AutoCodes – Mercury – P1420 Mercury

P1420 Mercury Code - Catalyst Temperature Sensor

Quick Answer

The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) monitors the Catalyst Temperature Sensor. Common causes include Faulty Catalyst Temperature Sensor, Catalyst Temperature Sensor harness is open or shorted, Catalyst Temperature Sensor circuit poor electrical connection. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means
P1420 Mercury indicates Catalyst Temperature Sensor.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Catalyst Temperature Sensor, Catalyst Temperature Sensor harness is open or shorted, Catalyst Temperature Sensor circuit poor electrical connection.
Severity
High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?
Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.
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Code Popularity 1,370
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Sep 24, 2019
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Code P1420 Mercury Description

The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) monitors the Catalyst Temperature Sensor. The PCM sets the OBDII code when the Catalyst Temperature Sensor is not to factory specifications.
OBDII Code P1420 Mercury - Catalyst Temperature Sensor - AutoCodes.com
P1420 Mercury Code - Catalyst Temperature Sensor

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1420 Mercury?

  • Faulty Catalyst Temperature Sensor
  • Catalyst Temperature Sensor harness is open or shorted
  • Catalyst Temperature Sensor circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P1420 Mercury?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P1420 Mercury code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

Need more information about the P1420 Mercury code?

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About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about P1420 Mercury Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P1420 (Mercury Catalyst Temperature Sensor)?

The common symptoms of code P1420 include poor engine performance, decreased fuel efficiency, and the illumination of the check engine light.

2. What are the possible causes of OBDII code P1420 (Mercury Catalyst Temperature Sensor)?

Possible causes of code P1420 include a faulty catalyst temperature sensor, wiring issues, exhaust leaks, or a malfunctioning catalytic converter.

3. How can I diagnose OBDII code P1420 on my Mercury vehicle?

Diagnosing code P1420 typically involves using an OBDII scanner to retrieve the fault code, inspecting the catalyst temperature sensor and related wiring, and checking for any exhaust leaks.

4. Can I continue driving my Mercury with OBDII code P1420?

It is not recommended to continue driving your Mercury with code P1420 as it can lead to further damage to the catalytic converter and potentially worsen engine performance.

5. How can I repair OBDII code P1420 on my Mercury?

Repairing code P1420 often involves replacing the faulty catalyst temperature sensor, repairing any damaged wiring, fixing exhaust leaks, or replacing the catalytic converter if necessary.

6. Are there any DIY tips for fixing OBDII code P1420 on my Mercury?

While some DIY enthusiasts may attempt to replace the catalyst temperature sensor themselves, it is recommended to consult a professional mechanic for proper diagnosis and repair of code P1420.

7. How much does it cost to fix OBDII code P1420 on a Mercury vehicle?

The cost of repairing code P1420 can vary depending on the underlying issue, but it may range from $200 to $600, including parts and labor.

8. Can a catalytic converter cleaner help resolve OBDII code P1420?

Using a catalytic converter cleaner may temporarily mask the symptoms of code P1420, but it is not a permanent solution and may not address the root cause of the issue.

9. Will resetting the check engine light clear OBDII code P1420 on my Mercury?

Resetting the check engine light may temporarily turn it off, but if the underlying issue causing code P1420 is not addressed, the light will likely come back on.

10. How often should I have my Mercury's catalytic converter inspected to prevent OBDII code P1420?

It is recommended to have your Mercury's catalytic converter inspected during routine maintenance intervals to detect any potential issues early and prevent the occurrence of code P1420.

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