Need some help. I bought a used 2004 SC430 with 98k miles on it. I passed an emissions inspection on the day of purchase. 2 days later I got the dreaded Check Engine Light. The code is P0430. I am not experiencing any symptoms. Acceleration is good. No strange noises. No colored smoke. I tried a bottle of CataClean. The light stayed off for 250 miles. I took a picture of my undercarriage. I noticed the gasket behind the catalytic converter looks to have a gap. Is this enough to create an exhaust leak and a CEL. Should I replace the gasket before trying other costly repairs? Would appreciate any advice from forum members.

Passenger side catalytic converter

 

What are the Possible Causes of the Code P0430 Lexus?

• Gas leak from exhaust system
• Faulty Three-way Catalyst Converter Bank 2
• Faulty Air Fuel Ratio (A/F) Sensor Bank 2 (Sensor 1 or Front Sensor or Upstream Sensor)
• Faulty Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 2 (Sensor 2 or Rear Sensor or Downstream Sensor)
• Faulty Fuel Injector(s)

 

does Georgia do a visual inspection or tailpipe sniffer test or do they just look for CEL?
if they just look for the CEL, I have a cheap and easy solution…
Or you could attempt a gasket replacement…

 

They do a CEL and a test of the gas cap.

 

here is a cheap easy fix…
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc4...l#post11263345

 

It doesn't look like the correct gasket. The gasket has to be a crush type. Flange gaskets don't work.

 

I had to replace the gaskets on my sc. The previous owners had an aftermarket exhaust and I went back to the OEM. When I originally did it I put in felpro gaskets. They were the right diameter, but not the right thickness. I got an error I was able to separate the joint enough to stick the OEM gaskets in.

If you decide to replace the gasket, I would recommend going with the OEM ones

 

I have the same issue. I plan to replace with OEM gaskets first before I buy a new set of cats.

 

You did this by yourself or took to a shop?

 

I did it myself. Other than the bulkiness of the parts, it is really easy to do in rust free Arizona.

But if you have some car ramps and jack stands,it is very doable

 

Thanks. I will be trying on Saturday. Bolts don't look too rusty. Just working in cramped quarters!

 

did replacing the gaskets cure the CEL? I just had mine fixed today. I was unable to do it myself. The cat and exhaust did not line up since it was an aftermarket exhaust. My light is still on!

 

Yes, it cured the CEL.

BUT, you need to reset the CEL after you have it fixed. It takes like 50 cycles before the CEL will clear itself.

Use your code reader or Take it to a national auto parts store and they will clear it for you