Code P0420, post catalytic converter O2 voltage

1998 TOYOTA CAMRY
180,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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CHRISTHEHACK
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I'm trying to figure out if it's caused by a bad catalytic converter or a bad sensor. The 2 upstream sensors (bank1+bank2) follow each other almost identically, varying ~.6-.7V at idle and with some gentle punches on the accelerator pedal. The post catalytic converter O2 voltage swings wildly. After the engine is warm (driven 30 minutes), the B1S2 will hover ~.7V at idle, but drop to ~-0v when the accelerator is gently punched. Does this sound normal ? The P0420 takes about a week to re-surface after a clear.
Jan 9, 2020 at 4:54 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Good evening,

The code is for a failed catalytic converter. The precious metals are worn out.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-a-catalytic-converter

The rear O2 voltage should be steady. If it is varying, then the catalytic converter is bad.

420 is never a sensor issue. It is always the catalytic converter that is the failure.

Roy
Jan 9, 2020 at 5:22 PM