Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Do I need to replace my catalytic converter?

I have a 2000 GMC Jimmy 4D 2WD V6. My %26quot;service engine soon%26quot; light is on. I goes off every blue moon and stays on for a while. I have had an oil and filter change, spark plug and wire change, and fuel injector cleaner added. I have a troubleshooting code of P0420, P0452, and P0453. Car runs normal, no skipping or jerking, sound great. What do I need to check? and If it is the catalytic converter how long can I drive before it is potentially too dangerous?Do I need to replace my catalytic converter?
P0420 is bank 1 cat is below effecency.

P0452 Is a problem with the pressure in the fuel emissions recovory system (sensor low). (check the gas cap)

P0453 Is the opossite of 452, so it may be a problem with the way the gas cap is working.

P0420 :

A code P0420 may mean that one or more of the following has happened:



Leaded fuel was used where unleaded was called for

An oxygen sensor is not reading (functioning) properly

The engine coolant temperature sensor is not working properly

Damaged or leaking exhaust manifold / catalytic converter / exhaust pipe

Retarded spark timing

The oxygen sensors in front and behind the converter are reporting too similar of readings

Some suggested steps for troubleshooting a P0420 code include:



Check for exhaust leaks at the manifold, pipes, catalytic converter. Repair as required.

Use a scope to diagnose the oxygen sensor operation (Tip: The oxygen sensor in front of the catalytic converter normally has a fluctuating waveform. The waveform of the sensor behind the converter should be more steady).

Inspect the downstream heated oxygen sensor (HO2), replace if necessary

Replace the catalytic converter



In short you may not need a new catalytic converoter. There are cheaper things to replace that may or may not fix the problem.Do I need to replace my catalytic converter?
Okay, I know virtually nothing about cars, but when my service engine light comes on it is usually when I'm low on gas or when I just bought gas. Check your manual. Mine says to twist the gas cap three times after buying gas. Believe it or not, when I forget to do this the light comes on. When I go back and twist it, it takes about maybe the next 3 times of starting the car and the light goes off. I'll leave the catalytic converter part for the experts here at YA!Do I need to replace my catalytic converter?
it don,t sound like the converter. usually a bad converter you will lose power or it will rattle.PO420 is catalyst system below threshold( bank 1 )PO452 is the evap fuel tank pressure sensor too low and PO453 is that it is too high. first thing it could be the -2 sensors and check the fuel tank pressure. it could be the gas cap.Do I need to replace my catalytic converter?
your catalytic converter going out is not dangerous, my trucks catalytic converter went out and it sounded amazing that was about it, look in the book of your code reader, it should tell you what sensor those codes are talking aboutDo I need to replace my catalytic converter?
oxygen sensor.

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