Catylitic Converter Failure at 70k miles?

[mwetter]

I have a 2002 Carrera Coupe with the CEL on. I checked it with the Durametric and am told it is the left catalytic converter effeciency. I assume the only way the system can determine this is by comparing the 02 sensors before and after the cat. Is that correct. Since I don't *want* to believe the cat could be bad at only 70k miles, should I try new O2 sensors first? Any other ideas?

Thanks.

[Loren]

Can you tell the fault code(s)?

[mwetter]

Loren,

Here you go...

Fault Number:P0430

Description:Porsche fault code 45 - Cat. conv. efficiency bank 2

Thanks for your assistance as always.

Mike

[htny]

I just had mine both let go at 47K miles on an 02 C2, covered under federal emissions warranty.

I did however have some misfiring which was fixed under warranty by replacing the coil packs earlier in the year, which definitely would have contributed to their early demise.

My rule of thumb with cats is if they are making a lot of noise when warm (rattling/clattering) it's probably the cat, if there's no noise from the cat but you get a 420 or 430 P code it may be prudent to examine the O2 sensors for that bank, you can find the diagram by searching here to tell you which bank is which (I would tell you but I forget offhand)

Before doing anything though, if you have that code showing, look in your owner's manual under emissions warranty. It will detail the federal emissions warranty which covers cat replacement for your specific vehicle (it varies enough year to year and from what I hear state to state that you really need to examine this). Some are 7 years/70K and I've seen 8 years/80K as well. If you're covered, just take it in to the dealer and get your new cats, free.

[Loren]

Loren,

Here you go...

Fault Number:P0430

Description:Porsche fault code 45 - Cat. conv. efficiency bank 2

Thanks for your assistance as always.

Mike

P0430 TWC Conversion, Bank 2 - Above Limit

Possible fault cause

- Oxygen sensor ahead of and after TWC exchanged

- Valve lift fault

- Aged oxygen sensor after TWC

- TWC faulty

Compare the sensor voltages side to side (bank 1 vs. the error'ed bank 2)

You will need a PST2 or PIWIS to test the valve lift.

[mwetter]

Update...

Just wanted to thank those that replied with suggestions. In particular, I wanted to thank "htny" for the idea about the Federal warranty. I took the car to the dealer and they replaced the cat for free after diagnosing the problem to thier satisfaction. I had about 10k miles to go before the warranty would have expired, but only 1 month...close call.

Thanks again all.

Mike

[htny]

Update...

Just wanted to thank those that replied with suggestions. In particular, I wanted to thank "htny" for the idea about the Federal warranty. I took the car to the dealer and they replaced the cat for free after diagnosing the problem to thier satisfaction. I had about 10k miles to go before the warranty would have expired, but only 1 month...close call.

Thanks again all.

Mike

Just in time! Glad that worked out. Did they replace both cats?

[mwetter]

Update...

Just wanted to thank those that replied with suggestions. In particular, I wanted to thank "htny" for the idea about the Federal warranty. I took the car to the dealer and they replaced the cat for free after diagnosing the problem to thier satisfaction. I had about 10k miles to go before the warranty would have expired, but only 1 month...close call.

Thanks again all.

Mike

Just in time! Glad that worked out. Did they replace both cats?

No, they only replaced the failing cat (left bank). Thanks again for the tip.