P0421 Mercedes-Benz Warm Up Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 1

Possible causes

– Warm Up Three Way Catalytic converter deterioration or malfunction
– Exhaust system leaks
– Loose front or rear HO2Ss
– Faulty front heater O2 sensor
– O2 sensors harness is open or shorted
– O2 sensors poor electrical connection

Tech description

As the code description implies the P0421 Mercedes-Benz code means that the vehicle’s control module has detected that the three-way catalytic converter is not working properly (is not as efficient as the factory is expecting). Replacing the oxygen (O2) sensors may sometimes fix the code, but in most cases the catalytic convert needs to be replaced to fix the problem. If the P0421 Mercedes-Benz code is combined with other codes, try fixing the other codes first.

What about the obd code?

The P0421 Mercedes-Benz code is set when the Engine Control Module (ECM) detects rear HO2S value difference becomes closer to value of front HO2S. The ECM monitors when vehicle speed is 25-60 MPH, load is 22-45 percent and engine speed is 1000-3000 RPM.

Symptoms

– Engine Light ON (or Service Engine Soon Warning Light)

P0421 Mercedes-Benz Description

The Engine Control Module (ECM) monitors the switching frequency ratio of heated oxygen sensors 1 (front O2 sensor) and heated oxygen sensors 2 (rear O2 sensor).

A three way catalyst converter (Manifold) with high oxygen storage capacity will indicate a low switching frequency of heated oxygen sensor 2. As oxygen storage capacity decreases, the heated oxygen sensor 2 switching frequency will increase.

When the frequency ratio of heated oxygen sensors 1 and 2 approaches a specified limit value, the three way catalyst malfunction is diagnosed.