Hi! I have an issue I could use some enlightenment on. My CEL is on, and since I already had it in the dealer for the 107k oil change, I had them read the code. They said the code indicated that my cat was "less efficient", though still working. My connudrum, to get rid of the code, and the light, (so it won't hide any other CEL codes that may come up) I need to replace my cats! Umm, thanks but no thanks. I am thinking of doing a straight pipe replacement of my cats at this point, and using something like this http://www.bigdaddiesgarage.com/mini-cat-cel-fix.html. Do you think this product would work to eliminate the CEL error? Or else some sort of O2 simulator, perhaps? Also, if anyone has done this (straight pipe) before, what issues did you run into, such as tuning the computer, drivability, etc. All info is appreciated, thanks much!

 

all that is is an O2 sensor defouler, and in most states when used on an emissions controlled vehicle is illegal.

honestly, if you have a P0430 or the like its rarely the cats that are the problem, and generally is either an O2 sensor failing or an exhaust leak.

 

Thanks for the reply, I'll get a better description when I go to pick it up on Mon, they called me yesterday with a short description of the issue, but we're out camping this weekend & I didn't have a lot of time to talk. If it's just an O2 sensor, I can replace that myself. Hopefully it's that simple and inexpensive.

 

check for an exhaust leak.

 

what code are you getting?

 

YES, do this!! I did not know about this... my CEL light came on, codes po420 & po430. All that code says is either Converter operating below efficency or Converter operating below threshold. I bought 2 new converters, they came with new gaskets, installed them and light is out.... BUT, would the new gaskets have done the job?? dont know, gave my old CC's to a club member, dont know how he faired... SO, do the gaskets first.. to be sure. OH, I swapped the O2's from the 97 & 99, no change.. so I went for the CC's.

good luck..

 

puredrifter speak the truth!! I have seen this code a lot on other toyota's and it's never the cat. It's always either a leak or a faulty O2 sensor.

 

where can you buy just the gaskets? i'm going through the same issue.

 

toyota or lexus..

 

i was getting P0430
problem solved by replacing the gasket after cat one on bank2.

 

Thanks.....

 

Po430 code fix. I battled this for a month and came up with a good cheap fix. I had the po430 code on a 2002 IS300. The cheap fix is to tie both of the bank 1 & 2 sensor 2 input wires at the ecu to the bank one sensor 2 output at the ecu. I used one gold plated butt splice connector at the ecu plug. You must leave both sensors and wiring in place good or bad for the heater load and bank one o2 sensor 2 must be good. You can find the pin out wiring diagram online at o2simulator.com. I feel as though it is a design flaw that everyone over 100K will have to deal with. You can spend thousands on cats and o2's and labor or a 20 cent butt splice connector. Hope this helps everyone.

 

If you tie the two banks together you probably won't get optimal performance because one of the o2's is laing to the ECU. If you change the gasket then dress it with red RTV(high temp) on both side's to ensure a perfect seal. Also an intake leak may also cause a cat code. because an intake leak will cause more fuel consumption and cover your cat with unburnt hydro carbons (HC's) and your cats primary job is to reduce HC's.

 

this isnt a fix, it's a ghetto-rigged workaround.

i see your 20cent (a decent quality butt connector is actually ~50cents but whatever) and raise you the ~$6 that the damn gasket costs from Lexus