P0420 caused bu sea foam?
#1
6th Gear
Thread Starter
P0420 caused bu sea foam?
Hello, I purchased a 2006 TL with 133k miles on it about a month ago. I had it checked out by a local shop prior to purchase, and they said everything looked good. Because of the high mileage they recommended I use seam foam fuel treatment twice a year. Two days ago I filled my tank with 14gal of 93 octane gas from costco, and added a can of sea foam. Today I get a check engine light and a p0420 code. Is it possible that the sea foam caused this? Thanks.
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nikkwins (09-19-2012)
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nikkwins (09-19-2012)
#5
6th Gear
Thread Starter
#6
Safety Car
iTrader: (7)
There's a chance that seafoam caused it. P0420 can mean any of the following
You should try sticking to Shell, Texaco, Exxon, Mobil, Chevron any of the brand name gas stations that use special fuel additives that helps clean the valves from carbon buildup and other gunk. I've been using Shell V-Power since owning the car in Jan 2011. Never filled up at any other station besides shell. Costco gas may be the least expensive, but keep in mind that you get what you pay for... With a TL as high mileage as yours, I recommend the premium high-grade fuel.
Don't use seafoam again. It's not necessary at all. Just follow the maintenance schedule on time and don't skimp your TL when it comes to gas....
Leaded fuel was used where unleaded was called for
A damaged or failed oxygen sensor (HO2S)
Downstream oxygen sensor (HO2S) wiring damaged or connected improperly
The engine coolant temperature sensor is not working properly
Damaged or leaking exhaust manifold / catalytic converter / muffler / exhaust pipe
Retarded spark timing
The oxygen sensors in front and behind the converter are reporting too similar of readings
Leaking fuel injector or high fuel pressure
Cylinder misfire
Oil contamination
A damaged or failed oxygen sensor (HO2S)
Downstream oxygen sensor (HO2S) wiring damaged or connected improperly
The engine coolant temperature sensor is not working properly
Damaged or leaking exhaust manifold / catalytic converter / muffler / exhaust pipe
Retarded spark timing
The oxygen sensors in front and behind the converter are reporting too similar of readings
Leaking fuel injector or high fuel pressure
Cylinder misfire
Oil contamination
Don't use seafoam again. It's not necessary at all. Just follow the maintenance schedule on time and don't skimp your TL when it comes to gas....
#7
6th Gear
Thread Starter
Thanks everyone for your input. The code has yet to come back. My gut feeling is that it was the sea foam, but I cant be sure. I'll probably stick to better gas anyway just cause I want to take care of the car.
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#8
US Navy Seabees
True that, Sea Foam is a joke.
#9
Race Director
#10
US Navy Seabees
#11
Race Director
#12
KingKong_Dav
i think seafoam didnt harm your cats. but you have two cats, front and rear. po420 and po430. its just about that time to replace the warm up cat convertor. seafoam is kind of funky since professionals just stick to using a cansister slow feeding it to the intake vaccum with intake cleaner concerate. my guess is your blaming the wrong thing. time for new cats, dealer price, 800 plus core. gl
#13
I too got the P0420 code after using seafoam and up grading my octane 89-93. 2002 jetta VR6. As soon as this tank is empty we will see what happens with a fresh refill. I also notice a burning metal smell from my CAT. I think it's getting pretty toasty in there.
#14
Senior Moderator
The TL is supposed to be run on 91 Octane or above. I think the seafoam triggered the CEL because you knocked off a lot of build up off the engine's exhaust system, fuel injectors, etc and now it's stuck on the metal mesh of the catalyst.
#16
I have even put a whole can into my scooter's gas tank and it had no ill effects whatsoever on the machine.
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JoshD_99EM1 (09-19-2014)
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