oblivionis

iTrader: (2)

Earlier this year a check engine light came on in my IS350. The code was P0430 which is Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 2). I did a lot or reading, talked to my mechanic friend and concluded that it most likely is the catalytic converter. Just the parts alone (from Sewell after discount) would be over $1200. I was going to attempt to replace the converter myself. Just to rule it out, I decided to change the oxygen sensor first (since I'd most likely have to change it anyway). By the time the part arrived and I figured that I need a special tool (and still couldn't get the sensor out) weeks have passed. In that time I noticed that the exhaust sounded a bit different. I took the car to a mechanic and they found a hole in the exhaust by the heat shield bracket right behind the oxygen sensor. They fixed that rust area and this solved the whole problem. So the moral of the story is, before you (or your mechanic) start to throw parts at a problem make sure you know exactly what is causing the problem

Gville350

iTrader: (10)

^To add to that, many have posted about similar issues; the end result was a rusted hole in the exhaust where the two pipes merge.