Have anybody got this code before P0430 - Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 2) ? I'm sure it has something to do with my O2 sensor. I know on bank 2 there is one in front and one rear. Which one of these sensor do u guys think I need to replace?

 

If it's throwing a catalyst efficiency code, it'd be the rear O2 (the one that monitors the effects of the converters). That is of course assuming that the problem is an O2 sensor, and not the converter itself.

 

I just had the same code on my 2000 Cali Spec maxima. After looking at the readings from the O2 sensors on a Snap On Scan tool, the rear O2 appeared frozen so i replaced it. Turns out the sensor was good reading exactly what the Cat was doing....nothing, and so the P0430 code for bank 2 low cat efficiency came back about 15 miles after I put in the new sensor and cleared the code. I am in the process of replacing my y-pipe/cat this week. Hope this helps.

 

My Grey Lustre 2KSE is giving me the same code. I have the new O2 sensor in the trunk, but I just haven't done it yet, because I'm still getting 28mpg and having no driveability issues related to the engine running. It doesn't take long to get used to the SES light - it's kind of comforting, actually. Lets me know it's still thinking about me. I reset it once, and it was disturbing that the light was gone. :-P

 

P0430 and P0420 are very common. Replace the cats. Done. I've come to find that those O2 sensors are pretty bullet-proof. Save yourself the headache, and buy the cat.

 

So you guys think it's my cat and not the O2 sensors? I reset the code and just waiting to see if it comes back.

 

i got a p0430 on a 2000 se, brought it to the dealership for a diagnostic, figured i rather pay $90 for diagnostic fee and know exactly which part to replace rather than try replacing a bunch of parts like o2 sensors. Anyways, before i brought it to dealership, i searched on the org and some said that its most likely the cat, in the FSM, it gives eight different possible problems. When i dropped off the car, i told the service mnager that i got a p0430 code and i want to know which part needs replacing.

He spoke with a tech, called me back and said that if I get a p0430 then it is 99% the cat at bank 2. If i had the p0420 then sometimes than can reprogram the ecu, change the parameters and that might work without changing the cat.

Anyways, since i was sure i had the p0430, he didn't even bother doing a diagnostics, just told me to replce the cat. I am in the process of searching for a good cat.

 

by the way, when i cleared the code, it came back withing 24 hours, so the cat must be really toasted.

 

Our o2s are bullet-proof?

 

got the same code on my 2000 cali spec max. tried changing o2 sensors first and found that was a waste. went with aftermarket cat from eastern for about $200. no problems since and its been a few thousand miles. changed it myself. wasn't really difficult. just have the wd40 ready. took about an hour to an hour and a half total.

 

Shoot 'em. Prove me wrong. Let us know what happens...TeHe.

 

im still dealing with this myself

i just reset mine for the UMPTEENTH TIME. im in the process of getting the easter catalytic converter, and a cattman y pipe...im gonna have em both done at the same time

 

I have this same code on my 2001 I30. I need to fix it to pass emissions to get new tags asap. Anyways, you guys are talking about replacing the front cats, not the main one, right? Where would you even find the front cat and how hard is it gonna be to swap?

Edit: I found pre cats but is there any other brand besides eastern or should i just drop the 190 on an eastern one

 

I got the P0430 a day after changing the Rear O2 sensor. Took to Nissan, they claim catalyst is broken and I need to pay them $1300 to put in a new one. That's a quarter of what I paid for the car two weeks ago. From what I read so far, it looks like I just need the FRONT cat converter? Please correct me if I'm wrong. Otherwise, I'll get the Eastern one and have my shop put it in.

Thank you.

 

Bump. Anyone who knows about this, please chime in. Thank you.

 

http://forums.maxima.org/5th-generat...bs-inside.html

I got mine fixed 2 years ago. the first time i changed the O2's, nothing happened. reflash the ECU, and it's still the same. replaced the MAF, and no changed at all. checked vacuum, and nothing happened. checked muffler, and nothing happened until i replaced the front pr-cat. the total have spent for fixing this carp was $1900 +tax.

if i knew that i was gonna spend that kind amount, i would rather buy cattman full exhaust system.

good luck

 

This is the kid of stuff one needs to hear. Complete effort to fix the code. Thanks for posting, this helps others to cut down the chase and get to the problem and save big bucks.. Thanks again.

 

If you want to cut down for REAL cheap, use O2's sim. i guarantee you will never change the O2. unless the there is something wrong with the O2 sims itself.

that time if i did some research, i would go with O2 sims instead buying O2 from $tealership, which cost me more than $110 persensor.

 

SoulEater, thank you for the reply. I guess I'll just change the front precat with one from Eastern.

I keep seeing people talk about o2 similators. Am I understanding it right, that the reason to get those is not to get the Check Engine Light and to fool the state inspection? I guess it's the most cost effective way to "solve" the problem? especially if you don't buy into the whole global warming deal? Anyway, not trying to **** anybody off :-)

 

http://forums.maxima.org/5th-generat...0430-code.html

the link about "how to install O2 sims" is broke. but i have saved that file on my comp, so if you are interested how to install O2 sim and explanation about it, PM me with your email addy. I'll send you the file.

 

These codes, P0420 and P0430, are very common on 5th gen's.

 

The O2 sensor behind the cats isn't supposed to move much. Sensor 1, on either bank, is the one that does all the work-adjusting the A/F Alpha. If Sensor 1 is doing it's job, jumping back and forth, Sensor 2 appears pretty flat. Almost stuck.

 

If i was you, i'm gonna tap that O2 sensors with O2 sims. if your car still throw that code, check the vacuum and exhaust. and if it nothing happens, reflash you ECM.

The O2 sims works just to fool the ECU. After you tapped the O2 sensors with O2 sims, it doesn't matter if you hanging the O2 sensors outside of the exhaust.

 

Thank you for your replies. So if my cat converter is in fact broken or just not performing up to specs, does that have any affect on performance of the car? Safety?

Reflashing ECM is via unplugging the battery for a while right? Or is it the update/programming that stealership has to do? I went to them and specifically said "update my ECM" for $95 like they advertised to me earlier. Those jerks scanned the code, said the cat converter is broken, needs to be replaced and P0430 has no update. P0420 has update. Took my $95 and did not update anything.

 

I'll follow your advise and go with o2 sim. Found www.o2simulator.com in other posts, but not sure which one to get. Can you plz recommend. Do I just cut the signal wires of the sensor and put them on the sim?

Thank you.

 

You need to buy dual output O2 sims

 

Unplugging the battery is not reflashing the ecu. that's RESETTING the ecu

 

You have no clue what you are talking about.

 

I've gone into detail regarding pre and post 02's and the fact that both of them are WAYYYY more common culprits of p0420/0430 codes.

 

I had the P0138 and P0139, so I replaced the O2 sensor (post cat, rear, I think), and a day after that I got P0430. Could it be due to sensor I installed not working right?

Can one tell if cat is bad just by looking at it? Is there a way to look inside without too much work? The reason I ask, is I took the car to Nissan, and they said, P0430 is a bad cat, and they physically looked at the cat and confirmed it was broken. That's their exact words. Wanted $1300 to replace.

 

yup, they were right. you can simply by looking it it if the cat is bad. $1300 for the cat just get used one

 

not $1300 unless you go to the dealer. search "eastern catilitic maxima" on google or ebay. you'll find the exact replacement part. and then do it yourself.

 

Has anyone actually used the Eastern cat? I spoke to my buddies mechanic and he said that aftermarket cats won't work, will still throw codes.

 

Is the front pre-cat an O2 sensor? In my 2000 w/130k i have that bad smell when pushing hard. I have a Y-pipe and original cat converter. SES w/430 code. Using the sensor location map I need to change Bank2 Front sensor 1? Or is my cat converter gone? Please help, I need to pass inspection!

 

I've just decided to go with the 02 sim. For $40 it seems better to spends hundreds guessing.

 

When you guys say replace the cat.which one ? I Know theres a pre cat on my cal spec thats connected to the front header. but what cat would we be talking about here since i got the P0430 code. people at autozone looked at and give me this code ...on this papaer i got here its says "Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 2)" also says something about "Low-Bank 2" Please someone give me some help

Thank you

 

p0430 is the rear precat....the one closest to the radiator....literally

 

This code sucks.. Just an update, I replaced both O2's and had a mechanic do a extensive diagnostic after replacing the O2's. The check engine light came on 15 miles later! Long story short, I have a pre cat on the way and will install it this week and update.

 

So I got the bank 2 Pre cat replaced on thursday, drove 60 miles with no light coming on! yea! Went to emissions today and passed with flying colors.. Such a relief, too bad it cost like 500 bucks after replacing the o2's and cat

 

its saying bank 2 so it isnt the main cat...its the precat on bank 2...so its sensor after that...or a bad precat