SES light came on last week and it's P0430 Bank 2. I've done some research and think the easiest way for me, due to lack of time and skills, is to have the o2 sensor replaced.
My question is:
where should I buy the o2 sensor and who should install it for me (dealer vs. mechanic)? in other words, are there any problems with aftermarket parts and/or does the ECU have to be updated (after o2 sensor installation, i'm not talking about reprogramming the ECU first and hoping for the SES light to go away as some people have suggested).
My car is a 2000 Maxima SE (auto) with 100,000 miles.
Please no o2simulator.com suggestion

Some additional questions:
What are the chances that it's actually the o2 sensor and not the CAT that's bad?
Has anyone experienced this same exact problem (P0430 only, not P0420/30)? What worked for you?

I posted my question here because you guys have helped me in the past and I honestly think you're more knowledgeable than the dealer, so any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

 

first,i got a updated from dealer since i got both codes,and it did slove the 0420..but the 430 still alive,code came back. And u wanna change ur 02 sensor? but i don't think it's the sensor problem.Probably it's the front bad pre-cat..why don't u try 02 sim? are u afraid of that will hurt ur car?

 

ekg2: I would be surprised if it wasn't your cat, personally. My 2000 has 95-96K miles and I get that code once in a while. I check the secondary O2 sensor in bank 2 (front bank, I believe) through my OBD-II scantool and its values look normal, just fluctuate similar to the primary O2 sensor.

I don't get that code all the time, in fact, it almost seems like certain tanks of gas instigate it (i.e. I've had it 3 times in a row, cleared code, came back the next drive, cleared code, came back, etc.) and then I fill up and it goes away. (haven't established a pattern)
I'm personally gonna try running it through emissions next May hopefully without throwing the code, if I make it through, I'll try the O2 simulator to permanently eliminate it (then install my Y-pipe that's been sitting around )

 

I personally think you are wasting your money if you replace the o2 sensor. Because of your mileage and the year of the car, it is a greater chance of being the converter. Either replace the converter (high cost) or go with the simulator (low cost). If it is the converter or the o2 sensor the simulator will work either way.

 

Thanks for fast response.
I'm not really afraid that it'll hurt my car, but I am very 'illiterate' when it comes to cars and probably wouldn't have a clue how to install the o2 simulator, especially if it involves cutting wires. I don't even know where the sensor is located... Anyway, I just passed the inspection in September 04 so I'm good for another 2 years, plus I know some ways to get around it etc .
You say if I install the o2 simulator it should fix the problem, but what if the converter is bad? Isn't that a different part than the o2 sensor? What are the consequences of driving with a bad CAT? Maybe I should just leave it as it is for another year or two? I don't understand how I can get away with 'fooling' the ECU when the converter is faulty.
BTW, the SES light stays on all the time.
Lots of questions but you get the idea.

 

The dealer's TSB fix has two parts: replacing the O2 sensor and flashing the ECU so it will accept a wider range of sensor output without throwing a code. It is likely just replacing the sensor will not solve your problem. I think that your cat is probably fine. If you haven't been putting in diesel fuel or leaded gas, your cat should be good for 10 years minimum.

I have an O2 simulator. The connection is NOT difficult and it WILL solve your problem for $25. The 02 sensor connector is at the top, front of engine. You need to cut one wire and splice 3 wires. You or a propeller-headed friend should be able to figure it out in 30 minutes or less. The simulator comes with instructions.

The alternative is to spend $300+ at the dealer, having them fix a problem that isn't even real (since the code is a FALSE reading of a failing cat). Or you could try to have the dealer fix it under the extended emissions warranty.

Bottom line: replacing the O2 sensor without flashing ECU is a waste of time and money.

You can also put black electrical tape over the SES light.

 

Any other suggestions?

 

Take the little bulb out from ur dashboard.so u won't be able to see a SES light.hehe!!