Cleared p0160, now two weeks later p0420

A forum for the legendary Nissan Pathfinder and Infiniti QX4.
RG5384
Posts: 18
Joined: Mon Jun 16, 2003 2:29 pm

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Im a firm believer of clearing codes the first time around, and seeing if the same code pops back up. So, driving back from my first wheeling trip with my new to me 01 pathfinder the ses light pops up. Checked the code and p0160 was the fault. I cleared the code and checked daily for the first week to see if a pending code popped back up-it did not.

Fast forward a week later to today, driving back from dinner and the ses light comes on again. I figure it's probably same code no big deal, but when I scanned it I've got a p0420 code.

Now obviously these two codes must be related somehow, unless the 02 code was a fluke and now I've got a bad cat...but that seems unlikely.

I've cleared the code and will see what returns, but just wondering if anyone here has had a similar experience.

In searching for the cat luckily this car doesn't seem to have it integrated into the manifold so it looks like all in including the 02 is be about 350 in parts, but I'm still not wanting to just chuck parts at it.

Any insight?


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AZhitman
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Car: 58 L210, 63 Bluebird RHD, 64 NL320, 65 SPL310, 66 411 RHD, 67 WRL411, 68 510 SR20, 75 280Z RB25, 77 620 SR20, 79 B310, 90 Z32, 91 GTi-R, 92 Silvia Qs, 98 S14, 23 Z.
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Here's a good start: 02-pathfinder-obdii-code-p0420-t553654.html

Are you in an emissions-testing state? If not, some have had good results simply threading in a spark plug anti-fouler between the downstream catalytic converter and the bung (in order to buy some time before having to replace the cat).

RG5384
Posts: 18
Joined: Mon Jun 16, 2003 2:29 pm

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Yeah unfortunately I am in an emissions testing state-Virginia. I drove the truck around this morning quite a bit, several starts/stops(turning engine off to go into stores etc), and the code has not resurfaced.

I'd think that if the cat were bad, or if the downstream 02 were bad, I would be getting the CEL back on almost immediately. Could the pre cat 02 be causing false readings or making it seem like the cat and/or post cat 02 are bad?

Thanks for the help,

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AZhitman
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Posts: 54542
Joined: Mon Apr 29, 2002 2:04 am
Car: 58 L210, 63 Bluebird RHD, 64 NL320, 65 SPL310, 66 411 RHD, 67 WRL411, 68 510 SR20, 75 280Z RB25, 77 620 SR20, 79 B310, 90 Z32, 91 GTi-R, 92 Silvia Qs, 98 S14, 23 Z.
Location: Surprise, Arizona
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It can totally be intermittent, especially if it's borderline failing, so it may stay off for a day, or months.

There's a ton of threads about making an O2 spacer (search O2 sensor anti-fouler), which might not be a bad idea if you;re up for an emissions test anytime soon.

RG5384
Posts: 18
Joined: Mon Jun 16, 2003 2:29 pm

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You can pass emissions with an 02 defouler? I guess they arent really putting the vehicle up on a lift so if it passes the sniff test and the code test I should be good to go right?

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AZhitman
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Posts: 54542
Joined: Mon Apr 29, 2002 2:04 am
Car: 58 L210, 63 Bluebird RHD, 64 NL320, 65 SPL310, 66 411 RHD, 67 WRL411, 68 510 SR20, 75 280Z RB25, 77 620 SR20, 79 B310, 90 Z32, 91 GTi-R, 92 Silvia Qs, 98 S14, 23 Z.
Location: Surprise, Arizona
Contact:

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Far be it from me to suggest that you intentionally (for anything other than experimental purposes) try and circumvent Federal law...

However, I think they plug in to your OBD port and look for codes OR, at most, run a sniffer.

Migaleto
Posts: 2
Joined: Thu Oct 23, 2014 3:17 pm
Car: 2002 pathfinder SE

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I used to get the same code in my 2002, Now I run 93 octane and it doesnt come back unless I use cheap brand gas. Could be worth a try if you havent already. I also bought a 25$ BAFX Products - Bluetooth OBD2 scan tool - For check engine light & diagnostics , downloaded the app and easy to use for clearing codes on any vehicle. Get to change out the clutch fan now,,,fun!


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