Catalyst Temperature Sensor Circuit Range/Performance (Bank 1, Sensor 1)
P0426 indicates the Bank 1 Sensor 1 catalyst-temperature signal is outside its expected range or does not respond plausibly. Learn what to inspect before replacing parts.
What you may notice
Symptoms
- 01Warning light may illuminate
- 02Intermittent or implausible live data
- 03Symptoms vary by vehicle
Where to look first
Common causes
- 01A biased sensor, damaged wiring, connector resistance, or an actual exhaust-temperature issue can produce implausible data.
- 02Wiring or connector fault
- 03Vehicle-specific operating condition
A sensible sequence
Best diagnostic order
- 01Save codes and freeze-frame information
- 02Compare cold and warm readings with ambient conditions and check wiring and related exhaust-system faults.
- 03Compare live data with vehicle specifications
- 04Confirm the repair under the conditions that set the code
Step by step
What to check and repair
- 01Compare cold and warm readings with ambient conditions and check wiring and related exhaust-system faults.
- 02Repair the confirmed cause and verify the result
Read the signals
Live-data clues
Affected sensor or switch input
- Typical behavior
- Plausible and consistent with operating conditions
- Possible clue
- A fixed or intermittent value can help localize the circuit fault
| Parameter | Typical behavior | What it can suggest |
|---|---|---|
| Affected sensor or switch input | Plausible and consistent with operating conditions | A fixed or intermittent value can help localize the circuit fault |
What P0426 means
The Bank 1 Sensor 1 catalyst-temperature signal is outside its expected range or does not respond plausibly. This code describes an observed condition and does not prove that the sensor itself has failed.
Diagnostic direction
Compare cold and warm readings with ambient conditions and check wiring and related exhaust-system faults.
Before clearing the code
Save stored and pending codes and freeze-frame data. Use the procedure for the exact vehicle, repair the verified cause, and confirm the fault does not return.