SES Light Code Help (I have the code)
SES Light Code Help (I have the code) Hey guys just wanted to start this out by saying sorry if this info is somewhere but I looked and couldn't find a place that actually told me what the code means and what I need to do. If there is, just point me in the right direction.
Here is the situation. I just bought a 02 SS yesterday. Drove her home and everything, no light. Started the car up this morning, no light and then later today the Service Engine Soon light came on. We ran a code finder/programmer, not a great one just your basic advanced auto one, and the code P0430 came up. It says "Catalyst Efficeincy Below Threshold (Bank 2)". Anyone know what that means and what I have to do/change? We are thinking a O2 sensor, but we are not sure. The light went off, but came back on tonight so idk. Any help you guys can give me would be great. Thanks.
Here is the situation. I just bought a 02 SS yesterday. Drove her home and everything, no light. Started the car up this morning, no light and then later today the Service Engine Soon light came on. We ran a code finder/programmer, not a great one just your basic advanced auto one, and the code P0430 came up. It says "Catalyst Efficeincy Below Threshold (Bank 2)". Anyone know what that means and what I have to do/change? We are thinking a O2 sensor, but we are not sure. The light went off, but came back on tonight so idk. Any help you guys can give me would be great. Thanks.
The code reading twice means it set more than once, that is all. Talk to a GM dealer about the factory cat replacement, that one may be a battle.
Yes, it is the sensor downstream of the cat, passenger side. If that is the only code setting, clear it, swap sensors downstream of the cats between banks, and see if it sets again the same. If it does, it may be the cat, if the other bank sets, its probably the sensor.
Hope that helps.
Yes, it is the sensor downstream of the cat, passenger side. If that is the only code setting, clear it, swap sensors downstream of the cats between banks, and see if it sets again the same. If it does, it may be the cat, if the other bank sets, its probably the sensor.
Hope that helps.
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Verdad Gallardo So do you think I should try the O2 first though? Also it doesn't matter that I'm not the original owner of the car for the warranty on the cat right?
You do not have to be the original owner to qualify for the cat replacement, I am the second owner and I got the service bulletin directly, it is 10yrs, or 120,000 miles, whichever is first. Talk to your dealer and let us know how it goes.
Bank 2, sensor 2 is the post cat O2 and its directly related to the P0430 Do the O2 sensor swap that we discussed earlier first, I would not recommend just buying a sensor and plugging it in. If that is not the problem, you just wasted cash.
You do not have to be the original owner to qualify for the cat replacement, I am the second owner and I got the service bulletin directly, it is 10yrs, or 120,000 miles, whichever is first. Talk to your dealer and let us know how it goes.
You do not have to be the original owner to qualify for the cat replacement, I am the second owner and I got the service bulletin directly, it is 10yrs, or 120,000 miles, whichever is first. Talk to your dealer and let us know how it goes.
So you are saying all I should need is a O2 sensor then right? Thanks for the help.
At this point I would go to the dealer and have it checked, worst case they hold onto your car for a few days, and you get new parts.
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From: ontario, canada
a quick way to give you a rough idea about the cats condition is to give it a mild run to temperature, than check the temp of the cat should be 300-500 degrees. than make a rick misfire (pull 1 or 2 plug wires off) the temp of the car should sky rocket 650-800 might even glow orange!! if it doesnt change, your car kicked the bucket!!
You are only getting one code, off of bank two. The downstream O2 sensor (sensor 2) is the sensor that sets the code. Sometimes that sensor is bad, setting the code, sometimes the catalytic converter is actually bad setting the code. To test, and this would only work with one code set on one side, is to swap the other side's bank one, sensor 2 sensor into bank 2 sensor 2's O2 bung. If the code sets the same, P0430, then you will know the cat is probably bad since it set twice the same using two different sensors. If the sensor is bad, switching from its original place, B2 S2, to B1 S2, will set the code on bank 1, which is P0420. Does that make any sense?
At this point I would go to the dealer and have it checked, worst case they hold onto your car for a few days, and you get new parts.
At this point I would go to the dealer and have it checked, worst case they hold onto your car for a few days, and you get new parts.
Last edited by greg_74; Mar 14, 2008 at 12:31 PM.
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 11
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From: ontario, canada
ya driving with that code will only give you poor fuel econo. You will be fine taking it to the dealer,but talk to them about your cat!! ask them how long the warr on the cat is and thats what you think it is. it might save you a few donero!! 
You think I should take it to the dealer for the cat first before I try the O2 then?
I would say yes, if the cat is bad and a factory replacement is the route you are going to go. Only mess with the O2 sensor if you really want to find out for sure on your own. I don't think they will charge you for time to look at it even if its just the sensor, but be sure to ask.
I would say yes, if the cat is bad and a factory replacement is the route you are going to go. Only mess with the O2 sensor if you really want to find out for sure on your own. I don't think they will charge you for time to look at it even if its just the sensor, but be sure to ask.