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[pscocoa]

Refuelled with higher octane petrol before travelling to Cornwall 2 days ago. Super smooth journey down. Refuelled again with higher octane but car conked out completely for no apparent reason after 5 miles just outside Truro -   did not go into limp mode - engine just stopped and would not restart for 10 mins.
Once started everything fine and pedal test gave code 0420. Called AA who connected their computer - found no faults. Did pedal test again and no code showed. How can it reset itself?
I am supposed to go from Cornwall to Manchester tomorrow - with weather and this issue - will have to take it easy or return home first to change cars.

[rustym95]

higher octane petrol why??? good for a clean out but would not use it all time, is it the spec for your engine? 95 is norm unless have a sport engine? it burns to hot for normal engine.

[albitz]

code = catalyst system efficiency below threshold bank 1. Guessing cat/lamda issue,dont see why that would prevent it from running though.Sounds like a crank sensor to me,but I am far from an expert. :-/

[Kevin Wood]

I would agree. Crank sensor a possibility. I would get hold of a spare just in case it lets you down completely. Odd that you didn't get an 0335 (IIRC?) code reported though.

Kevin

[Andy H]

I would also agree about the crank sensor.

I wouldn't be surprised about not getting a code either. It happened to me (admittedly on a 1994 V6 so different ECU).

The only indication (other than not starting, then starting as soon as the AA van had towed me home) was that the ECU light stayed lit while cranking. If the ECU gets a signal from the CPS it extinguishes immediately.

[feeutfo]

pre cat issue is common on 3.2 and 2.6 as i'm sure you know. Has no more noticeable effect than lighting the dash light.
I carry a spare crank sensor in the boot.
and i suppose i should replace the my spare hbv i fitted to another members car

[pscocoa]

Set off back from Truro - got as far as Junction 17 on M5 (about 160 miles) and whole lot died again. This time crank sensor came up (0335) on pedal test. Had no spare so AA job which has taken 11 hours and car is not back yet. This is another story in itself with AA penny pinching and instead of leaving job with recovery contractor who got me off motorway on low loader and could have had me home in 2 hours they insisted to move it to intemediate point and then sent unsuitable vehicle. We came back in taxi courtesy of AA.
Now need a crank sensor and someone to fit it!! Will look up on "how to" section.