I've replaced both the front and rear O2 sensors, given the car a tune up which seemed to fix the problem for a couple weeks but now its got no acceleration and the error code is back. I've read somewhere on the web that the Catalytic converter is covered under an extended warranty up to 120000 miles but I can't seem to find any concrete info on that. Any help you can offer would be appreciated.
The fault code P0420 is caused by the catalytic converter falling below minimum efficiency level as measured by the catalytic converter monitor sensor (similar to an O2 sensor, but different function). The cat is not covered for 120,000 miles. Here is the correct information on the warranty of the catalytic converter.
The Federal Emission Warranty covers that part for a period of 8 years or 80,000 miles, whichever occurs first. So you are out by years in service and by miles.
SOURCE: service engine soon light keeps coming on. Now low coolant light
I would start by doing an oil change myself so you can examine the oil and look for water/antifreeze in it. You will be able to see it separate from the oil and you can smell the antifreeze. If there is then you have a leak between the water jacket and the heads somewhere. More than likely the LOWER intake gasket is leaking into the head. You said they replaced a gasket but was it the UPPER or LOWER? If it was the LOWER did they use RTV in the correct areas? Did they torque the intake bolts to the correct pressure and install the bolts correctly? I know you don't have these answers but these could all be part of the problem. It may be leaking more at #2 cylinder and causing it to foul more than the others. Also just because a mech pressurized the coolant system and didnt see any change in pressure (hopefully he wasn't just looking for visible leaks) the issue may not happen until the engine is hot, as metals behave differently when heated, especially aluminum which the LOWER intake is made. Have a mechanic or mechanically inclined friend (gearhead) remove the #2 plug wire, then kick the engine a few times without starting it, enough to let any fluid get into the chamber, this would include gas btw. Then remove the plug and look for any wet residue on the plug, gas will evap. quickly, antifreeze/oil won't. again try to smell the residue and if necessary, lightly touch some to your tongue, antifreeze has a sugary sweet taste that is easily detectable. Remember any time you are working with chemicals such as waste oil and especially anti freeze, minimize spills and clean them up quickly and completely and place the spent fluid in a sealable container and take them to a collection center for disposal. Waste oil is a carcinagin (cancer causing) agent and antifreeze (glycol) new or old will kill any animal (child, dog, cat,etc) that ingests it. Many auto parts stores and some other retailers that sell oil and antifreeze will take your wastes if you bought the replacement fluid from them, check before you buy.
SOURCE: service engine light comes on , p0420 code
the light can be caused by any one or combination of over 200 trouble codes, go to any kragen or Autozone parts store and ask for a trouble code test, it is free, then record the code(s) they come up with and post them back on fixya
SOURCE: o2 sensor location 1997 pontiac grand am 2.4 4 cyl auto trans
BANK 1 SENSOR 1 IS THE ONE IN THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. BANK 2 SENSOR 2 IS BELOW THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER.
P0171 SHOULD GO AWAY WITH A GOOD O2 SENSOR BUT DO CHECK FOR VACUUM LEAKS TO BE SURE. 3.1/3.4L ENGINES HAVE A BAD DESIGN INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET, THE LEAK OIL, COOLANT, AND AIR.
SOURCE: 2005 pontiac Grand Prix, check engine light on, Catalytic convert
Tuneup time is around 90,000 to 100,000 miles.If it were to ignition coil you would feel the misfire. Plugs, wires, airfilter and fuel filter should be changed before cat is. Plugs will tell the story.
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