Catalytic converter problem

Nathandu · Post by **Nathandu** » 18 Oct 2009, 11:52

Gentlemen,

Been along time, quite busy. The engine light was on last week. I had my car check, I was there reading the data on their computer too. The computer showed the voltages of front and back oxygen sensors (the catalytic converter is bettween these O2 sensors). They said the voltage of the back O2 sensor should be read way less than the front and its graphic should be close to or becomes a straight line when the catalytic working properly. My back O2 was read pretty much the same as the front and the graphic went up and down. Therefore, they concluded catalytic problem. It is very pricy for a new one ($800 to $900.00).

I also smell like heavy smoke mixing with burned oil perfume in the carbin when I turn on the heater.

Did anyone have this problem?
Brenda, I do not see FCP carries catalytic for the S70 T5 1998. Please advise.

Thank you
Nathan

Post by **misha** » 18 Oct 2009, 16:37

What was the code?
I had a similiar problem a few years ago when hose from sas valve to air pump was broke.I was also getting heavy exhaust gases smell in the cabin.
I replaced the broken hose and no problem since.

I doubt that your catalytic converter is bad.It's very rare for them to fail,at least in these cars,unless you fried it with leaded fuel or something.

Nathandu · Post by **Nathandu** » 18 Oct 2009, 19:54

Hi Misha,
Thank you for your replying. I asked for the code number, their computer (software program) did not really show a code. Only a message saying somthing that i could not remember. It is a fancy program with all kind of data reading and graphics. I could not really follow and understand.
I use mid grade unleaded gas only. I hope it not the catalytic problem.
Let me check the hose that you mentioned. What is sas vale? Can you tell me where exactly the hose is located, can it be done ourselfve, you think?
Your help is greatly appreciated,
Nathan

Post by **misha** » 19 Oct 2009, 10:27

I don't know what they told you,but if check engine light is on,there MUST be some code(s) stored

.Otherwise check engine light wouldn't be on.

About sas valve hoses....
When you open the hood and look towards the engine,you'll see sas valve.It's located at the end of the engine and it is silver,between firewall and engine.There is one tiny silver pipe from exhaust manifold going to it.It looks like mushroom to me and have one big black hose and one little vacuum hose atached to it.

If you can't find it,i'll post you a picture later,when i come home.

FCPEURO · Post by **FCPEURO** » 19 Oct 2009, 10:38

Nathan,

I see that we don't have the cat. on our website, but I am pretty sure that we have them for the S70. You may just need to call and order it.

That said, I don't see how the cat could have gone bad. It almost never happens on these cars. I would take you car over to autozone and have them check the codes for you for free. Then let us know what codes you get.

Oh, and the SAS is the secondary air system.

Post by **holler1** » 19 Oct 2009, 16:44

Nathandu wrote:My back O2 was read pretty much the same as the front and the graphic went up and down. Therefore, they concluded catalytic problem.

This behavior of the O2 sensors is characteristic of a failed cat. However, there should also be a corresponding code. I had the opposite problem with my daughter's Corolla- a cat code but the sensors read properly. That turned out to be an ECU problem. While investigating that, I found one other way to check the cat. If you have an infrared temperature sensor ($29 at Harbor Freight), check the temp of the pipe in front of and behind the cat after taking a spark plug loose. If the cat is working, the rear temp should go up. In my case it went up about 100 degrees, so I was pretty confident the cat was working. I had already replaced both O2 sensors. For your car, it might be worth replacing the O2 sensors if they are old and due for replacement anyway, before spending $1000 on a cat.

Nathandu · Post by **Nathandu** » 19 Oct 2009, 18:48

Hi all,
This is what it said on their computer:
P0422 main catalytic efficiency below threshold (bank-1).

I am not he wrote PO or P0 (Pzero). Any meaning to you guys?
My SAS valve hoses ans O2 sensors are still the original. I wil have to check or repalce new parts.
Brenda, is the 10% off code still valid?
Thank you for all of your helps
Nathan

Post by **polskamafia mjl** » 19 Oct 2009, 23:39

This has nothing to do with the repair, but FCPgroton's name is Brendan, not Brenda.

And yes, the 10% code is still valid.

Nathandu · Post by **Nathandu** » 20 Oct 2009, 18:12

Thank you Polskamafia Mjl. My apology to you Brendan for missing speeling your name

Nathan

Nathandu · Post by **Nathandu** » 10 Nov 2009, 08:03

Hi Misha,

Sorry to bother you. can i have pictures showing part that you changed. I had a look at it, but cannot tell if it was broken.

Thanks million
Nathan