3D2kMax

Hi,
I have got the evil P0430 "Catalytic Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 2" code and the Dealer wants 1800 to replace the cat. Now that is crazy, the car is 2000 and worth less not that much lol. So i want to replace it myself, but before i go down this road, i would like to know how much things i have to take apart? Since this cat is located in the front, which is good but space is tight. It looks like i will need to remove the radiator fan, and/or maybe the radiator itself too. From all the picture/drawing of the cat, i don't think i will be able to just slide it in and out. I may have to remove the exhaust header. but not too sure. any one out there that have done this and can offer some tip? Will i need to also replace the exhaust gasket too if i have to remove the it. Or can i just reuse it. i am thinking about going with an Eastern Cat.
Thank You

NmexMAX

iTrader: (22)

Was that quote for labor only or parts & labor?

3D2kMax

both, total price! minus tax!

NmexMAX

iTrader: (22)

Yeah, you can get aftermarket pre-cats for a lot cheaper than OEM's, as we all know that.

General/vague info here:

http://forums.maxima.org/5th-generat...al-precat.html

http://forums.maxima.org/5th-generat...al-precat.html

bullet187

You should try using a good fuel system cleaner like Chevron Techron, as little as 5% of a clog in the cat can cause a code. I have also heard other people replacing the heated oxygen sensor on the pre-cat to remove the code.

3D2kMax

Bullet187,
Sensor have been replaced, code still there. I have tried another on the shelve cat cleaner from autozone, sill the code is there. Today, I did put I the techron cleaner, I am hoping it will have some good result. If the cat was really in bad shape, I would smell the rotten eggs smell all the time. I only smell the ammonia smell and it is not alway a constant occurrence. Sometime itis there and some time it is not. Plus, the idle I'd not 100% steady, I do feel a little shaky vibration, so it can be the coil not up to par. Let see if the techron solution will work. Cross your finger!!

bullet187

Make sure to clear the code also.

PetitFrereMaxima

iTrader: (2)

Replacing that at the dealership is always too expensive. Buy aftermarket.

3D2kMax

yes, alway expensive at the dealer. Maybe i will call around and see how much local garages will be willing to do the job. The less things i have to take out the better but it looks like this pre-cat is press buried in there. don't want to have to touch the header if i can avoid it.

Donkeypunch

Could it just be the cat and not the pre-cats or that code defiantly makes it
the pre-cats?

Mine has that code and sometimes when I'm late to work and romp on it
there's a strong rotten egg smell and the code will go away, but returns.
btw my car did not pass smog at all. Not even close.

3D2kMax

Even the Dealer that wanted to charge me an arm and legs say it was the Pre-cat.
i don't get the smell all the time, only when i am gunning it up a hill. when it is parked, normal exhaust smell. no hint of rotten smell.