CATALYST DETERIORATION DIAGNOSIS SYSTEM AND CATALYST DETERIORATION DIAGNOSIS METHOD

A catalyst deterioration diagnosis system includes an air-fuel ratio detection element and a NOx detection element on a downstream side with respect to a catalyst, and a control element. The control element causes an engine to perform diagnosis operation performed with an exhaust gas temperature being kept at 600° C. or higher, such that at a timing when a downstream air-fuel ratio in a lean operation state reaches a threshold value, the engine is transitioned to a rich operation state, and at a timing that is a predetermined period after a downstream air-fuel ratio in a rich operation state reaches a threshold value, the engine is transitioned to a lean operation state. The diagnosis element compares NOx concentration during the rich operation state to a diagnosis threshold value, thereby to diagnose a degree of deterioration of NOx reduction capability of the catalyst.