P0420 Check Engine code after driving on the beach

[chrisodonnell13]

Any of you guys have a truck throw a code for the catalytic converter while driving on the beach?

 

I took my V6 04 4runner on the beach for the first time and as soon as I got off the beach, it threw the code. It has a slight exhaust leak and it just passed inspection so I didn't pay it any mind after. Im wondering if it sucked in cooler air or something and threw off the code.... or maybe it was the added strain of driving on 15lb air on the beach? Any thoughts?

Edited May 14, 2018 by chrisodonnell13

[98 SNAKE EATER]

Driving on aired down tires won't cause much strain at all.

 

It's more likely that the rough terrain itself will cause the exhaust to flex, making it leak more and possibly throw the code.

 

Clear it and see how many drive cycles it takes to come back (if it ever does)

 

Any idea where the leak is? (before or after the cats)

 

 

 

 

[PSUFly]

P0420 is an emissions code that can be caused by a number of things.  the slight exhaust leak could cause that for sure.  I wouldn't worry about it, like Snake Eater said, just clear it and see what happens. 

[chrisodonnell13]

Im just gonna drop it off tomorrow to my mechanic and see if theres an easy fix. The leak is close to the motor. 

[Grayson]

Spark plug non fouler on the downstream O2 will fix it quickly if it's not the exhaust leak causing it, generally an exhaust leak will fail an emissions inspection either way

[oldgoat]

Are you dragging in deep sand ruts??Lack of room under your truck.