I am new to Mitsubishi Eclipses. I just bought my 2000 Eclipse GT 5pd about a month ago. I was driving last night back from schoola and noticed that the check engine light was on. This morning I went to Auto Zone and had the light checked out. The code reads 420 Catylatic Converter (bank1) insufficient, or something close it. I am not sure what I have to do to find out what is wrong. It seems to drive fine and the exhaust sonds like it should. I need help regarding this. Should I replace the sprak plugs?

Thanks,

 

chances are its your o2 sensor on bank one going bad. you're not gonna notice any drivability problems, but you may be losing a mpg or 2. also i wouldnt count on passing e-check with that problem. although it is possible since my roommates car was throwing that exact code and passed with flying colors yesterday

 

How do get to the o2 sensor? Which one is the one I need to pay attention to? Have you had this problem before? About a day ago I ran over a soccer ball because it came on the road, would this be the cause of it? How much are o2 sensors?

Thanks,

 

um, maybe if the soccerball hit the sensor and knocked it outta place or broke it or something. you're gonna wanna check the one behind the motor, but in front of the cat converter. and im not exactly sure on the price of one

 

Is the o2 sensor in a place where it could possibly be damaged if a ball does go under the car?
There is also a hair line crack I noticed on the radiator going across (horizontal), is there a way to repair it or would I need to replace it all together?

Thanks for all the input.

 

- yes

-they might sell something to fix it, but id replace it if i were you. those things hold a lot of pressure when the engines warmed up and i wouldnt trust a cheap fix on something like that

 

Since you have a p0420 code that is usually a bad bank 1cat. If the o2 sensor was going bad you'd get a dtc for it.

I work at a dealer and I have never seen an o2 sensor cause a p0420.

 

What do you mean by dtc? What is a bank 1 cat?

 

Dtc- diagnostic trouble code (p0420)

p0420- is cataylitic converter below threshold, which means you need a new cataylitic coverter.

In a v-6 or v-8 there are two banks, bank one would be on the left sideand bank two is on the right side.

 

I don't think it means I need a new Cataylitic converter right off the bat. There are many reasons as to why this code can appear. Catalyst efficiency low-bank 1 is the meaning off P0420. The oxygen sensors monitor the cataylytic converters ability to store oxygen. Probable causes:
1. Engine misfire or running condition
2. Large vacuum leak
3. Engine oil leakage into exhaust-valve guide seals