My '00 CAL emissions maxima (112k miles) has been throwing a P0430 code since March. I've been putting this off, but now I need to get an inspection sticker (with emissions testing in MA). Here are the opinions I've gotten:

1. Dealership looked at it and diagnosed it as a bad precat. They said "up front". Bank 2 is the technical term I believe.
2. While I was getting a new muffler at Meineke, the manager diagnosed it as a bad bank 1 precat. I doubt this because he just used his ears to make that call. He claims an experienced tech can hear where the problem is. Not so sure about that.

Anyway, I'm pretty sure it's the bank 2 precat. Pricey: $650 part plus $200 labor at the dealership.

My biggest fear is doing the job and still getting having an SES light afterward.

Any advise on how to resolve this? I can't install headers myself and don't have a friend that can or will do it. Opinions welcome... Thanks!

 

simulator.


lol at being able to hear a catalyst inefficiency. some cat failures you can hear, usually not this one.

 

Anyone know if they do a visual inspection that could detect simulators? (In MA)