)

Symptoms

  • Check Engine light comes on
  • Reduced engine power
  • Increased fuel consumption
  • Unusual odors from the exhaust system
  • Dips during acceleration

Causes

  • Worn or damaged NOx catalytic converter
  • NOx sensor malfunction
  • Problems with the catalyst regeneration system
  • Contamination of the catalyst with sulfur or other substances
  • Malfunction of the urea injection system (AdBlue) in diesel engines

How to Fix

  1. Diagnostics of the condition of the catalytic converter
  2. Checking NOx sensors and their wiring
  3. Checking the catalyst regeneration system
  4. Cleaning or replacing the NOx catalyst
  5. Checking and servicing the AdBlue injection system (if equipped)

Related codes

Error P1420 by Vehicle Brand