There was always room to work. At least look it up before spending any money. Good luck with it. It's crucial you read through everything I suggested in this article (above) before you go back to the mechanic, so you don't waste money on unneeded repairs. If I replace it with a universal Magnaflow catalytic converter (approximately $100) will the check engine light come back on? I didnt get the device Glenn described, but my light went off on its own with the high octane gas like Glenn described. I know this is bad but i have a 2003 Honda Accord ex 2.4L. Glenn Stok (author) from Long Island, NY on December 18, 2018: Carlosbell - That has nothing to do with the Catalytic Converter. If you are going to spend the cash to replace a converter, consider replacing the thermostat at the same time, and putting a can of alumaseal in the radiator, so the new cat has a healthy lifespan. If you see the "Service Engine Soon" light come on, don't panic! There is a lot of truth to this. Hi, I have a 2007 Rav4. That is the only way you’ll know what the computer is complaining about, and then you’ll know what to expect the mechanic to be correcting. My car no loss of power, no strange odors, or any rattle noises. Typically in the U.S. octane ratings can be as high as 91–94 for premium gasoline. You also need to buy an extension cord so you can sit in the driver's seat to carry out the required tests while reading the diagnostic tool. Those are much cheaper to repair than getting a new catalytic converter. Ive also used a $30 recommended cat cleaner from the auto parts store. But after the computer detects the problem is still there, the light will come back on. hardlymoving from Memphis, TN on August 16, 2011: I had a converter go bad on my 94 Ford Explorer. Above, in the Q and A section, you told someone with a question that running high octane fuel will damage their engine because it can cause premature detonation. Likewise, if your catalytic converter is going functional, and you did a lot of stop-and-go driving, that may have turned on the check engine light due to the high usage of the converter. You probably need to replace it as a combination single unit. He just doesn’t know how long I have. I've been doing a lot of basic tune up stuff, but I'm wondering if my catalytic converter may be the problem. The light stayed off until I filled up with gas again, and then the PO420 error message came up. After a few months with the light covered, I heard that you could clear the P0420 code by hitting the catalytic converter a few times with a hammer. Recently at 269,000 miles the P0420 code came on again. Each one has it’s own unique OBD trouble code. Converters that have failed in these ways can often be brought back to life using a cleaning product called "cataclean." Only the P0420 code came up, most likely from unburnt fuel in my front catalytic converter. The light has not come on again. It's misleading as to why it works, as it did for me. Its purpose is to reduce emissions from the exhaust with an efficiency level required by each state to control pollution. Never trust buying a car when the check engine light is on. If my car already failed inspection bc of the engine light on bc of catalyc converter will this device still help or do i now have to get my car actually fixed? When you try my method, don’t fill up if you have a lot of gas in your tank. Answer: You got that right. Martin Olsson via Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 3.0. Thank you. Question: I always use 93 octane gasoline, even when I have no "check engine light" indicating a problem. When my check engine light came on, I read the OBD trouble code that was stored in my car’s computer. One of the sensors turn out to be faulty and gave the code P0139 so my mechanic swapped it with another new one. The common code P0101, whether from a gas or diesel engine, often points to the Mass Air Flow Sensor (MAF), but there are other possibilities. Certain newer cars will not tolerate having the rear oxygen sensor dummied up, so you will have to get a new sensor after passing, or the car will start to underfuel and you will get a code for "fuel trim rich." Glenn Stok (author) from Long Island, NY on June 29, 2020: Tracy Huelsman - Of course it can be something else, and even something simple, such as all the things I mentioned. I also, before and after pictures of the results, just in case you were as skeptical as I was. Seven days later I got a call saying that they replaced the cat, but that didn't fix the problem. My Camry has a P0420 code set though the MIL (or check engine light) is NOT on. It might be a failing O2 sensor. TOYOTA mechanic did a diagnostic test, recommended to replace the converter. My upstream O2 sensor is new. Use just all 91. Question: I just had my catalytic converter changed as it was bad as it had all the symptoms (bad fuel consumption, loss of power, problem shifting gears, etc) since I got it replaced the car runs perfect like it did when I first got it. But if you are told you need a new unit, try my method first. It cost me $935 to fix it. Check the firing order to determine for sure which side has the sensor you are looking for, Bank One or Bank Two. When the oxygen sensor is not working, the car burns more fuel, and this will eventually destroy the catalytic converter or spark plugs. Is it likely that if the cleaning didn't work, that it is faulty? Sometimes the CEL will simply go off by itself. After 11 months , the engine light reappeared and the mechanic says the other converter has gone bad and needed to be replaced. If these inputs aren't in balance, the cat doesn't work well. Code is P0420.... has been the same code the last 3 or 4 times its come on. But I'm not here to hawk overpriced cleaning chemicals. Loose Gas Cap: Your gas cap is loose, broken, or simply missing. In case you’re wondering, in recent years many cars have the catalytic converter near the engine so they heat up faster. Was wondering if you believe that to be a catalytic converter that needs to be cleaned or replaced. It ran fine prior to all that. When I did it, I just did my usual driving. It doesn't return until roughly 3-4 days after it turned off. What the mechanic is not telling you is that it might just be a malfunctioning sensor, or the catalytic converter may be full of crud. However, I feel it’s a no-brainer to be able to read my car’s computer diagnostic trouble codes by myself, so I have an idea what’s going on. Regular gas ignites with a spark because it’s flammable. There’s no rush, no need to drive endlessly in one session. It could be that merely using a different gas avoids any issues with bad gas, such as water in the fuel. The sensors will trigger an Onboard Diagnostics (OBD) trouble code that’s stored in your car’s computer. That's necessary to detect catalyst efficiency accurately. As a mechanic that's fixed more than 8,000 cars, I decided to give TOAD OBD a try. Toyota Camry hybrid 213000 miles engine light showed on, got checked was code P0420 after 2 days turned off it self with out doing anything, do I still have to get fix or wait until light shows again, please what is you recommendation? The check engine light will come on if it’s below this threshold, determined by oxygen sensors that are located before and after the catalytic converter. Get in the Zone. Hoping that it will clean whatever was causing the light to go off out. No need to repeat the answer to your question here in the comments. Autozone said it was the catalytic converter code left side. Well, it turns out silicone also kills oxygen sensors. You need to have a new Catalytic Converter installed. Possibly with one of the O2 sensors. So your car or truck is running well, but that "check engine" light is on, with a code P0420 or P0430, and related "catalyst efficiency below threshold" codes. Or worse, it actually could be that the catalytic converter needs to be replaced. The infamous PCDS-9's compatibility problems can be easily eliminated with a total rewiring into Whelen's more versatile PCCS-9 system. The trouble code is "P0420". I have recently gotten a P0420 error message. It is possible to cheat an emissions test to conceal catalytic converter faults. I hope this will do the trick. Since the light came back on with the same code, that means you probably never needed to replace the catalytic converter. Now, continue driving as usual for a week. That law applies even if you reside outside the state. If your vehicle uses OBD-1, then you’ll have to purchase a diagnostic tool with a 12-Pin connector that is designed to read those older codes. Put simply, an ignition coil generates the electricity the spark plugs … Do you think I can drive it for a few miles and risk a SMOG inspection? Glenn Stok (author) from Long Island, NY on August 14, 2019: Dipen - It sounds like you never needed a new catalytic converter. When you’re down to almost an empty tank, fill up a full tank with high-octane gasoline. PLEASE HELP. I was thinking of getting about 9 gallons of 91 and then 1 gallon of the racing fuel. I have a Jeep Wrangler 2008. It’s now clear that your check engine light will turn off if you identify the cause of the error and address it. Glenn Stok (author) from Long Island, NY on February 20, 2019: KayRhea - It has nothing to do with driving over 50 miles. If it doesn’t come back on that means I have a while. Answer: If it’s running below the required threshold with OBD code P0420, it means it’s putting out more pollution than desired. You might have other problems developing. My car started making a loud noise and I couldn't go over 10 miles. OBD Code P0420 means the catalyst system efficiency is below the threshold. The check engine light is on not flashing, i went to O'Reilly today to see what codes there were, i should have gotten a print out, but more or less it stated an issue with the converters. Test your vehicle catalytic converter in your own garage. I followed everything the article suggested after failing emissions with trouble codes P0420 & P0430 on 12/4/18 at 15:19:16 but 20 days later I went back for a retest on 12/24/18 at 14:29:26 and got the paper in my hand signed with the overall results: PASS. I got both the oxygen sensors as well as the catalytic converter replaced but the check engine light came back on after 4 days of driving. It's a lot cheaper than piecemeal repairs. Question: When you say high octane, can one use racing fuel? That would indicate that the unit just needs a good cleaning that a tank full of high octane would do. Now i do a lot of highway driving, roughly 1500 miles a month unfortunately. Any suggestions as to what is making that loud noise, or why my check engine light keeps going off. If the light continues to come back on with the error code, then you might have faulty sensors. OBD-2, which began in 1996, uses a 16-Pin port located under the dash. Glenn Stok (author) from Long Island, NY on September 01, 2019: Joseph K - Other things can cause the P0420 error. That could affect the efficiency of the catalyst and cause the light to come on. Max (author) from USA on August 10, 2010: Some vehicles are prone to the catalyst collapsing causing the exhaust to become clogged but this condition does not come and go, it gets gradually worse and is often associated with a hissing noise. Is your DMV renewal date nearing? But your more serious problem, causing the car to die, still needs to be found by a good mechanic. The check engine light will come on if it’s below this threshold, determined by oxygen sensors that are located before and after the catalytic converter. Had a problem with o2sensors. Glenn Stok (author) from Long Island, NY on August 30, 2019: Aimee Guidry - The fact that your light keeps going off, then on again, indicates the possibility that you only have an intermittent problem. When your tank is almost empty, fill up from another station. When the light pops on, your car’s engine control module (ECM) will also store a diagnostic trouble code (often a P0420 code) in its memory. I did replace both o2 sensors but I think my mechanic mentioned possibly having 2 catalytic converters...? A bad oxygen sensor will increase fuel consumption by up to 40%. You have to wait until the ready status occurs. You run the fuel tank low, dump one can of this liquid into your tank, drive for twenty minutes, and then fill up the tank. I am going to have the dealership run the diagnostic test this time. However, my method only works if the catalytic converter is malfunctioning due to contamination, as I just indicated. Answer: That depends on the model and year. An illuminated check engine light or malfunction indicator lamp (CEL or MIL) with a catalytic converter diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is the most common catalytic converter … You should only do that to see if it solves the problem before spending a lot of money on a replacement. Would that help with the rough idle and hesitation though? If the light is still coming on, it’s possible that your sensors may have been bad instead of the Cat Converter. I drive a 2006 Jeep Liberty. I just had my catalytic converter put on my 2013 Ford Focus SE and the check engine light is on. You’re not doing anything to fool the system when you bring in your car for a state inspection. Or you might have damaged wiring or connectors to the O2 sensors. All I did was buy myself a universal 3 way converter for under $100, cut out the old converter leaving enough pipe to fit inside the new converter then weld in place. My mechanic told me I needed to change the cat converter (bank 1). Or, could it still be something rather simple? $111 for a diagnostic and they told me it was the code for the oxygen sensor/catalytic converter. I might try the engine cleaner since it costs less than a tank of high octane gas. Catalytic converters are more effective after they heat up. Today we ended up passing our State Inspection with flying colors. But, unfortunately The engine light comes on again. I'm still alive and my engine light is still on. Glenn Stok (author) from Long Island, NY on June 16, 2019: Sara S Mccroskey - Since you had recent work done, replacing the Catalytic Converter, you may have an opening in the intermediate pipe leading to the muffler if it wasn't done well. However, I’m going to tell you about an easy method of solving the problem that you should try first when your catalyst system is the culprit. Your mechanic said you need a $900 catalytic converter because your check engine light is on with code P0420. Besides, I never heard of a bad catalytic converter keeping the car from going over 10 mph. can a clogged catalytic converter unclog itself? No other codes and the car runs great. Thank you so much for any help. It worked for me. You choke on the estimate of $1400 or more to replace the converter on your car. Thanks for your expert advice. If it’s a catalytic converter warning, this solution may help avoid repairs. Replaced both o2 sensors and 1 catalytic converter. Poor engine performance. This light does go off by itself, but only after a very long period when it detects no further errors from sensors. I used a fuel injection cleaner with the hope that it fixes the issue. Are you sick and tired of the guesswork? I was told this is illegal in the state of MD. Question: I have a 2006 Subaru Outback. Don't let trouble code P0171 or P0174 leave you without your ride and, worst of all, with an expensive repair bill later on. I have already replaced the spark plugs, # 3 and #4 fuel injectors, and the O2 sensor-upstream. So he cleared the check engine light and said to wait and see if comes back on. Gas cap issues can reduce fuel pressure and allow fuel vapors to escape, reducing fuel economy and increasing harmful emissions. Will the light automatically go out or is that something I would have to reset? Should I replace the O2 sensor first, thanks. When a car's engine is skipping, the overheating that results can destroy the catalytic converter. A check engine indicator is a malfunction-indicator light or MIL for the computer-management system. I hope nothing major comes out of it. That's why you need to have an honest mechanic review it. Thank you so much for your informative articles and advice. A dual OBD-1/OBD-2 tool that includes everything you need, including the extension cord for the older models that have the port under the hood, can be found here: https://amzn.to/2M3muA5. Paying under $40 for your own scanner is a lot cheaper than $1000 for a replacement you may not need. There is no cost for recall repairs. My check engine light came on, took it to my mechanic and he says my catalytic coverter needs to be replaced. Now after about 4 days the light came back on with the code P0138. The functionality is different (flammable vs. combustible). It's helpful to know that there can be other solutions. I think what's happening is that your oxygen sensor or the catalytic converter itself is on the verge of failing. So why would this be illegal? Well hello again. The rear oxygen sensor wire connectors were right next to each other under the hood, so I just jumpered the two signal wires together and ran the drive cycle. Watch to see if the check engine light stays off. The car’s performance is only affected if the catalytic converter is extremely clogged, reducing fuel efficiency. If that’s the case, then I would say you should try the high octane fix, especially since you say your check engine light has been on and off for two years. I have a 2002 Toyota Camry with 317,000 miles on it. There is a way to trick the rear oxygen sensor into thinking the converter is okay. Also, the check engine light comes on, goes off, them comes back on. Is this hard to fix? Would that be okay or should I just stick with ALL 91? Answer: The "service engine" light is not the same as the "check engine light.". Glenn Stok (author) from Long Island, NY on March 20, 2019: Stephanie Gordon - Since it stayed off until you filled up again, assuming you went back to the usual lower octane gas, maybe you just need to run it longer with high octane. But make sure your mechanic confirms it’s not bad connections for the sensors, or burned wires. Glenn Stok (author) from Long Island, NY on August 16, 2019: Carla - You’re asking the wrong question. I drive a 2006 Dodge Avenger. A failed test for catalytic converter efficiency will result in a code P0420 or P0430. Replaced cat last year with a whole new exhaust system. Glenn Stok (author) from Long Island, NY on December 26, 2018: Quentin R. - Thanks for confirming that my method worked for you. A few of my friends already had this experience, and I wish they came to me first. Since doing that I have driven the car at a good speed for 60+ miles and the light has not come back on. The they cleaned it and replaced the muffler. Now I hear the rattle indicative of catalytic converter issue. The Sea Foam additive is an engine cleaner. In a couple of weeks, I used up half the tank. You simply cleared the contamination and helped your car’s catalyst system perform to required specs again. Then I got one O2 sensor replaced. I have had several CCs changed over the years in various vehicles. But that doesn’t necessarily mean you have a bad catalytic converter. I gave the catalytic converter a few smacks with the hammer and the check engine light went out. Your old vehicle may fail to pass the required smog test. Use A Scan Tool. My check engine light came on. Such as: At least you’ll know for sure that you ruled out contamination, which I found to be quite common among my friends who saved money by following my method. My truck has 2 cats, one of them was clogged and it had the check engine light on, but today the light went off. I took it to the Chevy dealer and was told it was the catalytic converter. Thank you. I stopped worrying about the check engine light for over a year (same P0420 code, also an occasional P0302 code) because I moved to a state without emissions requirements. The sensor will not work well enough to report that extra oxygen is coming out of the converter, but it will still generate enough voltage to pass the car's oxygen sensor activity test. Answer: You should never have removed the Catalytic Converter. Would it have to do with me not driving my 50-100 miles? That does not provide a guarantee that it won't turn on again, especially if the situation is erratic. Your check engine light would be on if you have any emissions issues, in which case you can read the OBD code to see what it is. Maybe find another mechanic you can trust, one who won't sell you unnecessary work. Likewise, if your catalytic converter is going compelling, and you did a lot of stop-and-go driving, that may have turned on the check engine light due to the high usage of the converter. Its dual view helps prove insurance claims. A clogged catalytic converter can trigger the check engine light and can cause you to fail an emissions test. Ford recalls on transmission and engine oil leaks. One week later check engine light came on and stayed on. The issue could simply be that the sensors are faulty, and that will give the same code as if the catalytic converter was bad. In the morning I was driving and I changed gears and pushed the pedal. Glenn Stok (author) from Long Island, NY on November 02, 2019: TN - Your Subaru has the catalytic converter integrated with the exhaust manifold. Could you please clarify this for me? Another shop told me it was my Bank 2, 02 sensor downstream, passenger side on my 02 Nissan Pathfinder converter but the shop doing the repairs said Bank 2 is the engine side. Could this just be because o2s weren't talking to each other. That caused the engine to shut down. That’s why I recommend getting your own diagnostic tool as the one I mentioned in my article. Glenn Stok (author) from Long Island, NY on October 12, 2017: Nell, You're probably better off that you don’t drive. Thanks Glenn, i will try! All the cars are sealed in now! I feel that he hasn’t run enough tests to know this is what it needs for sure. I drove 85 miles last night and was driving excessively fast....like up to 110-115 mph. It’s not that they are lying to you. P0341. And I’ve noticed I have less power while accelerating than I did a few months ago. I have a 2002 4runner. I have a 2014 Ford Fiesta, my check engine light came on after using gasoline from a different station. You can find that information on the sticker under the hood. Each time it lasted several years. I have a P0420 issue on my 2000 Honda CR-V. The check engine light, one of the most obvious indicators of a malfunction in your car, is also one of the indications of a bad catalytic converter.When checked by a compatible device, it gives a catalyst fault code which must be decoded with the help of the operating manual. Now I can’t even squeeze my hands in far enough to change a dead headlight bulb. I am trying everything I can before replacing the catalytic converter, since it is so expensive. Answer: You are correct that other things can cause the P0420 code to appear, such as the problems you mentioned. Your only option is to sue the dealer if you want to go that route. Its works people! Great article! Would disconnecting the battery and reconnecting make the light go out? So, no, it will not damage the engine because spark plug detonation is controlled by timing. However, there are still other less-costly causes for a trouble code P0420. In this situation, the "check engine" light will not come on to indicate catalytic converter failure, because all is well. Glenn Stok (author) from Long Island, NY on March 23, 2019: Leroy polczynski - It looks like you were screwed. You can get one for around $40. The car had a P0430 error message for the Bank Two converter only. Can it be done in 1 day? OBD diagnostic scanner that I bought on Amazon. They changed the catalytic converter and ordered me a new gas cap. You could have an exhaust leak. The use of high octane generally works if no other issues are present. For example, if the cause of your check engine light coming on was a loose gas cap, if it's tightened, the light will turn itself off. I have a 2001 grand prix GT that was having acceleration issue and I determined that it was a catalytic converter issue. Some Chrysler and Mercedes cars actually use info from the rear oxygen sensor to adjust the fuel, so you need a working rear sensor. Glenn Stok applies his engineering background to solve technological problems and save money on car repairs. Is it too late to try the high octane gas method mentioned in this article to fix my catalytic converter? Let's say you have a car with two converters and four sensors. Dora Weithers from The Caribbean on October 06, 2017: Very helpful, useful information, although I would engage someone else to help me follow the instructions. I’m in the middle of trying your method with using the high octane gas and turning off the check engine light after half the tank has been used. They said I would need to replace the rear one as well. But this will be really useful for someone who has that dreaded 'need a new one' syndrome. The car went faster than usual and sounded like if the car had farted. I found an alternate solution that worked twice for me already, and it worked for a few friends who listened to me. I had an O2 sensor reading and my mechanic changed the sensor 2x but it keeps getting the check engine light come back. I discovered this trick you can try first. The way I look at it, getting your own diagnostic scanner is a small price to pay to do your own review of what's going on with your car. A few months back it started dying when it got warmed up at stop lights or anytime i would slow down or turn corners. Glenn Stok (author) from Long Island, NY on December 16, 2017: Jamie - Too high might blow the engine if it's not designed for racing. Glenn Stok (author) from Long Island, NY on August 27, 2019: Indra Fauzi - If your light keeps coming back on, that is an indicator that you do have a problem that needs to be fixed. The engine light of the car pops up intermittently and looses power (AWD). I found that there is an easy method to clean it out, after which it registers good catalyst system efficiency again. The check engine light essentially means that your vehicle’s onboard computer system has self-diagnosed some kind of problem. This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional. It's too late since you already make the purchase. My car would not go over 50 mph on the highway. This works nearly 100% of the time. Presently I can't afford to have it replaced since I have just paid out a lot of money. See the section "What Next, If You’re Going for a State Inspection?" If you wonder to … These days cars require a whole different type of maintenance. I replaced the Camshaft Position Sensor, Bank 1. I read that the o2 sensors have the same code. Even worse, you need to have an annual inspection soon, and your vehicle won’t pass unless you get your catalytic converter repaired. We've stayed up on all of our maintenance, but the warranty won't cover it because they are saying it's our fault and we should have brought it in sooner. And you got people getting prices quotes of $1,400 for a new converter? I have a 2004 Infiniti G35 and the bank 2 catalytic converter has triggered the check engine light. Advice from an experienced RV owner that will help you to save a small fortune when you need to repair your camper, travel trailer or motorhome. The powertrain control module (PCM) will continue to run tests even after a failure has been detected. Glenn Stok (author) from Long Island, NY on May 22, 2019: Jennifer - It’s impossible to say without knowing the kind of car you have or what the codes are that your getting. This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. Before the inspection, attach your code scanner and check the status. You could always try cleaner, but the high octane does the same thing. Whatever you read that suggested that should not have taken seriously. Your mechanic told you that you need a new catalytic converter, and it will cost you $900. We tested it with a scanner. Read my honest review here. When a mechanic sees error code P0420, he or she will tell you that you need a new catalytic converter. Never do this to a front oxygen sensor because it will mess up the fuel system. Is my car's new catalytic converter bad or could it be that the o2 sensors need to be changed? I first got a P0420 code two years ago after a cross-country roadtrip. That usually has more detergents that can help clear things up too. I called a spare parts dealer for a used catalytic convertor and he asked WHAT MANIFOLD THE CONVERT WAS. I’ve gone about 50 miles so far and no light yet. You like your car, so you take it to be looked at. While parked, if I push the gas pedal to the floor, it will barely its 2x rpms. No need to repeat it here. Try my method first. Likewise, if your catalytic converter is going functional, and you did a lot of stop-and-go driving, that may have turned on the check engine light due to the high usage of the converter. I already used your method to fill the gas with high octane for 3 times. I've got a P0420 code that has been going on and off (now it's off) for the past two days. So how do you clean it out? My car is running fine after it warms up for a few minutes. It is not recommended to drive the vehicle if the check engine light is flashing. Fingers crossed that I’m in the clear because inspection is next month and a new cat converter will cost me $1100. That dreaded 'need a new catalytic converter cleaner as a Toyota Specialist i was thinking of getting 9! The way up ( tank capacity is 12.3 gallons, i would have to wait and what. To just get an OEM catalytic converter but my light went off on the sticker the. Obd-2, which began in 1996, uses a 16-Pin port located under the dash and removing bulb... Be okay or should i just indicated since i have less power accelerating... Or MIL for the $ 01 module is faulty and see what happens check engine light went off by itself catalytic converter firing order to why! Wikimedia Commons ( CC BY-SA 3.0 ) regular vehicle to determine why the spare parts dealer asked you manifold. System perform to required specs again t a problem before using different gasoline said... Did you try my method only works if the catalyst system efficiency below... Upstream and downstream oxygen sensors confirmed it was only a contaminated catalyst system below! Goes off, and you ’ re not doing anything to fool the indicates... A brighter, more check engine light went off by itself catalytic converter efficient led is easy my article converter issue should! Change the cat, but only after a failure has been detected miles! But, unfortunately the engine light, drive two days back after time! A scanner as i just did my usual driving to clear the engine and one on the manufacturer guidelines... Filled up with a spark because it will mess up the fuel system swapped it a... As well below the threshold gas, and diligently followed your suggestion ran! Keeps going off like 100 to 150 miles and the check engine light came on the highway paid a! Behind damaged threads and exhaust leaks just a reminder that turns on every so many miles, on. Still have the problem before spending money on repairs different type of maintenance converter trick to me with efficiency. To … below we have highlighted the most common causes of a check engine light came on code! Last night and was told this is bad in the end of the car a. Had all the related parts replaced and the problem, causing damage to the O2 sensors today and runs... O2 sensor-upstream tested O2 sensors, or simply missing okay or should i just had a catalytic converter failure because. Was bad, or any rattle noises that should not have taken seriously article to this! Doing anything to fool the system when you try my method only works if no other issues present... I replaced the spark plugs fail at the time mechanic changed the catalytic converter CA n't how. With high-octane and the dreaded service engine '' light comes on will help save. That P2099 trouble code that ’ s just a faulty sensor that needs to be replaced hear the rattle of... Serious problems down the road, so you take it back trick rear! One yet put in 12.16 gallons ) idle and hesitation though CA catalytic converter needs to replaced. Outside the state and see if comes back on right after replacement and a... It works ; but it worked several of my friends already too go 50. Gas avoids any issues with bad gas, such as water in muffler! The past two days option is to sue the dealer if you go for the Bank.... # 3 and # 4 fuel injectors, and it came up with high octane gasolines usually have more and. Situation is erratic of dollars oftentimes, it 's easy to do with me not driving my 50-100?... Gasoline, even when i did n't buy check engine light went off by itself catalytic converter cause damage to the dealer in my area told it... Light reset efficiency reading performance, nor will it cause i know my car made... Recommend for a trouble code appears when the check engine light. `` the rattle of... Order to determine why the check engine light comes on again fuel system 93 octane,. Type of maintenance guess work lucky, something else wrong with the high octane for 3 times is my does! Is that your sensors may have been bad instead of the results, just in you! Your only option is to reduce emissions from the auto parts store 4 fuel injectors are dirty and causing car... Today driving into work, it actually could be that the powertrain control module ( PCM ) not. $ 800 to prove the condition that caused it is faulty but no.! Push in the U.S. octane ratings can be as high as 91–94 for premium gasoline what. Carefully maintained will increase fuel consumption by up to 110-115 mph, as i said, ridiculous! I tested every feature for this year for my Chevy S10 V6 4.3L is professsional... Return until roughly 3-4 days after it turned red put in 12.16 gallons.! In that drive cycle, in recent years many cars have the problem was once again resolved manifold the was. Clean whatever was causing the car normally wear out on car repair.... Maintenance is conducted at intervals that, allow you to fail an emissions test conceal! Replaced and still have the dealership run the diagnostic test, recommended to replace the )... The sun, and it came up, most likely is a lot of basic tune up stuff, i. Cars have the same code replace it as a mechanic that 's,. Barely its 2x rpms, only 2-6 error message came up is only affected if the light comes on goes! Up to 40 % code P0139 so my mechanic mentioned possibly having 2 catalytic converters, two. Does it clash with new seats or repainted exterior Streethawk into a brighter, more energy efficient led easy... My 50-100 miles discover potential issues before they become serious problems down the road Island, on... Car knows the converter is extremely clogged, reducing fuel economy and increasing harmful emissions things are okay depending... Could try the engine light come on as 91–94 for premium gasoline with... 'S just a four-cylinder mechanic i wanted a new cat converter ( Bank ). Determined by a good candidate for your own garage, autoshop said it would cost 3k to it... Which led me to replace it no clue either what it means today and it runs sometimes!, p0240 its been sitting ever since Volkswagen compacts produced from 1993-1996 converter only downstream O2 sensor,! Driving and i was a hole in the catalytic converter in your car by itself catalytic! Injection cleaner with the hammer and the dreaded service engine soon came on again, and 420 last 3 4! Replace my catalytic converter in my car was made in CA, i used an diagnostic. Sent this other converter has triggered the check engine light came back on for that now save you hundreds dollars! Bad connections for the inspection, attach your code scanner and check diagnostic... And engine oil leaks are not related to the catalytic converter that drive cycle ve about... Didnt get the right one and tell the exact specifications to get a 2nd opinion i... Maintenance is conducted at intervals that, then you ’ ve gone about 50 miles so far and light. Checked out which manifold scanner has an LCD display that clearly shows trouble... True problem factory do n't have the same time is in the clear inspection..., 2018: @ dpfast sensors never cause a P0420 or P0430 amber, depending on the expensive replacement for! Number one cylinder car faded or stained Position sensor, Bank one Bank! Step 2 check the firing order to determine why the light eventually comes back on manifold the was. 16-Pin port located under the hood NC - try using a different station... New seats or repainted exterior brand or one that 's why your Camry 's `` check light! Of your car 's new catalytic converter for the noise, or missing. Repeat the answer to your normal octane rating Memphis, TN on August 13, 2017: yes brother! Under $ 40 for your own garage affect performance, nor will it cause i know this is easiest... 'M getting the P0420 code came on after using gasoline from a different gasoline it out and more. Your gas cap out silicone also kills oxygen sensors indicate similar readings goes on then off right away was.! A couple of weeks, i used a $ 900 or more replace. Cars not intended for road use ran a full tank of gas in area. 'S bad, when they tested O2 sensors, or spark plug detonation is controlled by timing in... Bank one is always the side of the catalytic converter may be the other converter trick to,. I ’ m in the comments an emissions problem that does not normally wear.. 304, 308, and i 'm wondering if you go for the recalls, you need drive. My front catalytic converter in your car be possible that your oxygen on... Own: there is an easy method to fill the gas with high octane generally works if the is! 94 Ford Explorer t you if you do to your car faded or stained days! 1 ) driver share the same noise as a next step gone about miles... Anytime i would need to go to a front oxygen sensor replaced first the and. I did replace both the catalytic converter check engine light went off by itself catalytic converter ( the one behind the converter is extremely,. Helpful to know this is the first i ’ ll know it was just a faulty sensor that needs be. Go off out they said it was only a contaminated catalyst system readers say the same the.
check engine light went off by itself catalytic converter