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Catalytic converter code

Tiny
RICHCOX
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 CHEVROLET 1500
  • 5.7L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,000 MILES
Just did a tune up on my truck. Now the check engine light is on but is running fine. Code reader is showing a catalytic converter issue. Of course they’re trying to tell me to buy new catalytic converter but I plan on changing the O2 sensors first to see if that can be the cheaper/easier fix. Where is bank 2 sensor 2 located? Also, any other tricks I should try before having to dump all that money into the truck? I have no other issues other than the code. No smell of rotten eggs or the tingling or rattling sound.
Thanks in advance.
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Wednesday, April 22nd, 2020 AT 10:49 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

Do you know what code it is? Is it a P0420? If so, that indicates the catalytic converter is below threshold. Honestly, in most cases it does need replaced. However, let me know if that is the code.

I attached a pic below which shows the location of all o2 sensors. Number 1 in the picture is bank 2 sensor 2.

Let me know if this helps.

Joe
Image (Click to make bigger)
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Wednesday, April 22nd, 2020 AT 10:56 AM
Tiny
RICHCOX
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Yes that was the code. So I purchased “Cataclean” which is a fuel additive but haven’t used it yet. I just bought this truck and it’s in great condition. Just seems odd that the code just went off once I did the tune up. So I was hoping it may be something else. Thank you for the image.
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Wednesday, April 22nd, 2020 AT 11:02 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
You are very welcome for the image. I do have a question. You said you just got the truck and tuned it up. How long have you had it? Maybe someone cleared the codes to see the truck and it took until now to reset.

Just a thought.

Joe
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Wednesday, April 22nd, 2020 AT 11:10 AM
Tiny
RICHCOX
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Joe, only two weeks and bought it from my uncle. In terms of the tune up I did all new plugs, wires, distributor cap and rotor. This was only my second time doing a tune up so I was worried I may have messed something up. But I figured it out. But once this code popped. I figured it may be from the work I did. I read that a misfire could lead to this code as well. (It is the internet so it could be wrong) I drove this truck for awhile prior to buying it and there hadn’t been a code until the tune up. Just confused and seeking help. So thanks a ton for any input.
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Wednesday, April 22nd, 2020 AT 11:13 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

Honestly, if you got it from a family member, then it's just a fluke it happened now. As far a misfire is concerned, that is one of the most common reasons a catalytic converter gets damaged. What happens is often times raw fuel is introduced into the exhaust/converter due to it not burning in the cylinder. As a result, the temperature in the converter increases and it will basically melt down.

If there wasn't a misfire prior and not one now, that is not a likely cause.

Joe
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Wednesday, April 22nd, 2020 AT 4:09 PM

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