Catalytic Converter Lessons...
#1
Catalytic Converter Lessons...
Well, long story short make sure you replace your catalytic converters with either OEM or aftermarket with correct OEM equivalent "loads". The load refers to the amount of precious metals inside the cat.
I have been fighting catalytic efficiency codes for the last 5 month. I had this problem show up a few days after I purchased the car. Previous owner was resetting ECM to hide it. Did a lot of research, no leaks, had a shop replace cats with Magnaflow high flow cats but the loads were too small. I knew nothing about this at the time. 2,000 miles later 430 is back instead of 420. After a number of resets and about another 3,000 more miles decided to replace both post-cat 02 sensors just to be safe. Codes came back after the usual 300 miles of driving. Getting both 420 & 430 now. Reset again and as usual codes are off for another 300 miles or so. Checked many times and there were no leaks whatsoever.
So, after talking to Magnaflow and realizing that my car is a CA car even though it never spent any time in CA, they said there are only two cats that can be used on my car. The first, 444005 is the for if your car currently in CA and the other, 51004, for use outside CA. Anyway, it is quite interesting as Magnaflow shows these cats whether your car is a CA car or not. I'm wondering if there really is any difference between a CA certified LS400 or non CA certified.
Long story short, muffler shop is ordering me the correct CAT's and I will be installing them again. Hopefully never to deal with PO420 & 430 for the life of the car. I did not need new post-cat 02 sensors but I guess it did not hurt to replace them. The lesson here is make sure to replace with the correct loaded cat for smooth sailing. The cheap cats are not going to work out very well.
I have been fighting catalytic efficiency codes for the last 5 month. I had this problem show up a few days after I purchased the car. Previous owner was resetting ECM to hide it. Did a lot of research, no leaks, had a shop replace cats with Magnaflow high flow cats but the loads were too small. I knew nothing about this at the time. 2,000 miles later 430 is back instead of 420. After a number of resets and about another 3,000 more miles decided to replace both post-cat 02 sensors just to be safe. Codes came back after the usual 300 miles of driving. Getting both 420 & 430 now. Reset again and as usual codes are off for another 300 miles or so. Checked many times and there were no leaks whatsoever.
So, after talking to Magnaflow and realizing that my car is a CA car even though it never spent any time in CA, they said there are only two cats that can be used on my car. The first, 444005 is the for if your car currently in CA and the other, 51004, for use outside CA. Anyway, it is quite interesting as Magnaflow shows these cats whether your car is a CA car or not. I'm wondering if there really is any difference between a CA certified LS400 or non CA certified.
Long story short, muffler shop is ordering me the correct CAT's and I will be installing them again. Hopefully never to deal with PO420 & 430 for the life of the car. I did not need new post-cat 02 sensors but I guess it did not hurt to replace them. The lesson here is make sure to replace with the correct loaded cat for smooth sailing. The cheap cats are not going to work out very well.
Last edited by Lavrishevo; 08-27-12 at 09:33 PM.
#4
Lexus Champion
catalytic converters are one of several items that I wouldn't care to ever use aftermarket, the original Toyota cats are fantastic, do not hurt performance or gas mileage, and are very often misdiagnosed when not the problem, and when they are removed, it always seems to result in a sad tale of woe.
#5
Lexus Champion
code P0430 is far more often O2 sensors or a faulty ECU
Trending Topics
#10
@Lavrishevo How did your magnaflow cats perform finally though. I am looking for a replacement as well I guess.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
jpv7774
LS - 3rd Gen (2001-2006)
23
04-08-17 03:39 PM