reoccuring p0420 code

[benzguy95]

Hey all, need input on a problem i've noticed on our pathfinder, so far we've put close to 20k on our pathfinder in almost 2 years and in that time the check engine light has shown its face 5 times, first time was for the position sensors, second time was due to an idiot not putting oil in it after a routine oil change (no damage to the engine surprisingly) third time was due to low voltage (new battery fixed that). Recently though that yellow SES light has shown up and both times it was for the catalyst system, the first time we drove it around and it went away (figured some gunk in the fuel system messed with it) then 2 days ago it showed back up, I cleared it to see what happens, but the vehicle runs and drives just fine, no loss of power or strange sounds, its due for an oil change in less than 1000 miles and the oil level is fine but I'm just wondering could it really need new cats or is there something else within the system thats causing it troubles?

[BusyBadger]

My gut feeling is that It's probably a catalytic converter going (gone?) bad.

This won't apply to you because of the age of your vehicle but I try to get it out as much as I can, there is an 8 Year/80,000 Mile Federally Mandated Warranty on your catalytic converter and a few other emissions related parts. The ones on my Z were replaced with less than 18 miles left under the warranty.

Keep us posted on what you find out and decide to do!

[benzguy95]

Well good news, since the posting, took it to a shop and had the light reset to see if the cats really were bad. So far, the light has yet to come back on! I think it was due to the lack of driving, my mother doesn't drive the car that often (about once or twice a week) so I can only guess that something must've settled to the bottom and when it was driven it needed to be burned out of the system. Other wise it's going strong with 161k miles at the time of this posting only needing an oil change, and eventually another alignment and a fluid flush. On an unrelated note, what should I look forward to as we get closer to the 200k mark besides a tune up