P0429 Catalyst Heater Control Circuit (Bank 1)
OBD-II Trouble Code Technical Description
Catalyst Heater Control Circuit (Bank 1)
What does that mean?
This diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is a generic powertrain code, which means that it applies to OBD-II equipped vehicles (Toyota, Jeep, Honda, Nissan, Subaru, GM, Ford, etc.). Although generic, the specific repair steps may vary depending on make/model.
If you are faced with diagnosing a stored a code P0429, you need to know it means that the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected a problem with the catalyst heater control circuit for engine bank 1. Bank one specifies that the malfunction has occurred in the catalytic converter for the bank of the engine that contains the #1 cylinder. Conditions which may cause this code to be stored may be electrical or mechanical.
The primary function of the heated catalytic converter is to reduce exhaust emissions from diesel and gasoline fueled engines. It is a dense filtration element of ceramic fibers and precious metals enclosed in a steel housing and positioned in the exhaust pipe. Harmful nitrogen oxides (N2O), carbon monoxide, and unburned hydrocarbons are all converted to harmless ions of nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water after flowing through the heated catalytic converter. This is accomplished using the filtration element and the extreme heat of the engine exhaust.
In the case of the heated catalytic converter, the filtration element is further heated with a PCM controlled injection of some type of flammable diesel exhaust fluid. Catalytic converter temperatures must reach at least 800-degrees Fahrenheit and heated catalyst units reach as high as 1,200-degrees Fahrenheit.
Catalytic converter efficiency is monitored using upstream and downstream oxygen (O2) sensors and exhaust temperature sensors.
If the heated catalyst is not functioning properly, variations in oxygen concentration between inlet exhaust and outlet exhaust will not be significant. If upstream and downstream O2 sensors reflect a similar exhaust oxygen concentration, or if an electrical malfunction is detected in the heated catalyst control circuit, a code P0429 will be stored and a malfunction indicator lamp may be illuminated.
Other bank 1 catalyst efficiency trouble codes include:
Code Severity & Symptoms
Since the catalyst heater is crucial for exhaust emission reduction, a code P0429 should be considered severe.
Symptoms of this code may include:
Causes
Potential causes for this code to set are:
Diagnostic and Repair Procedures
For me, a diagnostic scanner, a digital volt ohmmeter (DVOM), an infrared thermometer (with a laser pointer), and a reliable vehicle information source (such as All Data DIY) will be required when diagnosing a code P0429.
Any diesel exhaust fluid injection codes, ignition misfire codes, throttle position sensor codes, manifold air pressure codes, and mass air flow sensor codes should be addressed before attempting to diagnose a stored code P0429. The engine must be in good running order before diagnosing this code.
I usually begin my diagnosis with a visual inspection of system wiring harnesses and connectors. I would focus my attention on harnesses that are routed near hot exhaust pipes and manifolds, as well as those that are routed near sharp edges like the ones found on exhaust shields.
Next, I would connect the scanner to the vehicle diagnostic port and retrieve all trouble codes and freeze frame data. I write this information down because it may come in handy if this proves to be an intermittent code. Clear the codes and test drive the vehicle to see if the P0429 is reset.
If applicable, make sure that the diesel exhaust fluid reservoir is filled with the correct fluid and that the injection system is functioning properly. If the diesel exhaust fluid injection system fails, the heated catalyst will not function efficiently and a code P0429 will be stored. If the diesel exhaust fluid injection system is not working properly, check system fuses and relays to make sure that the controller is operable.
If the diesel fluid injection system is functioning as designed, use the infrared thermometer to test input and output temps of the catalytic converter. Use the vehicle information source and compare the actual temperature data with manufacturer’s specifications. If the output temperature is not within specifications, suspect a defective catalytic converter.
If the output temperature of the heated catalyst meets specifications, use the DVOM to test the exhaust temperature sensor using the specifications found in the vehicle information source. Replace the exhaust temperature sensor if it fails to comply with manufacturer’s specifications.
Test O2 sensors following manufacturer’s recommendations.
Additional diagnostic notes:
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"Delete Error Code Permanently, Disable DTC Error Code Function for p0429 in the ECU"
In extreme cases, we even have the option to permanently remove the specific DTC p0429 and disable the function of the specific error code in the ECU. All other fault code functions will then continue to work to protect the engine. This is different from clearing an error code with a diagnostic device. We have the option to permanently remove the function of the specific error code, so that it never comes back. Also emergency running that occurs on the specific error code can be solved in most cases.
Of course we prefer to first try to solve the cause of the error code, but sometimes the only solution is to permanently disable the DTC function of p0429.
