Generic fault code
P200E — Catalyst system (bank 1): over temperature
The control unit stores code P200E when it detects this fault: “Catalyst system (bank 1): over temperature”.
Indicative severity: HighEmission control
Reviewed by Daniel Morales, founder of Reprorace SL, on
What does code P200E mean?
The catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, EGR, fuel vapor system (EVAP), particulate filter and NOx reduction clean the exhaust. A fault here raises pollution and may make the car fail its inspection; left alone, some end in a bigger fault or in limp-home mode.
- System
- P · Powertrain
- Area
- Emission control · Car system: Exhaust and emissions
- Type
- Generic (SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6): the same meaning on every make
- Indicative severity
- High. Diagnose as soon as possible: it may affect safety or cause damage (engine, catalyst, brakes).
What usually causes code P200E?
- Ignition system fault (spark plug, coil, lead)
- Fuel supply fault (pump, regulator, filter, injector)
- Faulty, aged or drifting sensor
The most likely causes come first. Only a check on the car confirms which one is yours.
What are the symptoms of code P200E?
- Usually nothing you notice while driving
- Sometimes a rotten-egg smell or rattling in the exhaust
- Lack of power if the converter is clogged
These are the usual symptoms of this kind of fault: not all of them always appear, and sometimes you notice nothing.
Can I keep driving with code P200E?
Better not, except when you really have to. This fault may affect safety or damage the engine, the catalytic converter or the brakes. See a workshop as soon as possible; if you must move the car, drive gently and only short distances. If the light flashes, the car loses power, makes unusual noises or the brakes or steering feel different, stop somewhere safe and call for assistance.
This is guidance only: only someone who checks the car can say whether it is safe to drive.
An indicative description of the code's generic meaning. Each manufacturer may give it a different meaning, conditions or tests: always follow its service information and your workshop's advice.
What you can do yourself
For this kind of fault
A catalytic converter fault is often the result of another problem: misfires, a wrong mixture or oil consumption. Fix those codes first if there are any; replacing the converter without doing so can damage it again.
Read the code and keep the report: with an ECO-LITE in the OBD socket you see it on your phone or computer, with the data captured when the fault happened.
Look for anything obvious: a loose connector, a disconnected hose, a fuel cap not closed properly or a low fluid level. Do not take apart anything you do not know.
Clear the code only after writing it down or after the repair. Clearing turns the light off, but it also deletes the freeze-frame data and the readiness monitors used at the inspection.
Drive normally for a few days and read the codes again. If the code comes back, the fault is still there: book the workshop and bring the report.
Read your car's fault codes on your phone
With an ECO-LITE in the OBD socket you see the codes in your account, with the data captured when the fault happened, and your workshop can check them remotely, always with your permission.
Related codes
- P200FCatalyst system (bank 2): over temperature
- P2096Post catalyst fuel trim system (bank 1): too lean
- P2097Post catalyst fuel trim system (bank 1): too rich
- P2098Post catalyst fuel trim system (bank 2): too lean
- P2099Post catalyst fuel trim system (bank 2): too rich
- P2423HC adsorption catalyst (bank 1): efficiency below threshold
P20xx codes: particulate filter, AdBlue and NOx
In the glossary
Read more: Remote OBD diagnostics: what it is, how it works and what it can't do