Nissan Altima (L32) 2007-2012 Service Manual: P0420 three way catalyst function

DTC Logic

DTC DETECTION LOGIC

The ECM monitors the switching frequency ratio of air fuel ratio (A/F) sensor 1 and heated oxygen sensor 2.

A three way catalyst (manifold) with high oxygen storage capacity will indicate a low switching frequency of heated oxygen sensor 2.

As oxygen storage capacity decreases, the heated oxygen sensor 2 switching frequency will increase.

When the frequency ratio of A/F sensor 1 and heated oxygen sensor 2 approaches a specified limit value, the three way catalyst (manifold) malfunction is diagnosed.

DTC CONFIRMATION PROCEDURE

1.INSPECTION START

Do you have CONSULT-III? Do you have CONSULT-III? YES >> GO TO 2.

NO >> GO TO 7.

2.PRECONDITIONING

If DTC Confirmation Procedure has been previously conducted, always turn ignition switch OFF and wait at least 10 seconds before conducting the next test.

TESTING CONDITION: Do not hold engine speed for more than the specified minutes below.

>> GO TO 3.

3.PERFORM DTC CONFIRMATION PROCEDURE-I

1. Turn ignition switch ON and select “DATA MONITOR” mode with CONSULT-III.

2. Start engine and warm it up to the normal operating temperature.

3. Turn ignition switch OFF and wait at least 10 seconds.

4. Start engine and keep the engine speed between 3,500 and 4,000 rpm for at least 1 minute under no load.

5. Let engine idle for 1 minute.

6. Make sure that “COOLAN TEMP/S” indicates more than 70°C (158°F).

If not, warm up engine and go to next step when “COOLAN TEMP/S” indication reaches to 70°C (158°F).

7. Open engine hood.

8. Select “DTC & SRT CONFIRMATION” then “SRT WORK SUPPORT” mode with CONSULT-III.

9. Rev engine up to 2,000 to 3,000 rpm and hold it for 3 consecutive minutes then release the accelerator pedal completely.

10. Check the indication of “CATALYST”.

Which is displayed on CONSULT-III screen?

CMPLT>> GO TO 6.

INCMP >> GO TO 4.

4.PERFORM DTC CONFIRMATION PROCEDURE-II

1. Wait 5 seconds at idle.

2. Rev engine up to 2,000 to 3,000 rpm and maintain it until “INCMP” of “CATALYST” changes to “CMPLT” (It will take approximately 5 minutes).

Does the indication change to “CMPLT”? YES >> GO TO 6.

NO >> GO TO 5.

5.PERFORM DTC CONFIRMATION PROCEDURE AGAIN

1. Stop engine and cool it down to less than 70°C (158°F).

2. Perform DTC CONFIRMATION PROCEDURE again.

>> GO TO 3.

6.PERFORM DTC CONFIRMATION PROCEDURE-III

Check 1st trip DTC.

Is 1st trip DTC detected? YES >> Go to EC-793, "Diagnosis Procedure".

NO >> INSPECTION END

7.PERFORM COMPONENT FUNCTION CHECK

Perform component function check. Refer to EC-792, "Component Function Check".

NOTE: Use component function check to check the overall function of the three way catalyst (manifold). During this check, a 1st trip DTC might not be confirmed.

Is the inspection result normal? YES >> INSPECTION END

NO >> Go to EC-793, "Diagnosis Procedure".

Component Function Check

1.PERFORM COMPONENT FUNCTION CHECK

1. Start engine and warm it up to the normal operating temperature.

2. Turn ignition switch OFF and wait at least 10 seconds.

3. Start engine and keep the engine speed between 3,500 and 4,000 rpm for at least 1 minute under no load.

4. Let engine idle for 1 minute.

5. Open engine hood.

6. Check the voltage between ECM harness connector and ground under the following condition.

Is the inspection result normal? YES >> INSPECTION END

NO >> Go to EC-793, "Diagnosis Procedure".

Diagnosis Procedure

1.CHECK EXHAUST SYSTEM

Visually check exhaust tubes and muffler for dent.

Is the inspection result normal? YES >> GO TO 2.

NO >> Repair or replace.

2.CHECK EXHAUST GAS LEAK

1. Start engine and run it at idle.

2. Listen for an exhaust gas leak before the three way catalyst (manifold).

Is exhaust gas leak detected? YES >> Repair or replace.

NO >> GO TO 3.

3.CHECK INTAKE AIR LEAK

Listen for an intake air leak after the mass air flow sensor.

Is intake air leak detected? YES >> Repair or replace.

NO >> GO TO 4.

4.CHECK IGNITION TIMING

For procedure, refer toEC-564, "IGNITION TIMING : Special Repair Requirement".

For specification, refer toEC-1043, "Idle Speed" andEC-1043, "Ignition Timing".

Is the inspection result normal? YES >> GO TO 5.

NO >> Follow the EC-560, "BASIC INSPECTION : Special Repair Requirement".

5.CHECK FUEL INJECTOR

1. Stop engine and then turn ignition switch ON.

2. Check the voltage between ECM harness connector and ground.

Is the inspection result normal? YES >> GO TO 6.

NO >> Perform EC-956, "Diagnosis Procedure".

6.CHECK FUNCTION OF IGNITION COIL-I

CAUTION:

Do the following procedure in the place where ventilation is good without the combustible.

1. Turn ignition switch OFF.

2. Remove fuel pump fuse in IPDM E/R to release fuel pressure.

NOTE: Do not use CONSULT-III to release fuel pressure, or fuel pressure applies again during the following procedure.

3. Start engine.

4. After engine stalls, crank it two or three times to release all fuel pressure.

5. Turn ignition switch OFF.

6. Remove all ignition coil harness connectors to avoid the electrical discharge from the ignition coils.

7. Remove ignition coil and spark plug of the cylinder to be checked.

8. Crank engine for 5 seconds or more to remove combustion gas in the cylinder.

9. Connect spark plug and harness connector to ignition coil.

10. Fix ignition coil using a rope etc. with gap of 13 - 17 mm (0.52 - 0.66 in) between the edge of the spark plug and grounded metal portion as shown in the figure.

11. Crank engine for about 3 seconds, and check whether spark is generated between the spark plug and the grounded metal portion.

Spark should be generated.

CAUTION: • Do not approach to the spark plug and the ignition coil within 50 cm (19.7 in). Be careful not to get an electrical shock while checking, because the electrical discharge voltage becomes 20kV or more.

NOTE: When the gap is less than 13 mm (0.52 in), the spark might be generated even if the coil is malfunctioning.

Is the inspection result normal? YES >> GO TO 10.

NO >> GO TO 7.

7.CHECK FUNCTION OF IGNITION COIL-II

1. Turn ignition switch OFF.

2. Disconnect spark plug and connect a known-good spark plug.

3. Crank engine for about 3 seconds, and recheck whether spark is generated between the spark plug and the grounded metal portion.

Spark should be generated.

Is the inspection result normal? YES >> GO TO 8.

NO >> Check ignition coil, power transistor and their circuits. Refer to EC-963, "Diagnosis Procedure".

8.CHECK SPARK PLUG

Check the initial spark plug for fouling, etc.

Is the inspection result normal? YES >> Replace spark plug(s) with standard type one(s). For spark plug type, refer to EM-99, "Standard and Limit".

NO >> Repair or clean spark plug. Then GO TO 9.

9.CHECK FUNCTION OF IGNITION COIL-III

1. Reconnect the initial spark plugs.

2. Crank engine for about three seconds, and recheck whether spark is generated between the spark plug and the grounded portion.

Spark should be generated.

Is the inspection result normal? YES >> INSPECTION END

NO >> Replace spark plug(s) with standard type one(s). For spark plug type, refer to EM-99, "Standard and Limit".

10.CHECK FUEL INJECTOR

1. Turn ignition switch OFF.

2. Remove fuel injector assembly.

Refer to EM-36, "Removal and Installation".

Keep fuel hose and all fuel injectors connected to fuel tube.

3. Disconnect all ignition coil harness connectors.

4. Reconnect all fuel injector harness connectors disconnected.

5. Turn ignition switch ON.

Does fuel drip from fuel injector? YES >> GO TO 11.

NO >> Replace the fuel injector(s) from which fuel is dripping.

11.CHECK INTERMITTENT INCIDENT

Refer to GI-42, "Intermittent Incident".

Is the inspection result normal? YES >> Replace three way catalyst assembly.

NO >> Repair or replace harness or connector