Just had an SES light. Local parts store read the code and says "cat is bad".
Any suggestions on further tests or does this sound likely. Are cat elims a good alternative?Thanks,Randy
:seeya

 

That's the trouble code for the passenger side cat. The PCM isn't seeing enough activity from the rear sensor to assure the passenger side cat is working. Did you have some work done on your Vette recently that might have been the cause damage to the wiring harness or an exhaust leak?

Couple of key points from the FSM:

For code 430 to correctly resolve the passenger side cat as defective, it must be the ONLY code set. If other DTCs are set, they must be resolved first before code 430 is considered to be valid. (page 6-494 under "Conditions for Setting the DTC" and page 6-495 under step 2 of the Action table). In other words, be sure this was the only code set, otherwise it is unlikely to be the passenger side cat.

If 430 is the only code set, the 96 FSM then says to "Inspect exhaust system for leaks, damage, or loose or missing hardware (area from converter to the rear O2 sensors primarly)" (page 6-495, step 3 of the Action table). This means even if 430 is the only code set, it could be set with a good cat if there are exhaust leaks or the wiring harness is damaged.

If your cats has any big dents, holes, severe discoloration from excessive temperature, holes etc, or if there is a rattle, it's most likely the cat.

Finally, before I dropped big money on a new cat, I'd swap the rear O2 sensors from side to side and make sure it's not a bad O2 sensor. They are have been know to die sudden deaths and they're much cheaper than a new cat.

Eric

 

I have the same code. does not affect performance. I have 115,00 miles on my car. I think I will replace the cat as it has high milage. I have 2 new bosch o2 sensors waiting for the install, but you have to pull the cat ot remove and replace then. The sensors are $50.00 each at autozone.

If you do something else, let me know.

I have heard that you can put a resister across the wires and fool the system, but have not heard the specifics.

Ron

 

I had this code due before too... It came on after having my vehicle serviced at the dealership... They replaced the cat and I had the same code reappear... It turned out that they broke the rear O2 sensor harness plug... I had a spare O2 sensor and replaced it myself and the code hasn't reappeared in the last year...

Check the connectors to make sure that it's not something else... I'd hate to pay out $600 for a new OEM cat and find out there was nothing wrong with it...

 

Thanks,
Looks like I have some alternatives to check out. Appreciate the input.
:seeya