What does a check engine light code mean?
What does a check engine light code mean?
If someone has told you that a new converter is required on your vehicle just from the simple reading of a “check engine light” code they are not doing their due dilligence and not performing complete diagnostics on that vehicle.
Why does the Check Engine light not come on when a catalytic converter fails?
A healthy converter will use a lot of oxygen, and so the rear oxygen sensor will see that there is little oxygen coming out of the back of the converter. In this situation, the “check engine” light will not come on to indicate catalytic converter failure, because all is well.
How can I tell if my catalytic converter is still working?
More than 1.25 psi of backpressure at idle, or more than 3 psi at 2,000 rpm usually indicates a blockage. Diagnosing converter efficiency to see if the converter is still doing its job can be done a couple of ways. If you have a five-gas infrared exhaust analyzer, you can compare pre-cat and post-cat exhaust readings of HC, CO and NOX.
Why do I get error codes on my catalytic converter?
There are a number of reasons you may be seeing these error codes, but often times, the first place is to gravitate to the Catalytic Converter itself. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, your catalytic converter should last at least 10 years, but numerous issues could reduce the lifespan.
What is the diagnostic code for a catalytic converter?
An illuminated check engine light or malfunction indicator lamp (CEL or MIL) with a catalytic converter diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is the most common catalytic converter problem indicator.
What are the codes for check engine lights?
Emissions Codes P0420 and P0430: Catalytic Converters. “Check Engine Light” Codes P0420 and P0430. Replacing a catalytic converter or “cat” has become a big expensive drain on a lot of people’s budgets these days.
What does it mean if your catalytic converter is bad?
Nowhere in the interpretation of that code does it say the converter is bad. Your vehicle may very well need a Catalytic Converter but to determine this, your mechanic or technician should perform proper engine diagnostics. Just reading a simple code is NOT considered performing diagnostics.
How much does it cost to replace a catalytic converter?
So your car or truck is running well, but that check engine light is on, with a code P0420 or P0430, and related catalyst efficiency below threshold codes. You like your car, so you take it to be looked at. You choke on the estimate of $1400 or more to replace the converter on your car.
