P0424
- Powertrain
- Generic (SAE)
- Emissions
Diagnose soon
Usually safe to drive short distances, but the fault will not clear itself and can worsen or fail an emissions test.
Heated Catalyst Temperature Below Threshold (Bank 1)
This code is in our catalogue but has not yet been through editorial review, so the guidance below is limited to what our structured data supports. We publish deeper diagnostic content only after a code has been reviewed — here is why.
The heated catalyst on bank 1 does not reach its target temperature within the expected time. Common causes are a defective heater element, supply fault, or a damaged temperature sensor.
A trouble code records what a control module measured. It does not identify which part failed. Test before replacing anything.
- Safe to drive
- Usually safe to drive short distances, but the fault will not clear itself and can worsen or fail an emissions test.
- Urgency
- Diagnose soon
- Will it pass emissions
- No
- Check engine light
- Solid
- Clearing the light
- A completed drive cycle is normally required before the monitor re-runs and the light can clear.
- Failed emissions inspection
- Possibly slightly increased fuel consumption
- Sulfur (rotten egg) smell from exhaust under load
Many vehicles show no symptom at all beyond the warning light. The absence of a symptom does not mean the fault is not real.
| # | Cause | How often | Component |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Heater element open or shorted | Very common | — |
| 2 | Catalyst temperature sensor failed | Common | — |
Ordering reflects how often each cause is responsible in general, not a probability for your vehicle. Confirm by testing.
- Heated Catalyst
- Catalyst Heater
- Cat Temperature Sensor
- Definition
- Generic code set (SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6) via the OBDexopen database, dedicated to the public domain under CC0-1.0.
- Diagnostic guidance
- Written and reviewed in-house. See our editorial policy.
- Review status
- Awaiting review
Found something wrong? Tell us — we publish corrections.