LEMON Manuals: Even more car manuals for everyone: 1960-2025
Home >> Nissan-Datsun >> 2004 >> Sentra Base, Standard >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Engine Performance >> System >> Engine Control System - QG18DE >> DTC P0420: Three Way Catalyst Function >> Diagnostic Procedure
April 5, 2026: LEMON Manuals is launched! Read the announcement.

Diagnostic Procedure

  1. CHECK EXHAUST SYSTEM 

    Visually check exhaust tubes and muffler for dent.

    OK or NG 

    1. OK: GO TO 2.
    2. NG: 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).
      Fig 1: Checking Exhaust Gas Leak
      G00772830Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.

    OK or NG 

    1. OK: GO TO 3.
    2. NG: Repair or replace.
  3. CHECK INTAKE AIR LEAK 

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

    OK or NG 

    1. OK: GO TO 4.
    2. NG: Repair or replace.
  4. CHECK IGNITION TIMING 

    Check for ignition timing. Refer to BASIC INSPECTION 

    Fig 2: Ignition Timing Chart
    G00772831Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.

    OK or NG 

    1. OK: GO TO 5.
    2. NG: Follow the BASIC INSPECTION .
  5. CHECK INJECTORS 
    1. Refer to WIRING DIAGRAM  for Injectors.
    2. Stop engine and then turn ignition switch ON.
    3. Check voltage between ECM terminals 22, 23, 41, 42 and ground with CONSULT-II or tester.

      Battery voltage should exist. 

    OK or NG 

    1. OK: GO TO 6.
    2. NG: Perform Diagnostic Procedure WIRING DIAGRAM .
      Fig 3: Checking Voltage Between ECM Terminals 22, 23, 41, 42 And Ground
      G00772832Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  6. CHECK IGNITION SPARK
    1. Turn ignition switch OFF.
    2. Disconnect ignition coil assembly from rocker cover.
    3. Disconnect all injector harness connectors.
    4. Connect a known-good spark plug to the ignition coil assembly.
    5. Place end of spark plug against a suitable ground and crank engine.
    6. Check for spark.

    OK or NG 

    1. OK: GO TO 7.
    2. NG: Check ignition coil with power transistor and their circuit. Refer to IGNITION SIGNAL .
      Fig 4: Checking Ignition Spark
      G00772833Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  7. CHECK INJECTOR
    1. Turn ignition switch OFF.
    2. Remove injector assembly. Refer to FUEL INJECTOR AND FUEL TUBE .

      Keep fuel hose and all injectors connected to injector gallery.

    3. Reconnect all injector harness connectors.
    4. Disconnect all ignition coil harness connectors.
    5. Turn ignition switch ON.

      Make sure fuel does not drip from injector.

    OK or NG 

    1. OK (Does not drip): GO TO 8.
    2. NG (Drips): Replace the injector(s) from which fuel is dripping.
  8. CHECK INTERMITTENT INCIDENT

    Perform TROUBLE DIAGNOSIS FOR INTERMITTENT INCIDENT .

    1. Trouble is fixed: INSPECTION END 
    2. Trouble is not fixed: Replace three way catalyst (manifold).