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On Board Diagnosis Logic

The ECM monitors the switching frequency ratio of air fuel ratio (A/F) sensor 1 and heated oxygen sensor 2. See Figure. A three way catalyst 1 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 air fuel ratio (A/F) sensor 1 and heated oxygen sensor 2 approaches a specified limit value, the three way catalyst 1 malfunction is diagnosed.

Fig 1: Identifying DTC P0420 Conditions & Possible Causes
G00726370Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.