Arcturus

Hello,

Today I got an engine code with a CHECK VSC warning. There were no ABS or SRS lights illuminated. When I pulled the code with a scan tool it gave me P0430, which is:

Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 2)

This points to the catalytic converter on the passenger side. Is there a common problem on this car that would cause this to go on? Exhaust leak or gasket leak?

If anyone can help me troubleshoot, I'd appreciate it.

rkw77080

I would clear the code and see how long it takes for the code to return.

Arcturus

Okay. How do I do that? Battery disconnect? Or paperclip trick?

rkw77080

Most scan tool has a button to clear the DTC. Which scan tool did you use to read the code? Otherwise, disconnecting the battery and leave it a off for a few minutes will also do the trick.

rkw77080

Here's a bit more info on the DTC P0430...

honeygee2

I bought a cheap obd2 scanner from eBay. I have had the same code pop up for 19 months. After the code is cleared it stays off for about three months at a time....it will not affect your car. I carry the scanner tool (15 bucks) in the passenger rear door pocket.

Arcturus

I have a scan tool. Totally forgot I could clear the code with it. Just cleared the code and the light seems to have stayed out. Sounds like the same behavior as what you are experiencing.

I know the battery on the car is on its way out. Will replace it and watch and see if the code returns.

Thanks everyone for your help.

LS430inDE.

I, unfortunately, received the dreaded P0430, on my 2005, last week!!! I cleared it with my scan tool, and came back a couple days later. I cleared it again, and it came back again a couple days later!

I have 149k on her, but nothing else is going on. No exhaust leaks, no rattle of heat shields, no noticeable bad fuel economy (yet?), no misfire, no hesitation, accelerates normally, original fuel cap, etc, etc! I don't have an infrared heat gun, or I'd climb underneath and take a shot to see how hot the cat is.

Do the downstream sensors go 'bad', similar to the upstream sensors? Maybe 10k miles ago I changed 1 upstream sensor...but can't recall which bank, if it was same side (bank 2) as this code or not. I did have an episode of when I changed spark plugs ~10k miles ago, I had a misfire on a cylinder on the passenger side. I ran her like that for maybe 50 miles. She never FLASHED the check engine light, which I know is extremely dangerous possibility on smoking the cats.

Could I REALLY be looking at changing out at cat at 'only' 149k miles? If that's what I'm up against, I'll look into cheating the emissions system with purchasing some sort of spacer for the downstream sensor! Should I simply throw a couple of downstream sensors on there then clear the codes, and see what I get?

All thoughts appreciated! Oh yea, Merry Christmas everyone!!!

2KHarrier

My only experience with that code was dealing with a leak at the joint between the right exhaust manifold and the Y pipe. Once I had the gasket replaced, the code has not come back. It was not an audible leak, but when I crawled under the car, I saw a lot of soot around the flange and could feel the exhaust blowing out from between the two pipes.

Stu

I had the same code on my 2005 this summer/fall. My car has only 135,000 miles. The code was triggered by a small exhaust leak. $ 240 later it was welded up and fixed. Hope yours is simple too.

LS430inDE.

I haven't crawled underneath her in a while, and this week it's getting colddddd in the NE! I don't have to go through inspection for about a year and a half, so this isn't an emergency, fix it in a hurry. I guess I'll eventually crawl underneath the LS when my gf's garage is clear, and clean, which happens whenever I clean it!!! Thanks for the reply. I'll keep you guys informed.

LS430inDE.

Thanks for the reply. Do you recall where the leak was? Were you able to place eyes on the leak and take it to a shop or the shop found it and repaired it?

Stu

The leak was just forward from the y pipe. The shop that repaired it found it.

05ls430518

iTrader: (1)

Hey if it ends up being the y pipe in the summer when I get my exhaust made I would be willing to sell you my y pipe for $90 it's rust free and looks brand new I live in NY so if your in the north east you can't be more than 4 hours away lol

2KHarrier