carsarecool

iTrader: (1)

My SES light went on a few weeks ago, had it pulled and was the catalyst efficiency below threshold, it went off after a day though. Now its back on and has been for a few days, same code, ive been searching and trying to get info and i guess there is a TSB for 00-01 cali spec (my car) ECM reprogram, which is covered under the federal emissions warranty. I'm at 99,000 miles but a few other opinions say change the back O2 sensor after the main cat.

Also that the cat itself being bad isnt likely, however as a side note, when i accelerate through 2nd and 3rd gear i can hear kind of a metallic rattling, like a loose heat shield or something. Maybe the guts of the cat starting to break apart?

I wanna know where to start, the ECM flash shouldnt be more than a half hour labor, o2 from autozone should be maybe 80-100 and the cat is like 450. Lemme know what you guys think, thanks

ecsdesignz

iTrader: (18)

cat is gone that would be the first thing to replace. Then reset the ECM by taking the battery off for a few hours. If the light is till on after you put in a new cat get the right O2 from the dealer. My shop is a inpection station here in houston. autozone O2 sensors are junk for our cars. I would get the Denso O2 for it is made for japanese application. DaveB should be able to sell you one for 107 + shipping.

Cdoc

iTrader: (2)

P0420 is an ECU flash.

P0430 is a cat replacement.

I forget the codes for O2 sensors.

I've had all of them and yours is the cheapest. Just get the dealer to flash the ECU.

djfrestyl

iTrader: (89)

+1 on updating the software at the dealer, it fixed my p0420.

MIXXMAX

iTrader: (1)

Get the ECU reprogrammed at the dealer. The problem lies inside the ECU for P0420 code. The software needs updated. Also, another suggestion... if you haven't changed the MAF to the newly updated one, try to replace that first before the ECU flash. This way, once you take it to the dealer, they'll know exactly what model MAF is in there and adjust the software program according to the model of the MAF. You'll be getting two problems fixed at the same time, and you're car will run like new. I had the P0420 code and got the ECU reprogrammed, and a week later, I installed a new MAF. Now, my car runs like it has more power, but the gas mileage is slightly lower without the ECU program for the new MAF. I can live with this, but sooner or later I will eventually get the ECU updated for the new MAF. Good luck!

carsarecool

iTrader: (1)

That sounds good but heres the thing, i called the dealer today and asked, they said theyd need to pull the code themselves and check the ECM part # to see if its covered under the TSB he's got. When i got the car in 05, they replaced the MAF under warranty, right after i left the SES came on, i took it back and they replaced the rear O2 and re-flashed the ECM. This is the same dealer i called today, he said since i already had it done, the programming probly is updated and i might need a new front exhaust tube. So at the least im looking at 100 bucks for a diagnostic.