Code issue

aperson · Post by **aperson** » Thu Jan 31, 2008 12:19 am

Okay, heres what happened, Sunday I did an oil change and cleaned the intake of oil with some rags soaked in brake parts cleaner. It started a little weird but I didn't worry about it. Then I got a P0420 on Monday on my way home from work. Thinking I had destroyed the O2 sensor with my cleaning I had my parts shop order the upstream O2 sensor but they couldn't get me a downstream (I like to play it safe). My mileage went to crap too that day even on my way to work 1/4 tank just to get there when normally @ 80 it uses 1/8 and @ 60 the needle barely moves.

So last night I take it to get it aligned, pick it up this morning and the lights out. The code is still there, but I know that it won't go away until X amount of miles or X amount of starts. I'm going to put the sensor in just because I'm paranoid like that, and will still replace the downstream when I find one,

I'm wondering what would cause the light to go off like it did? Did I destroy the O2 sensor with my cleaning? My mileage still isn't what it used to be so I know that there's still a problem right?

Freeze Frame Data
DTC that caused error: P0420
Engine RPM: 1954 RPM
Load Value: 17.2%
Coolant Temp: 176* F
Short Term Fuel Trim 1: 2.3%
Long Term Fuel Trim 1: -1.0%
Short Term Fuel Trim 3 -100.6%
Long Term Fuel Trim 3: -100.6%
Vehicle Speed: 39 MPH
Fuel System 1: CLSD

Also all of my I/M monitors pass now. Normally when there is a bad O2 Sensor one of them is out. I didn't get a chance to check before the light went out.

Or just tell me if I'm overly paranoid about the whole situation.

BlackRoseRacing · Post by **BlackRoseRacing** » Thu Jan 31, 2008 5:46 am

P0420 Catalytic Converter 1/1 Efficiency Failure
According to the code you have the cat converter is bad(which would explain the mpg loss) or the downstream O2 sensor is faulty or possibly unplugged. There was no need to change the upstream O2 sensor for the P0420 code.
If the cat is bad, depending on how many miles you have, it may still be covered under the Extended Federal Emissions....

aperson · Post by **aperson** » Thu Jan 31, 2008 10:23 am

It now has 40900 miles on it but a salvage title. Do I still qualify for the Extended Federal Emissions. I haven't changed it yet. But now I ask, what code will give me a code for the upstream sensor?

Post by **occasional demons** » Thu Jan 31, 2008 11:38 am

Generally emissions related items are good for 70/1000 miles depending on year of manufacture, but not sure how the salvage title plays into that. I guess it would come down to proving the mileage, and the part in question wasn't damaged by the cause for a salvage title. Say if it was hail damage, for example, then the federal emmisions stuff should still be covered. but a collision could possibly crack the platinum brick in the cat. All I can say is it won't hurt to try...

Edit: Are you crazy? You do drive a Neon....

aperson · Post by **aperson** » Thu Jan 31, 2008 12:11 pm

I have no idea why they totaled the thing all it needed was a door, bumper cover, fender and RF suspension pieces. Only cost about $3000 to get it fixed with alignments and everything. I'll check it out though, thanks.

Post by **occasional demons** » Sat Feb 02, 2008 1:00 pm

I was thinking about this... but I'm not sure the dealer would check for title status. I don't know if it come up on their system if the car was salvaged or not... If they don't ask don't tell...

aperson · Post by **aperson** » Sun Feb 03, 2008 1:22 am

I usually take that approach, if I can get away with something I usually will. Is there anyway I can check the cat myself? Possibly by tapping into the sensors myself? I'd rather not have to tear it apart at this time, and I can't really have the downtime either.

BlackRoseRacing · Post by **BlackRoseRacing** » Tue Feb 05, 2008 6:17 am

pick up a used cat here in the forums and slap it on and be done with it...
You can sometimes find a car and mag header for around $75 plus shipping...

aperson · Post by **aperson** » Fri Feb 15, 2008 11:25 pm

Well since I no longer have a warrantee on my emissions (Thanks BRR) I figured I'd replace both o2 sensors.

Good news is that after replacing the downstream o2 sensor and resetting the computer, the P420 hasn't come back yet. Now I just need to get my cat welded back up from where I torched two small holes in it.

However after replacing the upstream sensor have a P0132 (Bank 1 Sensor 1). Both sensors looked the same when I took them out, but the upstream had more sheilding. The outer housing only has a few slits in it instead of holes like the two I took out. Did I get the wrong sensor?

yellowpatrol · Post by **yellowpatrol** » Fri Feb 15, 2008 11:57 pm

If you need a cat I have an SRT-4 cat. Make an offer, plus shipping. Let me know

aperson · Post by **aperson** » Sat Feb 16, 2008 12:04 am

Thanks for the offer, but I have a junkyard by me that wants 300 for a mag head, header and intake, they'll probably want another 50-150 for the cat, I'm not sure what its worth. It only had around 40000 on it. What would something like that be worth?

2GN.ORG

Code issue

Am I crazy?

Code issue