could be wrong though
converter failure
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
converter failure
I've had my '08 Z06 back to the dealer 5 times (since 7/31, the day I bought the car), 4 times for a code that says the converter is not functioning right, finally after the fourth code they decided to order a new converter (drivers side) and installed it, not a problem since. Well yesterday, a code shows up and I called OnStar and they informed me that it was a "converter problem" again. Now, back to the dealer yet again to see what this is all about. Anybody else out there having this problem with their Z06? You end up making too many trips back to the dealer for the same thing, that gets a little old. The only upgrade I've done is add a K&N air intake system. But, the Vette guru here in town explained that the upgrade had nothing to do with the code light coming on.
Last edited by ole409guy; Nov 16, 2008 at 04:31 PM. Reason: more info
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,905
Likes: 1
Seems to me, the 02s would've thrown a code long before the cat got damaged by a rich running condition.Even an exhaust manifold leak would more than likely cause the 02 to go bad first.Even if it's the CAI(which is 99.9% unlikely), again, I think the 02 would go bad first. Maybe it's in the computer or a fuse ? I'd suggest , after so many failed attempts to fix with a new converter, trying a different line of thinking on behalf of the shop thats working on it.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 923
Likes: 37
From: Green Bay Wisconsin
Hello,
I would suspect a faulty oxygen sensor, either the one before or after the cat converter. The computer watches both sensors and wants to see a certain oxygen content before and after the cat, if one sensor is misleading (faulty) then the computer thinks that things are not within normal specs. Have the shop replace both sensors and your problem will likely go away.
Douglas in Green Bay
I would suspect a faulty oxygen sensor, either the one before or after the cat converter. The computer watches both sensors and wants to see a certain oxygen content before and after the cat, if one sensor is misleading (faulty) then the computer thinks that things are not within normal specs. Have the shop replace both sensors and your problem will likely go away.
Douglas in Green Bay
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 27,420
Likes: 64
From: San Clemente CA
Hello,
I would suspect a faulty oxygen sensor, either the one before or after the cat converter. The computer watches both sensors and wants to see a certain oxygen content before and after the cat, if one sensor is misleading (faulty) then the computer thinks that things are not within normal specs. Have the shop replace both sensors and your problem will likely go away.
Douglas in Green Bay
I would suspect a faulty oxygen sensor, either the one before or after the cat converter. The computer watches both sensors and wants to see a certain oxygen content before and after the cat, if one sensor is misleading (faulty) then the computer thinks that things are not within normal specs. Have the shop replace both sensors and your problem will likely go away.
Douglas in Green Bay
They usually fail due to running rich and a bad oxygen sensor could cause that. Good luck.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,307
Likes: 110
From: Tucson AZ
An explanation of how the O2/Cat system works
An explanation of how the O2/Cat system works:
Chevy uses a dual oxygen sensor (O2) system on each side to test the Cats. The front O2 sensor inputs AFR changes and the rear should be flat as the Cats completely burn any excess fuel. However, for the Cats to "light off", they must reach a very high temperature. When the second O2 sensor output is not flat, it sets a P0430 or P0330 code meaning the Cats are not working. The car will still run fine, you will just be staring at the check engine light periodically. This is a common code for cars with long tube headers as the long tubes place the Cats further from the engine and take longer to "light off".
The Cats can also clog up from leaded gas or other additives and this will prevent "light off" and set the code also. In this case, the car will usually run rough because of excessive back pressure.
Hope this helps your understanding of the system. You probably have not had two bads Cats, but probably a bad rear O2 sensor or some noise in the wiring.
Chevy uses a dual oxygen sensor (O2) system on each side to test the Cats. The front O2 sensor inputs AFR changes and the rear should be flat as the Cats completely burn any excess fuel. However, for the Cats to "light off", they must reach a very high temperature. When the second O2 sensor output is not flat, it sets a P0430 or P0330 code meaning the Cats are not working. The car will still run fine, you will just be staring at the check engine light periodically. This is a common code for cars with long tube headers as the long tubes place the Cats further from the engine and take longer to "light off".
The Cats can also clog up from leaded gas or other additives and this will prevent "light off" and set the code also. In this case, the car will usually run rough because of excessive back pressure.
Hope this helps your understanding of the system. You probably have not had two bads Cats, but probably a bad rear O2 sensor or some noise in the wiring.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
An explanation of how the O2/Cat system works:
Chevy uses a dual oxygen sensor (O2) system on each side to test the Cats. The front O2 sensor inputs AFR changes and the rear should be flat as the Cats completely burn any excess fuel. However, for the Cats to "light off", they must reach a very high temperature. When the second O2 sensor output is not flat, it sets a P0430 or P0330 code meaning the Cats are not working. The car will still run fine, you will just be staring at the check engine light periodically. This is a common code for cars with long tube headers as the long tubes place the Cats further from the engine and take longer to "light off".
The Cats can also clog up from leaded gas or other additives and this will prevent "light off" and set the code also. In this case, the car will usually run rough because of excessive back pressure.
Hope this helps your understanding of the system. You probably have not had two bads Cats, but probably a bad rear O2 sensor or some noise in the wiring.
Chevy uses a dual oxygen sensor (O2) system on each side to test the Cats. The front O2 sensor inputs AFR changes and the rear should be flat as the Cats completely burn any excess fuel. However, for the Cats to "light off", they must reach a very high temperature. When the second O2 sensor output is not flat, it sets a P0430 or P0330 code meaning the Cats are not working. The car will still run fine, you will just be staring at the check engine light periodically. This is a common code for cars with long tube headers as the long tubes place the Cats further from the engine and take longer to "light off".
The Cats can also clog up from leaded gas or other additives and this will prevent "light off" and set the code also. In this case, the car will usually run rough because of excessive back pressure.
Hope this helps your understanding of the system. You probably have not had two bads Cats, but probably a bad rear O2 sensor or some noise in the wiring.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,296
Likes: 156
From: Location: Location: kAnSaS
I will rub my crystal ball and predict they put in two new o2 sensors this time and that takes care of it.
Sometimes the symptom isnt the problem.,,,,,,,the o2 sensors read before and after them (convertors) and compare. The PCM uses this info to determine the condition of the convertor.
Not to say you dont have a bad one but if you had a somewhat failing 02 sensor it could give you the same codes.
On that low of milage i would have changed out those 2 o2 sensors before the convertor. Seems like the dealer just read the code and didnt do any trouble shooting to me, IMO.
I would bet they change out the o2 sensors next and that takes care of it. good luck,paul
Sometimes the symptom isnt the problem.,,,,,,,the o2 sensors read before and after them (convertors) and compare. The PCM uses this info to determine the condition of the convertor.
Not to say you dont have a bad one but if you had a somewhat failing 02 sensor it could give you the same codes.
On that low of milage i would have changed out those 2 o2 sensors before the convertor. Seems like the dealer just read the code and didnt do any trouble shooting to me, IMO.
I would bet they change out the o2 sensors next and that takes care of it. good luck,paul
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,014
Likes: 2
St. Jude Donor '09-'10
Ever put racing fuel in it? Burns very hot and may burn up the media in the cat.
I've had my '08 Z06 back to the dealer 5 times (since 7/31, the day I bought the car), 4 times for a code that says the converter is not functioning right, finally after the fourth code they decided to order a new converter (drivers side) and installed it, not a problem since. Well yesterday, a code shows up and I called OnStar and they informed me that it was a "converter problem" again. Now, back to the dealer yet again to see what this is all about. Anybody else out there having this problem with their Z06? You end up making too many trips back to the dealer for the same thing, that gets a little old. The only upgrade I've done is add a K&N air intake system. But, the Vette guru here in town explained that the upgrade had nothing to do with the code light coming on.