Code P0430 on my 01 Rodeo?

[angela5503]

Had the code read at autozone it's P0430.
They gave me a readout that says " The PCM has determined that the
catalyst system efficiency for bank 2 is below threshold for the current
operating conditions.(Bank 1 identifies the location of cylinder #1, while bank2
indentifies the cylinders on the opposite bank.") Does this mean I need a new
converter, or could it actually be another problem with emission system?
It seems to be running fine.

[surferfletch]

Bank one is cylinders 1,3, and 5 on the passenger side. Bank 2 is the even cylinders on the driver's side. That's all I have.

[Gizmo42]

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

I would start with checking for an exhaust leak and replacing the o2 sensor after the cat converter. Cheaper and easier then replacing the cat converter.

[angela5503]

Thanks, now can anyone tell me how to replace this sensor after the converter. Maybe some pics somewhere?

[Canucklehead]

Originally Posted by angela5503

Thanks, now can anyone tell me how to replace this sensor after the converter. Maybe some pics somewhere?

Look on the exhaust after the catalytic converter, you will see a sensor screwed into the exhaust with some wires coming off of it.
- Unplug the connector at the wire harness.
- Using an O2 sensor slotted socket or 22mm wrench remove the sensor; this may require the use of some sort of penetrating oil such as PB Blaster and may require you to warm up the exhaust.
- Once the sensor is removed, ensure that there is anti-seize compound on the threads of the new sensor and install.
- Reconnect the wire harness.
- To clear the ECM memory, you can either disconnect the battery for several minutes or remove the 15A ECM fuse in the engine compartment fuse box (many people disconnect the battery but I personally prefer to remove the fuse since it doesn't require me to reprogram all of my radio presets ).

[angela5503]

Have a couple of remarks/questions about changing the o2 sensor after the cat. Some posts say the downstream o2 sensor does nothing but tell u whether the cat is working properly or not. The sensor is $50 or 60$and the cat is 90$ would it be better to replace the cat. Also, how can I recognize the cat. Sorry I'm no mechanic just a poor girl.

[Canucklehead]

Originally Posted by angela5503

Have a couple of remarks/questions about changing the o2 sensor after the cat. Some posts say the downstream o2 sensor does nothing but tell u whether the cat is working properly or not. The sensor is $50 or 60$and the cat is 90$ would it be better to replace the cat. Also, how can I recognize the cat. Sorry I'm no mechanic just a poor girl.

A catalytic converter looks something like this; it may or may not have a flange on either end and might need to be "cut out"/welded back in".


As far as your P0430 code goes, it is telling you that the ECM thinks that the passenger's side cat isn't working properly. The after-cat O2 sensor is basically what tells you that. You can replace the cat if you want, it is your vehicle after all, but I would hate to spend $90 (plus installation) only to find out afterwards that the ~$50 O2 sensor was the actual culprit.

My rule of thumb when trying to diagnose/fix a CEL issue is "cheaper and easier first". My reasoning is, many of the OBD II codes have several things that can cause them to be set. When I was having Evap code issues I asked my local dealer to look at it while they had my Rodeo or some other work. They wanted to charge me for several hours of labor to find out why I kept getting that Evap code. I had already replaced the gas cap and there were only really a couple of other things that cause this code. Rather than pay fo the troubleshooting I just went with what was the "next easiest" part to replace (vapor canister) which cost about 1/4 of what the dealer wanted to just "try and find" the problem. Problem fixed for ~$90. In your case, replacing an O2 sensor is definitely cheaper and easier than replacing a catalytic converter (especially if welding is involved).

[Gizmo42]

If you get a direct bolt in factory style cat converter they are around $260-280. Guess it depends on how much labor costs to weld in a universal (provided that one will even fit).

Here is what the drivers side factory style kinda looks like..

[angela5503]

What where they trying to sell me at autozone for $89.95 when they pulled my code? Your right, when I looked underneath it looks like one long section welded in place. Guess I'll definetly try o2 sensor after cat 1st. Next Question,the sensor looks like a long plug into the exhaust and the other end is a wire harness. is there a detailed step by step on this site and are all the o2 sensors the same on the 01 Rodeo.

[df2000]

A. clear the code by remove ECM fuze. See if code return.Sometimes ECM perform test of cat conv in the wrong time and you get the code.

[rodeo02]

Originally Posted by df2000

A. clear the code by remove ECM fuze. See if code return.Sometimes ECM perform test of cat conv in the wrong time and you get the code.

Yep, that code came up on my SIL's 2003 one time. I cleared it with my code reader and it never came back as long as she owned it.

Joel

[MPraz]

I'm going to check the exhaust for leaks, but also called for pricing on the oxygen sensor, they asked whether its the upstream or downstream? I would guess its downstream " after the cat" per earlier reply's.

Any suggestions before I purchase one?

Thanks