[rgengo]

I have a 2008 Z06 I purchased new. Has just over 14K. I was stopped the other day and check engine light came on solid. Looked up Code and it said bad cat. Really I wouldn’t think so with just 14K. Could an O2 sensor cause this?

 

[racingvette]

What exactly was the code, and did it show as C or H ?
Yes it could affect a CAT but have to know more
May not just be mileage as car still is 14 years old

You say 14K and then 23K miles

 

[rgengo]

The code was P0420. Auto Zone ran it.

 

[racingvette]

A code P0420 may mean that one or more of the following has happened:

A damaged or failed oxygen / O2 sensor
Downstream oxygen sensor (HO2S) wiring damaged or connected improperly

The engine coolant temperature sensor is not working properly
Damaged or leaking exhaust manifold / catalytic converter / muffler / exhaust pipe
Failed or underperforming catalytic converter (likely)
Retarded spark timing
The oxygen sensors in front and behind the converter are reporting too similar of readings Leaking fuel injector or high fuel pressure Cylinder misfire Oil contamination

Some suggested steps for troubleshooting and fixing a P0420 error code include:

Check for exhaust leaks at the manifold, pipes, catalytic converter. Repair as required.
Use a scope to diagnose the oxygen sensor operation

(Tip: The oxygen sensor in front of the catalytic converter normally has a fluctuating waveform.
The waveform of the sensor behind the converter should be steadier).
Inspect the downstream heated oxygen sensor, replace if necessary
Replace the catalytic converter

Diagnostic Tip

Generally speaking, you can look at the temperature of the exhaust just before and just after the converter using an infrared temperature gun.

The output should be about 100 degrees Fahrenheit hotter when the engine is fully warmed up.

Using a OBD-II scanner, determine if the long term fuel trims are too rich or lean

 

[rgengo]

A code P0420 may mean that one or more of the following has happened:

A damaged or failed oxygen / O2 sensor
Downstream oxygen sensor (HO2S) wiring damaged or connected improperly

The engine coolant temperature sensor is not working properly
Damaged or leaking exhaust manifold / catalytic converter / muffler / exhaust pipe
Failed or underperforming catalytic converter (likely)
Retarded spark timing
The oxygen sensors in front and behind the converter are reporting too similar of readings Leaking fuel injector or high fuel pressure Cylinder misfire Oil contamination

Some suggested steps for troubleshooting and fixing a P0420 error code include:

Check for exhaust leaks at the manifold, pipes, catalytic converter. Repair as required.
Use a scope to diagnose the oxygen sensor operation

(Tip: The oxygen sensor in front of the catalytic converter normally has a fluctuating waveform.
The waveform of the sensor behind the converter should be steadier).
Inspect the downstream heated oxygen sensor, replace if necessary
Replace the catalytic converter

Diagnostic Tip

Generally speaking, you can look at the temperature of the exhaust just before and just after the converter using an infrared temperature gun.

The output should be about 100 degrees Fahrenheit hotter when the engine is fully warmed up.

Using a OBD-II scanner, determine if the long term fuel trims are too rich or lean

Thanks Much