What now?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 11-06-2008, 12:27 PM
  #1  
GRK
Intermediate
Thread Starter
 
GRK's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Age: 50
Posts: 27
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
What now?

Hi All,

I had the stupid code p0420. So I seafoamed, cleaned the EGR port both per the DYI's and changed the EGR and bank 1 O2 sensor in that order over the last 2 weeks. The 02 had some serious carbon on it so I changed it 3 days ago (about 45 miles). The check engine light came on again today with the same code. Should I change the second 02 sensor? Any suggestions?

Thanks
Old 11-06-2008, 04:29 PM
  #2  
Senior Moderator
 
fsttyms1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Appleton WI
Age: 49
Posts: 81,383
Received 3,063 Likes on 2,119 Posts
420 is usually the rear 02 or the cat. What 02 did you buy? one from the dealer or one from a parts store?
Old 11-07-2008, 08:47 AM
  #3  
GRK
Intermediate
Thread Starter
 
GRK's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Age: 50
Posts: 27
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I bought a bosch from the autoparts store. Is there a way to test the cat?
Old 11-07-2008, 01:19 PM
  #4  
Senior Moderator
 
fsttyms1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Appleton WI
Age: 49
Posts: 81,383
Received 3,063 Likes on 2,119 Posts
Bosch. Many have had issues with those in the past. But like i said before, that code is usually the rear O2 or the cat. There isnt a way you can test the cat, but muffler shops usually can.
Old 11-07-2008, 04:46 PM
  #5  
Three Wheelin'
 
TLer trash's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Age: 72
Posts: 1,470
Received 230 Likes on 194 Posts
Try running a can of bg44k in a quarter tank of gas. Do some wide open throttle accelerations and a highway cruise around 2000 rpm for 15 - 20 minutes. {use d4 if nec} You might have to repeat this process, but if two times don't do it, I don't think more will help.
As fasttyms said, convertors and o2 sensors are typical culprits. If you have to have it diagnosed, make it clear you expect a guarantee if the light comes back on. The reason I say this is that aftermarket catalytic convertors are not 100% on this. If you can get one that is certified for sale in california, you get a better guarantee, and a better probability of keeping the light out. Probably the cheapest "fix" that's close to 100% is to use a spark plug non-fouler on the rear o2 sensor.[pretty sure it's illegal, but you'd smog just fine if no visual inspection]
Old 11-11-2008, 02:19 PM
  #6  
GRK
Intermediate
Thread Starter
 
GRK's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Age: 50
Posts: 27
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
OK. So I had the check engine reset. I drove for about 100 miles and the car passed inspection. The only thing I did was run a full tank of shell v-power.

Thanks for all your help
Old 11-11-2008, 02:57 PM
  #7  
I have dead hookers in
 
ArTL-S's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: arkansas
Age: 43
Posts: 875
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
just to let you know i used a bosch o2 sensor and it was crap so i choked the money and bought one from the dealer. it hurts a little but its alot better
Old 11-11-2008, 04:04 PM
  #8  
2006 NBP TL MT6/ 02TL-S
 
AlanW's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Little Rock, AR
Posts: 926
Received 47 Likes on 41 Posts
Bosch O2 sensors

Bosch usually, at least use to, makes good stuff, but something about their O2 sensors. I use to have a Dodge Daytona and those cars also had problems with Bosch O2 sensors.
Old 11-14-2008, 06:28 PM
  #9  
Burning Brakes
iTrader: (2)
 
RACINGHART03's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: SOMEWHERE IN NJ
Age: 49
Posts: 1,108
Likes: 0
Received 18 Likes on 7 Posts
Originally Posted by GRK
Hi All,

I had the stupid code p0420. So I seafoamed, cleaned the EGR port both per the DYI's and changed the EGR and bank 1 O2 sensor in that order over the last 2 weeks. The 02 had some serious carbon on it so I changed it 3 days ago (about 45 miles). The check engine light came on again today with the same code. Should I change the second 02 sensor? Any suggestions?

Thanks
Yes. Your code P0420 is specific to your catalytic converter efficiency dropping below threshold. Why would you look anywhere else? I fix these regularly by.....replacing the catalytic converter.




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:15 AM.