2013 GMC Truck Terrain AWD L4-2.4L Copyright © 2013, ALLDATA 10.

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A L L Diagnostic Trouble Codes ( DTC ): P Code Charts

Diagnostic Instructions

* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle See: Testing and Inspection/Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview/Diagnostic System Check
- Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.

* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis See: Testing and Inspection/Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview/Strategy Based Diagnosis for an
overview of the diagnostic approach.

* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions See: Testing and Inspection/Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview/Diagnostic Procedure Instructions
provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptor

DTC P0420

Catalyst System Low Efficiency

Circuit/System Description

A 3-way catalytic converter controls emissions of hydrocarbons, CO and NOx. The catalyst within the converter promotes a chemical reaction, which
oxidizes the hydrocarbons and the CO that are present in the exhaust gas. This process converts the hydrocarbons and the CO into water vapor and CO2,
and reduces the NOx, by converting the NOx into nitrogen. The catalytic converter also stores oxygen. The ECM monitors this process by using a
Heated Oxygen Sensor (HO2S) that is in the exhaust stream after the 3-way catalytic converter. The HO2S 2 produces an output signal that the ECM
uses to calculate the oxygen storage capacity of the catalyst. This indicates the ability of the catalyst to convert the exhaust emissions efficiently. The
ECM monitors the efficiency of the catalyst by allowing the catalyst to heat, then wait for a stabilization period while the engine is idling. The ECM then
adds and removes fuel while monitoring the HO2S 2. When the catalyst is functioning properly, the HO2S 2 response to the extra fuel is slow compared
to the response of the HO2S 1, which is located before the 3-way catalytic converter. When the HO2S 2 response is near that of the HO2S 1, the oxygen
storage capability and efficiency of the catalyst may be degraded below an acceptable threshold.

Conditions for Running the DTC

* DTC P0010, P0011, P0013, P0014, P0016, P0017, P0030, P0036, P0101, P0102, P0103, P0112, P0113, P0116, P0117, P0118, P0121, P0122,
P0123, P0128, P0131, P0132, P0133, P0134, P0135, P0137, P0138, P013A, P013B, P013C, P013E, P013F, P0140, P0141, P0171, P0172,
P0220, P0223, P0300, P0301-P0304, P0443, P0449, P0455, P0496, P0506, P0507, P1101, P1133, P2100, P2102, P2103, P2122, P2123, P2127,
P2128, P2135, P2138, P219A, P2232, P2235, P2270, or P2271 is not set.

* Before the ECM performs the idle test, the vehicle must be driven under the following conditions:

- The engine speed is greater than 915 RPM

- The engine run time is greater than a calibrated value

- Both conditions exist for greater than 15 s

* The throttle is in the rest position.

* The intake air temperature (IAT) is between -20 to +250°C (-4 to +482°F).

* The ignition voltage is greater than 11 V.

* The engine coolant temperature (ECT) is between 40-127°C (104-261°F).

* The barometric pressure (BARO) is greater than 70 kPa.

* The engine has been idling less than 50 s.

* The vehicle speed is less than 2 km/h (1 mph).

* The short term fuel trim is learned.

* The air flow into the engine is between 3-13 g/s.

* The EVAP purge concentration is learned.

* The catalytic converter calculated temperature is between 450-950°C (842-1,742°F).

* The engine is operating in Closed Loop.

* The transmission is not in P/N (automatic transmission only).

This diagnostic attempts one test during each valid idle period once the above conditions have been met. This diagnostic attempts up to 8 tests during
each drive cycle.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The ECM determines that the efficiency of the catalyst has degraded below a calibrated threshold.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

DTC P0420 is a Type A DTC.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

DTC P0420 is a Type A DTC.

Diagnostic Aids

Inspect for the following conditions, which may cause a catalytic converter to degrade:

* An engine misfire

* High engine oil or high coolant consumption

* Retarded spark timing

* A weak or poor spark

* A lean fuel mixture

* A rich fuel mixture

* A damaged oxygen sensor or wiring harness

Reference Information

DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions See: Diagnostic Trouble Code Descriptions/Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC)
Type Definitions

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References See: Testing and Inspection/Programming and Relearning/Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Verification

1. Observe the DTC information with a scan tool. Verify there are no other DTCs set.

‹› If a DTC is set, refer to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle See: Diagnostic Trouble Code Descriptions/Diagnostic Trouble Code
(DTC) List - Vehicle for further diagnosis.

2. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC. Observe the scan tool Catalyst Monitor Not At Idle Test Conditions Met
parameter. The parameter will change to Yes when the Conditions have been met.
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‹› If not the specified value, operate the vehicle within the Off Idle Conditions.

3. When the parameter has changed to Yes and the conditions are safe, stop and idle the vehicle in gear.

4. Apply the service brake.

5. Monitor the scan tool Catalyst Monitor Test State parameter. When the parameter indicates Active, the Catalyst Monitor Test is running.

6. Continue to monitor the parameter. When the parameter indicates Inactive, the Catalyst Monitor Test has completed.

7. When the test has completed, the Catalyst Monitor Test Counter parameter will increment by one and the Catalyst Monitor Test Result parameter
will indicate Pass, Fail or No Decision.

‹› If no decision has been made, repeat steps 2-6 until the Test Result parameter indicates Pass or Fail.

Circuit/System Testing

1. Verify the following conditions do not exist with the catalytic converter:

* Dents

* A severe discoloration caused by excessive temperatures

* Road damage

* An internal rattle caused by damaged catalyst substrate

* Restrictions

‹› If a condition is found, replace the catalytic converter.

2. Verify the following conditions do not exist with the exhaust system:

* Leaks

* Physical damage

* Loose or missing hardware

‹› If a condition is found, repair the exhaust system.

3. Verify the following conditions do not exist with the B52B Heated Oxygen Sensor 2.

* The HO2S is not at the correct torque

* Damage

‹› If a condition is found, repair or replace the B52B Heated Oxygen Sensor 2 as necessary.

4. If all physical conditions test normal, test or replace the catalytic converter.

Repair Instructions

Note:
A new converter with less than 161 kilometers (100 miles) on it may set DTC P0420 due to out-gassing of the internal matting. Operating the vehicle at
highway speeds for approximately 1 h may correct the condition.

* Exhaust Leakage See: Engine, Cooling and Exhaust/Exhaust System/Testing and Inspection/Exhaust Leakage

* Restricted Exhaust See: Engine, Cooling and Exhaust/Exhaust System/Testing and Inspection/Restricted Exhaust

* Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement - Sensor 2 See: Powertrain Management/Computers and Control Systems/Oxygen Sensor/Service and
Repair/Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement - Sensor 2

* Catalytic Converter Replacement (LEA) See: Engine, Cooling and Exhaust/Exhaust System/Catalytic Converter/Service and Repair/Catalytic
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Converter Replacement

Repair Verification

1. Install any components that have been removed or replaced during diagnosis.

2. Perform any adjustments, programming or setup procedures that are required when a component is removed or replaced.

3. Clear the DTCs with a scan tool.

4. Vehicle OFF for 60 s.

5. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC. Observe the scan tool Catalyst Monitor Not At Idle Test Conditions Met
parameter. The parameter will change to Yes when the Conditions have been met.

‹› If not the specified value, operate the vehicle within the Off Idle Conditions.

6. When the parameter has changed to Yes and the conditions are safe, stop and idle the vehicle in gear.

7. Apply the service brake.

8. Monitor the scan tool Catalyst Monitor Test State parameter. When the parameter indicates Active, the Catalyst Monitor Test is running.

9. Continue to monitor the parameter. When the parameter indicates Inactive, the Catalyst Monitor Test has completed.

10. When the test has completed, the Catalyst Monitor Test Counter parameter will increment by one and the Catalyst Monitor Test Result parameter
will indicate Pass, Fail or No Decision.

‹› If no decision has been made, repeat steps 5-9 until the Test Result parameter indicates Pass or Fail.

11. If the repair was related to a DTC, duplicate the Conditions for Running the DTC and use the Freeze Frame/Failure Records, if applicable, in order
to verify the DTC does not reset. If the DTC resets or another DTC is present, refer to the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle See:
Diagnostic Trouble Code Descriptions/Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle for further diagnosis.