Unlimited

My service engine light just came on and is throwing a P0430 code. Luckily I had it scanned at auto zone for free!

I called a couple stealerships and they all want $100+ to "diagnose" it! Does anyone know what I could possibly due to get around this. I'm trying to sell the car because I'm buying a house, and I don't have much money left after the down payment n such.

I know it's cat converter related, but could it be a simple oxy sensor or something?

Thanks

LS6427

iTrader: (2)

You have the code, why do you need the dealership?

Fix the problem.

.

1 FMF

iTrader: (1)

http://www.obd-codes.com/p0430

Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 2)

Symptoms:
You will likely not notice any drivability problems, although there may be symptoms such as a rough/hard idle when cold.
Causes

A code P0430 may mean that one or more of the following has happened:
* The catalytic converter is no longer functioning properly
* An oxygen sensor is not reading (functioning) properly
* There is an exhaust leak

Possible Solutions:
First, inspect for exhaust leaks.
Next step is to measure the voltage at the oxygen sensor on Bank 2.
In fact, it would be a good idea to test each oxygen O2 sensor while you're at it.

Black FormulaLs1

iTrader: (10)

+1..never hurts to inspect your own gear first..i wouldnt pay the stealership a nickel

Unlimited

How do I go about checking the oxy sensors, or checking for an exhaust leak?

BigT2002

iTrader: (2)

Get it on the lift and you'll be able to see if things are bad or not. My O2 sensor went nuts after the wires were burnt through because of my headers

Unlimited

I remember before the engine light ever came on, there was a really bad rattling noise underneath the car next to the cats. It was like that for a couple days, and then stopped.

I'll have to jack it up and look underneath there, wonder what could cause that.

91RS383

If it was the cat ratteling that could be the catalyst deteriorating. It would need to be replaced. But before you do that

01CamaroZ28

iTrader: (9)

maybe the O2 sensor fell out...either way jack it up or put it on a lift and look for the problem

Greggy

bad cats are covered to 120,000 mi. GM warranty. I've had three of them repalced free.

2001NBMZ28

Dealerships always tell you about their "diagnostic charge" over the phone. Friend had his drivers side cat (P0420) replaced free under warranty after telling him the same thing. You can look up the diagnostics for your year at gearchatter.com. Most likely the cat took a dump.