P0430 Code - 2001 Boxster

[Jager]

Originally Posted by AtlantaBoxster

I've been to a few places that read the check engine light code on OBD IIs. It seems they all read the same code P0430.

The reader stated the code was for "Bank 2" catalytic converter.

In order to make sure it was not the O2 sensors, I switched the passenger side and drivers side O2 sensors and stil got the same code. I know this does not eliminate other issues causing problems but I now know it was not the O2 sensors.

One question I cannot find the answer to is this -

Does "Bank 2" correspond to the drivers side or passenger side?

Thanks! This one has got me stumped as I've heard different things from different folks around my parts.

Is P0430 the only alarm you have???

Jager

[AtlantaBoxster]

thstone - Thank you very much. It is good knowing this forum is available to get this kind of information.

Jager - Yes, that is the only code that shows up on the different readers.

[paulv]

Diagnosis conditions
• TWC temperature 420 - 600 °C
• 85 seconds within rpm/load range (cumulative)
• EVAP canister burden < 8
• Speed 1280 - 2440 rpm
• 20 - 40 % engine load (relative air charge)
• Oxygen sensing ahead of TWC is active
• Oxygen sensing after TWC ready for operation
• Engine starting temperature > - 20 °C
• No faults in memory
Possible fault cause
♦ Oxygen sensor ahead of and after TWC exchanged
♦ Valve lift fault
♦ Aged oxygen sensor after TWC
♦ TWC faulty


HTH

Regards,
paul...

[thstone]

A P0430 code means that the oxygen sensor downstream of the catalytic converter is detecting that the cat is not working properly. This results in higher emissions. Odds are that the car drives fine.

Likely causes are:
Exhaust leak
Intake leak
O2 sensor not working properly (could be either O2 sensor on Bank 2)
MAF (not likely but cheap to clean)
Cat not working properly

Most people start by looking for exhaust and intake leaks and if all seems well there then they replace the O2 sensors. Otherwise work your way down the list, and please note that its rare that the actual cat is bad. Its usually something else.

[AtlantaBoxster]

1) Moved O2 sensors from one side to the other - Still get P0430 code.
2) Just cleaned MAF sensor yesterday - waiting to see if code will pop up again. Never know how long it takes. Was replaced 2 years ago. Looked prestine.
3) Recently changed air/oil seperator.

thstone

I am not sure how I could check for exhaust or intake leak - Will google that. I 'm thinking I need a smoke generator of some sort though.

paulv - I must say you've thrown me for a loop in many of your diag suggestions.

You obviously have much more experience than I do. Are the items you detail relatively easy to do once I understand what they mean?

[paulv]

Originally Posted by AtlantaBoxster

1) Moved O2 sensors from one side to the other - Still get P0430 code.
2) Just cleaned MAF sensor yesterday - waiting to see if code will pop up again. Never know how long it takes. Was replaced 2 years ago. Looked prestine.
3) Recently changed air/oil seperator.

thstone

I am not sure how I could check for exhaust or intake leak - Will google that. I 'm thinking I need a smoke generator of some sort though.

paulv - I must say you've thrown me for a loop in many of your diag suggestions.

You obviously have much more experience than I do. Are the items you detail relatively easy to do once I understand what they mean?

The P0430 most likely a 2 drive cycle code which means that you would have to drive twice (shutting it down, cooling off, start up again and drive a mix of idle and cruising) to see if the CEL will come on again with the same code.

Are the two aft O2 sensors still swapped?

And yes, the best way to find a leak is with a smoke machine. Any place (the cat convertor, near the O2 sensor, etc.) that will allow for air to come in will throw the reading of the aft O2 sensor off. Also check the wiring harness/connector to the O2 sensor.

From reading the code, did you get any freeze frame data? If you had it read at a parts shop, go back and see if the scanner they use provides FF data -- if so, get that info and post here.

Regards,
paul..

[AtlantaBoxster]

paulv

Yes, the O2 sensors are still swapped. I did not move them back. Since I switched all the O2 sensors, I did remove and put back the harness. If the harness was not seated properly, would I get a P0430 code or something else?

Just ordered this little jobby. Will see how well it works. Only $38 bucks, worth the risk. Seemed fairly decent reviews.

I'll let you know the results after I test it.

http://www.amazon.com/Crescent-OBD2-Multi-Protocol-Diagnostic-Scanner/dp/B001MT0XPK