LEMON Manuals: Even more car manuals for everyone: 1960-2025
Home >> Infiniti >> 2023 >> QX80 Premium Select, AWD >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Engine Performance >> System >> Engine Control System (DTCS) (3 Of 5) >> Engine (ECM) >> DTC P0420: Three Way Catalyst Function >> DTC Diagnosis Procedure
April 5, 2026: LEMON Manuals is launched! Read the announcement.

DTC Diagnosis Procedure

  1. CHECK EXHAUST SYSTEM 

    Visually check exhaust tubes and muffler for dents.

    Is the inspection result normal?

    YES

    GO TO 2.

    NO

    Repair or replace malfunctioning part.

  2. CHECK EXHAUST GAS LEAKAGE 
    1. Start engine and run it at idle.
    2. Listen for an exhaust gas leakage before the three way catalyst (manifold).
      GNSDB6595Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

    Is exhaust gas leakage detected?

    YES

    Repair or replace malfunctioning part.

    NO

    GO TO 3.

  3. CHECK INTAKE AIR LEAKAGE 

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

    Is intake air leakage detected?

    YES

    Repair or replace malfunctioning part.

    NO

    GO TO 4.

  4. CHECK IDLE SPEED AND IGNITION TIMING 

    Check idle speed and ignition timing.

    For procedure, refer to IDLE SPEED : Periodic Maintenance Operation . And Refer to IGNITION TIMING : Periodic Maintenance Operation .

    For specification, refer to IDLE SPEED : Service Data . And Refer to IGNITION TIMING : Service Data .

    Is the inspection result normal?

    YES

    GO TO 5.

    NO

    Follow the Refer to Work Procedure .

  5. CHECK FUEL INJECTORS 

    Refer to Component Function Check .

    Is the inspection result normal?

    YES

    GO TO 6.

    NO

    Refer to Diagnosis Procedure .

  6. CHECK FUNCTION OF IGNITION COIL-I 
    CAUTION: Perform the following procedure in a place with no combustible objects and good ventilation.
    1. Turn ignition switch OFF.
    2. Remove fuel pump fuse in IPDM E/R to release fuel pressure.
      NOTE:
      • For the fuse number, refer to Wiring Diagram .
      • Refer to Wiring Diagram .
      • Do not use CONSULT to release fuel pressure, or fuel pressure applies again during the following procedure.
    3. Start engine.
    4. After engine stalls, crank it 2 or 3 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.
      GNSDB3898Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    11. Crank engine for approximately 3 seconds, and check whether spark is generated between the spark plug and the grounded metal portion.

      Spark should be generated.

      CAUTION:
      • Never place the spark plug and the ignition coil within 50 cm (19.7 in) each other. Be careful not to get an electrical shock while checking, because the electrical discharge voltage becomes 20 kV or more.
      • It might damage the ignition coil if the gap of more than 17 mm (0.66 in) is made.
      NOTE: When the gap is less than 13 mm (0.52 in), a 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 non-malfunctioning spark plug.
    3. Crank engine for approximately 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 Diagnosis Procedure .

  8. CHECK SPARK PLUG 

    Check the initial spark plug for fouling, etc.

    GNSDB6017Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

    Is the inspection result normal?

    YES

    Replace spark plug (s) with standard type one (s). For spark plug type, refer to IGNITION COIL : Exploded View .

    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 approximately 3 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 IGNITION COIL : Exploded View .

  10. PERFORM DTC CONFIRMATION PROCEDURE 
    1. Replace three way catalyst assembly. Refer to EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND THREE WAY CATALYST : Removal & Installation .
    2. Perform DTC confirmation procedure. Refer to DTC Description .

    Is DTC detected?

    YES

    Replace fuel injecor. Refer to FUEL INJECTOR AND FUEL TUBE : Removal & Installation .

    NO

    INSPECTION END