by FLUXEMAG » Wed Feb 03, 2010 2:04 pm
Haha! I borrowed my friend's OBDII reader after the downstream O2 sensor replacement didn't fix the P0420 code. I was going to replace the upstream O2 sensor, but it was a bastard to reach because of a heatshield covering it and the exhaust manifold. So I reset the code, and it said "not ready" until the code came back. I would not have passed emissions. My registration was due, so I had to figure this out. After resetting it several times over a week, and checking the code every time I stopped the car after driving a while, I finally got a passing signal from the OBDII. I went straight down to the emissions test and passed. Got a two year registration renewal. A day later I got P0420 again...but I will trade the car in before I need to fix it. The car runs fine, I'm sure it's a marginal emissions issue with the bank1 catalytic converter. The one O2 sensor cost me $68 on Amazon, and they accepted the other one as a return. Also I didn't have to buy the cat for $300 OE fit, $650 dealership. I probably would have done the OE fit, but I just couldn't get my hand in there to remove all of the bolts.
************************************
1967 Karmann Ghia Coupe, Rusty White
2005 Solara SE Sport V6, Lunar Mist
2010 G37 Coupe, Moonlight White