P0430 Code

A

Aaron

Registered
Hello,

I got the P0430 Code (Catalyst system efficiency below threshold Bank2)

Has anybody else had this message?

Not exactly sure where to start...
 
RE: P0430 Code

First, here's the explanation straight out of Ford's publications:

CATALYST EFFICIENCY MONITOR
The Federal Test Procedure Catalyst Efficiency Monitor is an on-board strategy designed to monitor and determine when a catalytic converter has deteriorated below the minimum level of effectiveness in its ability to control exhaust emissions. This monitor relies mainly on the front and rear Heated Oxygen Sensors (HO2S) to infer catalyst efficiency based upon oxygen storage capacity. The front and rear HO2S switches are counted under specified conditions for the purpose of calculating a rear-to-front HO2S switch ratio. After the switch ratio is calculated, it is compared against an emission threshold value. If the switch ratio is greater than the emission threshold, the catalyst has failed. The oxygen storage capacity of a high efficiency catalyst will have a low switch ratio and high HC efficiencies. As catalyst efficiency degrades, its ability to store oxygen declines and it will begin to have a higher switch ratio and low HC efficiencies. In general, as catalyst efficiency decreases, the switch ratio increases. Inputs from the ECT, IAT and TP sensors are required to enable the Federal Test Procedure Catalyst Efficiency Monitor.

In the Federal Test Procedure Catalyst Efficiency Monitor test, only switches during steady state cruise conditions of a drive cycle are counted. Switches at idle or other drive modes are not counted. The counting of front and rear HO2S switches continues until a drive cycle is completed. At that time, the ratio of total rear switches to total front HO2S switches is calculated. If the switch ratio is greater than the emission threshold, the catalyst has failed and a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) is stored.
These are: P0420= Bank 1 Catalytic Convertor below minimum efficiency
P0430= Bank 2 Catalytic convertor below minimum efficiency


Aaron, since OBDII came out and PCMs were capable of checking components for inefficiencies, not just complete failures, I have never seen a catalyst monitor code that was not absolutely correct. It never is a primary or secondary O2 failure, or wiring, or PCM.... It TRULY means exactly what it says. Replace the appropriate catalytic convertor.

Remember: on Ford products, Bank 1 is the side with cylinder #1 (Passenger), Bank 2 is the driver's side.
 
RE: P0430 Code

Thanks.

I was looking at some of the High-Flow Cats at jegs.com. They seem pretty cheap. I figure I might as well do the rest of the exhaust while I'm at it. I've been meaning to do it for some time... this seems like as good a reason as any.

Does anyone know if lincoln motorsports still sells the X-pipe thingy... if not, do you guys have anything particular you recommend?

Thanks
 
RE: P0430 Code

Those look cool

Another question... If I get the high flow cats, the XpansionX II mufflers from Lincoln MotorSport, the X-Pipes... will I need anything else like modified O2 sensors etc... and will it still pass smog?

Thanks
 
RE: P0430 Code

Hi, Aaron.

You'll be fine. Most high flow cats listings say "will meet California CARB specs". It's not the flow rate that matters. It's the cats' ability to hold and release oxygen.

Even if you didn't care about passing emission tests and eliminated the cats altogether for "off-road use" (nudge nudge wink wink) just about every high performance part source out there sells inexpensive kits that provide the PCM with false secondary O2 signals to trick it into thinking everything's OK. Like these:www.steeda.com/store/-catalog/MILeliminators.htm

My experience with these has always been rear O2 sensors in empty pipes, but theory says they should work just as well behind inefficient cats to keep the P0420/P0430 blues away temporarily. Understand, with the cat not functioning correctly, you are very likely to fail an emission test.
 
RE: P0430 Code

Yeah, I'm not so much worried about passing smog... there are places that will pass anybody for $80. I always wanted to do a nice exhaust system, and just kept putting it off. Now that a cat is bad, I figure it is as good a time as any to go all the way and make it nice.

I'm curious, I saw pictures in another thread of people's exhaust system... and I only saw one or two with the x-pipe thing. The majority had straight pipes from the cats to the mufflers... is the x-pipe worth the extra money? does it do anything?

And does anybody know a ballpark cost to get new cats, the xpansion mufflers, and possibly x-pipes installed.

Thanks
 
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