2013 Malibu P0420 Code - Try this first!

Our 2013 Malibu with 130k miles is starting to have some issues. One is a long standing CEL that shows P0420 -Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 1 - and according to my research the possible causes are a defective catalytic converter or a bad downstream O2 sensor. Guess what Im replacing first... #chevymalibu #diy #fixmyjunk
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[@raylopez9153]

Great video 👍🏻

[@dyoung1223]

Thank you. It's exactly what my car is doing.

[@OscarHTX]

Did you end up fixing it? Going to change my 02 sensors this weekend. Just got this code this morning.

[@hitmanm818]

Dealer has warranty on the catalytic converter if it’s under 150,000 miles or 10 years old or less

[@derekv7070]

The one you put in under cat is the one I put on the top of the manifold??

[@dansalazar587]

I replace the O2 sensor the one underneath the car and the car still won't start and I don't know what else to do can somebody help

[@vampirebarbie1982]

I replaced the o2 sensors and it is the cat. I have even put a adapter on the downstream o2sensor and it did not work. The car runs rough at times and it is burning oil.

[@dzlfreek]

sounds like the oil issue has fouled you cat and plugs. replacing the cat at this time is pointless. find out why its consuming oil.

[@Mahir_046]

@dzlfreek I plan on buying one of these used with about a 140,000kms on the clock for my daily driver. would you recommend this over a ford fusion or a honda accord? which cost slightly more than the malibu in a used car market.

[@dzlfreek]

I cant speak to the ford or the honda, as the only fords I owned were clapped out POS. Even though this car has been reliable transportation. the costs of these repairs and the PITA they present, have soured me to the GM brand. Get a carfax before considering.

[@jehadtamim4362]

My malibu 2013 V6 now is running 300.000 km, 2 years ago i have issue with acceleration, i felt that the engine power is reduced from 0-80 at least, i did all things changing sparks cleaning catalytic system, air mass flow sensor, throttle, fuel tank all things but still the issue.. it’s ok to drive the car as daily basis or traveling to more than 1000 km with no problem, check engine sometimes come and go. Do you think the problem is the O2 sensor ? And which one could be the up or downstream ? Thank you very much 👍

[@dzlfreek]

Engine probably needs a good cleaning on the intake side. These engines are direct injected and the intake ports tend to carbon up. Find a shop that does BG service. It’s not cheap but it is effective. Injectors may need to be replaced as well

[@danc6421]

Can you provide a link for the 02 sensor replaced in the video, with the exception of it being for a 2014 Malibu LT vs the one in video? Not sure the exact part or part number. Experiencing the same issue and looks to be an easy fix! Thank you

[@bijeematuos8717]

2013 Malibu air bag sensor came on out of nowhere. Turned the car on on a cold day and it came on. What could that be?

[@dzlfreek]

I have no idea. Check the connector under the passenger seat

[@bobhill1971]

That other issue you was talking about where car almost dies could that throw the check engine light? I have that problem with my 2014 Malibu 2.5l and just replaced both o2 sensors.

[@dzlfreek]

yes. mine is doing it again and all codes point to the cat.

[@thebig3683]

Did you ever get it fix and do you recommend this car

[@stevemeyer5571]

What was the tool to disconnect the connector?

[@DevJB]

Mini pry bar. I just use needle nose pliers and carefully work the push-zips out.

[@KillTh3mHo3]

how much did it cost to install that back camera i have a 2016 ltz n i dont have one

[@dzlfreek]

Came with the backup camera

[@BigFrizzGaming]

how do you know if it’s upstream or downstream going bad?

[@dzlfreek]

Scan tool

[@BigFrizzGaming]

@@dzlfreek my scan tool is telling me bank 1, i went to oriellys and they couldn’t even tell me wether it was upstream or downstream

[@BigFrizzGaming]

@@dzlfreek it’s throwing me a P0420 on my 08 Chevy Malibu 2.4L if that helps you help me

[@BigFrizzGaming]

@@dzlfreek i’m not much good with cars but i fix what i can get help with on youtube

[@dzlfreek]

@@BigFrizzGaming if your scan tool can read real time data and after the engine has warmed up and is in open loop, the o2 sensors should read relatively the same. I forget what the o2 sensors should output but they should be close in output. What are your symptoms? or you just have a check engine light?

[@papanoel6667]

Have you checked with. Jeffescortlx on youtube on cluster repair?

[@stephenmims1431]

hey that requires a special tool

[@dzlfreek]

doesn't everthing now days

[@Alamo_City_Tx]

Is are you having acceleration problems??

[@dzlfreek]

yes, when its first started and not up to temp yet. feels like its running out of gas

[@Alamo_City_Tx]

@@dzlfreek so is ur car running normal now since the cataclean

[@dzlfreek]

@@Alamo_City_Tx it did for a while but the code is back. I got a new code reader that has more capabilities than my old one so I can do on the fly data and see what is going on while driving. it looks like im likely going to have to replace the cat. update is forthcoming

[@Critical-Thinker895]

@@dzlfreek Be sure and inspect your exhaust manifold for cracks. A crack will cause the same error. Ask me how I know. Cracked manifolds are real common on the Malibu.

[@kimberlynewbon4725]

I’m try this I just replace my converter but code keeps coming back I’m at 159,775

[@dzlfreek]

may be a faulty evap canister solenoid

[@kimberlynewbon4725]

@@dzlfreekokay thank you I’m going look into it and the second sensor I don’t believe it ever been changed

[@luimobilefixes5279]

What solved your p0420 code?

[@dzlfreek]

ultimately, the cat

[@luimobilefixes5279]

@@dzlfreek I think that's gonna be my problem too, I was thinking replacing the downstream 02 first.

[@s.jayejames2442]

@@dzlfreek what was the cost to replace the cat? I’m curious as to what the labor would be.

[@dzlfreek]

@@s.jayejames2442 I bought an after market cat, I think it was around 125 bucks and installed it myself. A factory cat is 7-800 bucks

[@24BlackMamba8]

I'm dealing with this problem as well. I got code p0411 and that's showing it's the upstream sensor. Hopefully it is since I know cats now are super expensive.

[@brianwolf692009]

Contact South Main Auto on KZbin about the gauge cluster. He's an old school mekanic. With new school knowledge.

[@derekv7070]

My 2014 Malibu is messed up we’ve replaced oil control valves 02 sensors purge valves one under hood one near gas tank and spark plugs still running like crap and engine light on also the car dies every time we drive it idk what to change I’ve heard the cat may be clogged up??

[@imra1625]

just you should change the inake and exusst camshaft on top of the engine

[@glennsparks253]

Did that and my malibu started performing better. Cheap and easy fix

[@Deefuckingotem]

Should I replace both sensors to be safe

[@dzlfreek]

I would