I got the P0420 error code, found out it wasn't the O2 sensors, and left the error for over a year thinking I couldn't do the job myself (and was too cheap to pay for it). I finally got annoyed enough to try harder and am posting how to help anyone else out there frustrated by the lack of DIY knowledge on the subject (for our vehicle at least). The only other video I saw close to what I needed was an ISF owner who removed the engine: I do this job with a floor jack, jack stands, a creeper, and no engine removal.
O2 Sensors: I tested whether it was O2 sensors by switching them. There are ways to do it with OBD, but I found switching O2 sensors and watching whether the error comes back the same to be the most straight forward.
Cleaning the cat: Before removing the cat, and after the first removal, I tried the classic @scottykilmer methods: running lacquer in the tank and letting it soak in soapy water (in addition to spraying it out with a hose afterwards). I love Scotty's stuff but, for my vehicle, the lacquer didn't work at all, and while the soak and hosing did relieve what seemed like a lot of residue, it only lasted a couple of days: for the frustration of removing and installing this cat, I'd say it's worth coughing up the money the 1st time for a new one, even if you have to get it 2nd hand and Permatex it as I did.
eBay cats: In addition to the 4+ star rated cat I bought having holes and no heat shield tabs, the description stated I would receive both the cat to y-pipe gasket and the engine to manifold gasket. However, the engine to manifold gasket wasn't there. Knowing what I know now, I would probably still suck it up again and buy used to save a couple hundred bucks knowing I had to apply Permatex and use steel cord/a pipe clamp to keep the heat shield in place, but if you want a cat that's just going to work, spend the extra $200 for a product from the dealership.
Further edit: had comment notifications off: sorry to anyone who asked questions in the last 9 months. OEM cats are now about as expensive as the car itself, but the check engine light came back a couple months later, so it's very questionable whether you'd want to get one 2nd hand or not now.
Негізгі бет 2006 Lexus IS350 (Gen 2) w/ P0420: Bank 1 Catalytic Converter Replacement
Пікірлер: 60