B5254T2 Engine (2.5T) Catalytic Converters All Going?

[dono]

I have been looking for/inspecting XC70's 2004-2006 over the past month from craigslist looking for my Goldilocks used volvo and I have noticed a pattern - a majority of the cars I inspect have some form of Catalytic Converter efficiency code. The CEL's are not illuminated and I can only pick up the Cat codes with enhanced scanner function specific to that make year and model - it doesnt show up on the generic OBDII codes.

Some of the vehicles have been well maintained some not so much. All have been in the 140,000 mile range. The owners often report having had O2 sensors changed within the year as a solution that has eliminated the CEL (so they say) but I can see on the live data that the voltage at the second O2 sensor is out of spec going from .080v - 700v most often at low idle after revving. I should note my own 04 V70 2.5T AWD w 242k has the same symptoms but it is throwing CEL and I know there are many culprits existing as underlying causes of Cat issues.

I know bad Cats are made not born so I have rejected these cars thinking they have a bad Cat AND other underlying issues. So my question is - are all of these 15 year old cars at the end of their Cat life spans or are the engines basically now burning enough oil that they are destroying the Cats?

[RickHaleParker]

Clogged Catalytic Converters are rare, even for a 25 year old car. Test drive the car. If you can get it up to highway speed without hesitation or reluctance, the Cat is not clogged.

[Rattnalle]

Cats aren't supposed to fail ever. Poor quality fuel or other issues can change that of course. Over here it's extremely rare for some reason.

[abscate]

That cat efficiency code is rarely the cat, it's usually some other fuel issue. Changing the OXS will clear the code but not solve the issue. By the way, the PM model replaces OXS after100kmiles and certainly by 150k miles.

[Rattnalle]

The sensors shouldn't ever need replacing either if everything else is fine. Must be something in the air over on your end if it's common.

My car is at 200k mi and and pretty sure everything is original down there.

[dono]

Clogged Catalytic Converters are rare, even for a 25 year old car. Test drive the car. If you can get it up to highway speed without hesitation or reluctance, the Cat is not clogged.

The most common causes for Cat failure are 1. Unburned Fuel 2. Coolant Leak and 3. Oil Consumption. It is true that unburned fuel can destroy the cat honeycomb structure and lead to blockage. Coolant leak and oil consumption can destroy the cat without causing blockage.

[oragex]

The cat on these car is of very high quality (and really expensive to replace, aftermarket are a hit or miss and may not pass some inspections). Aftermaket O2 sensors can also throw a cell

Indeed when an ignition coil fails (engine starts missing and shaking a little), we need to stop driving or at least disconnect the injector on that cylinder.

Turbo engines also can suck oil from the turbo I guess, another potential problem for the cat

But my first hint goes to a leaking flexible downpipe (after the exhaust manifold). Very common as these cars get older, you can even see the outside mesh is rotten. The leak develops where the flex pipe enters the manifold, and may not be noisy or smell. It may however foul the secondary O2 sensor reading from what I've heard. Replacing the flex pipe is all but fun (cut & weld) and the flange after the cat also starts leaking and needs be fixed

[dono]

Thought I would mention that I finally resolved my Catalytic Converter codes P0420 & P04801(and turbo control/underboost P0299 & P06806 and evap codes 431D & P02407 ) by replacing the Volvo Boost Pressure Solenoid Valve (aka Turbo Control Valve TCV OE Numbers 7.22240.13.0, 722240130, 30670448, 9473212). $28 and codes are gone and put a little pep back in the car. Im glad I kept the parts cannon stored away as I was considering, exhaust, cat, evap canister, O2 sensor replacement.


Generally related videos


Comprehensive testing of turbo pressure solenoid on a VW (same general principle)

[abscate]

Your followup post is both informative and appreciated