Panic stop and code P0420

[slayman]

Yesterday on the way home I had to make a panic stop to avoid rearending another quickly stopping vehicle. Within 1/2 mile the CE light came on. Autozone scan says code P0420.
Any connection? Something shift in the exhaust system that would mess up the O2 Sensor? Dislodge some junk and clog the fuel filter?
99 T4R V6 Auto 108,000 miles.
thanks

 

[DallasGooner]

I would clear the code first and see if it comes back. Wife's Corolla (so at least a Toyota) had the same error code, cleared it while researching it and it never came back on. It came on the first drive after an oil change after coming to a quick stop. Not a perfect match but worth trying while you research what to do. If it does come back you could end up replacing several parts until you finally replace the cat. Kind of an annoying code as it could be a number of things. Start with the sensors, get Denso as other who went 3rd party still had this code even with new sensors.

 

[slayman]

Thanks Dallas. I stopped at the garage yesterday and cleared the code. Hopefully it stays off. In Pennsylvania passing the state smog inspection is connected to codes being cleared or repaired......something like that. I just know it is a hassle sometimes.

 

[KB084RUNNER]

Give it an "Italian tune up" with some Shell Vpower and a WOT freeway run then all should be ok.