How To Test A Catalytic Converter

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Күн бұрын

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How To Diagnose A Bad Catalytic Converter P0420 Or P0430 In this video I will show you how to test a catalytic converter with a Temperature Gun Infrared Thermometer or a scan tool with live data.
Due to factors beyond the control of jimthecarguy, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information,. jimthecarguy assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. jimthecarguy recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, chemicals, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of jimthecarguy, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not jimthecarguy.

Пікірлер: 274

@jeffr59 6 жыл бұрын

You have excellent teaching skills and knowledge jimthecarguy! I went to college 4 years and didn't have a phd instructor with half your teaching ability! This info is exactly what I needed after having a fuel injector stick open on my 05 F150 Triton 5.4. It hydro-locked on gasoline and bent a piston rod (107,000 miles). Check engine light flashed rapidly just as you said - I was 1 minute from home. Started engine an hour later ...white smoke billowed out tail pipe and strong gasoline odor. Fixed injector - all fine except loud knock started after starter came to halt. #4 piston rod bent. Will test cat after new engine arrives this week. Attention Triton 3-valve owners - 05 models manufactured 1/1 - 12/31 have injectors prone to this failure. Replace yours today! Ford extended warranty on these engines to 10 years or 120,000 and warned dealers of catastrophic engine failure such as mine. Mine isn't covered due to time expiration, not mileage.

@michaelbrady6646 7 жыл бұрын

This guy has the best videos. Experience ,steady cam and good audio. No BS shtick ! Spot on.

@jimthecarguy 7 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching and your input.

@Rooker11111 7 жыл бұрын

Scotty Kilmer's videos.

@Okie-Tom 4 жыл бұрын

Michael Brady , yep, Jim I straight to the point, and shows the best way to repair it. I have learned a lot from watching Jim's videos.

@wyattoneable 8 жыл бұрын

That was a great visual using the heat gun. I just bought a used Vantage and can't wait to start learning how to use it.

@mikeroads4807 7 жыл бұрын

Excellent tutorial on checking and verifying a catalytic converter problem. Thanks Jim!

@normandfogarty3505 Жыл бұрын

Thanks Jim, I am dealing with this same issue on 2007 f150. 5.4l. Your video will make all the difference. 👍👍

@MistrMyke 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks for an easily understandable video. I enjoy Scannerdanner's videos too, but you succinctly summarized the diagnosis of a bad cat for the shade tree mechanic.

@jimthecarguy 7 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching

@Cappilot1 5 жыл бұрын

Great Video and Thx. Quick question. For a 2009 Mustang would u recommend using the OEM Ford Y pipe/converter for replacement or would an after market ypipe be ok? Had a rattle in one converter but its stopped. I've had 2 shops recommend the Ford OEM. Thx

@NilsMichaelStridh 6 жыл бұрын

Nice vid...helpful to see the diagnostics. My 2000 GMC Safari cat is fried!! That will kill a weekend fixing that beast. Thanks Jim!

@aznnp77 7 жыл бұрын

Mine secondary O2 sensor moves reading moves around for like 2 seconds when I switch it to that reading, but levels out at like 0.075 shortly after and doesn't move that much. Does that mean it's still good?

@elijahlundberg7934 11 ай бұрын

Thank you Jim. Great video! I have one question. Could the Oxygen Sensor just be bad & before changing the Catalytic Converter, just change the Oxygen Sensor, be a possiblity also?

@steveg5576 8 жыл бұрын

Great video Jim. I didn't know any of that stuff. I have a Raytek, scan tool that works through my phone and a 1999 Ford E250 with 191k....need I say more...

@franklikespolitics 6 жыл бұрын

would the voltage swing the same way for a lambda or A/F sensor on bank 1

@dontripp318 5 жыл бұрын

but what would the inlet/outlet temps look like for a plugged cat. converter?

@crazyharis 4 жыл бұрын

Best video testing the sensors and cat. Thanks verry much !

@PrFrmBklyn 4 жыл бұрын

Love the vid. I'm thinking my cat is starting to go myself. No codes whatsoever on the car. But I noticed some "popping/dinging" noises while driving today, and once I parked, I smelled a decent amount of sulfur. Going to give this a whirl on my troubleshoot journey before just assuming and making an expensive guess purchase.

@crank3646 8 жыл бұрын

It's shame that the infrared thermometer not functioning right when you need it . Great tips and video as usual !

@hammerhead6537 5 жыл бұрын

Great video Jim. I subscribed to your channel about a year ago, very very educational. Thanks.

@MrBigmaxxx48 4 жыл бұрын

great job Jim.

@TheHouseofSniffers 3 жыл бұрын

I had a p0420, used thermometer and showed the Cat is good (100° hotter downstream). The upstream voltages swings between 100mv to 900mv but the downstream shows 700mv - 800mv on idle, erratic on 50 mph. No leaks after exhaust manifold. Normal power. Fuel Trims okay. Could it be Rear O2 sensor?

@gustavoherrera5719 5 жыл бұрын

Po 420 means catalytic or can be o2 sensor my car was running with misfire I replace coils spark plugs pvc valve after that runs better but po 420 apear do you think cat is bad i removed cat and look normal no damages from one side because can’t see the oposite side any help is going to apreciate

@alitehrani3415 3 жыл бұрын

Was great video thanks When rear oxygen sensor mimic the front one you say catalytic converter is not doing his job which is right But by looking at pids how we know if it is completely blocked and collaps?

@BillWendt-vv1og Жыл бұрын

Very good demo thorough! 16:38

@paulrobinson5492 5 жыл бұрын

Great video, Jim. I have worked on cars, but I wish I'd had your guidance and expertise. Thanks for doing this. Paul

@diydantex6150 7 ай бұрын

Thanks. I have a toyota that had bad coils and plugs. The cat is not showing a code now but the monitors are incomplete. The scan tool says the cat is hotter upstream but it may be reading the difference between the wide band A/F sensor and the o2 sensor. Ill check with the IR thermometer.

@williamoneal2763 2 жыл бұрын

Jim, could the up stream oxygen sensor be disconnected and removed, and if engine performance has returned, would that now confirm I have a stopped up cat? I have checked and confirm all else in system...everything ignition related, mass flow sensor, egr valve, throttle body, tps sensor, clean air filter...everything under hood. Good fuel pressure confirmed. Presently engine will not run over 10 to 25 miles per hour. Removed egr valve and engine now performs somewhat normal. Reinstalled Egr valve. I think if I remove upstream oxygen sensor engine will perform normal. Engine does use a little oil. This may be my problem causing stopped up cat. Your opinion on removing oxygen sensor and doing engine test drive. Your opinion on this test drive procedure. Engine is chocking up on acceleration. Your thoughts please. Thanks..Jim.

@kenmarriott5772 6 жыл бұрын

Great video. Doesn't pay to replace 1 coil. Have 2001 Towncar with low efficiency on bank 1 & 2 but passed manual e-check. Will try temperature check. Thanks for explaining which is bank 1 & 2. Very educational video.

@jimthecarguy 6 жыл бұрын

I'm happy to help.Thank you for watching

@icemonk12 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you Jim👍🔧🔩 your videos are always very informative.

@jimthecarguy 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching. Are you in the business Lone Star Auto?

@wojciechregucki8439 3 жыл бұрын

Great video Jim... My new O2 B2S2 reading is in range 0.015-0.035V does it mean the cat is bad?

@Krillekris 8 жыл бұрын

Awesome video. I learned alot from your video about this topic

@jonleone777 2 жыл бұрын

What should the temperatures be going in and going out of the converter.

@ManicMechanic007 8 жыл бұрын

Nice job Jim.

@bestclipevermisaq5598 2 жыл бұрын

So if catalytic work properly pre catalytic converters should be lower temp that post converter? Is this good assumption if both temp reading are same or pre cat hoter than post cat then consider replacing the catalytic? Please advice

@wafel19781 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent video... Thanks a bunch

@stacybarnes1789 4 жыл бұрын

I have 96 Toyota Camry LE 4 cylinder with the P0420 code. I had previously did tune up in July changed coil packs and spark plugs and had to replace the distributer cap and rotor. The vehicle will start but will run maybe 2 -3 minutes tops then shut off and will start back up for awhile . Could I have more than just my catalytic converter as an issue?

@Hibachipower 2 жыл бұрын

do you have experience with honda and acura vehicle do you know why honda and acura cars dont support o2 sensor 1 .... but it do support 02 sensor2 evertime when i use the scan tool ???

@ninjasalsa3152 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks very informative

@rubengonzalez9341 2 жыл бұрын

I noticed you had the RPMs raised up in the second test I saw the differential in the background so does that mean you were wrong with the Inlet and the outlet temperatures

@Gears.and.Gadgets 8 жыл бұрын

good video Jim.

@edwinjewell5359 2 жыл бұрын

Nice job Jimmy Thanks for Video

@SWFLJetSkiRiders 4 жыл бұрын

My down stream sensor is steady numbers and upstream sensors are moving kind slow I was told. Car is bogging down. Took sensors out drove around car drive fine, so, what’s bad , o2 or cat ?

@derekchildress5 5 жыл бұрын

Hallelujah! Good job! Thanks!

@jimthecarguy 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching.I'm happy to help. Don't forget to hit the bell for notifications when a new video is posted

@mechanicforlife9468 3 жыл бұрын

Great Video! Thanks fir sharing,

@Zeberka767 3 жыл бұрын

I'm trying to diagnose my catalytic converter, even though I don't have a check engine light on. The live data on my scan tool indicates that the voltage for my upstream 02 sensors fluctuate just as they are supposed to. However, my downstream O2 sensor (the one by the catalytic converter) remains flat at zero (0.0), so what does that mean in regards to the catalytic converter?

@joelmccoin9727 8 жыл бұрын

Hi Jim, Great video, very informative. Would like your advice, I am looking for a scan tool, can't afford a snap on, what more affordable brand would you suggest? Thanks

@jaimemarun2841 4 жыл бұрын

I have a Mercedes Class C 2011 W204, the O2 sensor upstream is showing 2.0 (1.6 - 2.4) Volts and the O2 sensor is showing 0.41 (0.1 -0.6). The temp upstream is bigger than the temp downstream... Is there a probleme with the upstream sensor?

@chuckgoldman3979 2 жыл бұрын

On the left Cat that's not exactly efficient...what should the temp range be approximately? Thx

@philtebble4390 3 жыл бұрын

Great video Jim helped me diagnose my bad cats 👍

@jimthecarguy 3 жыл бұрын

Glad to help

@kdanmoutube 5 жыл бұрын

Great video covered subject well, I have a 2005 Hyundai with a front convertor at the manifold and a second convertor about half way back will the o2 sensors show if the back convertor is bad, I only see two sensors one at the top of the exhaust manifold and one behind the manifold, there are no sensors at the back of the second convertor Thnaks

@jimthecarguy 5 жыл бұрын

I'm happy to help. Thank you for watching

@gabinotrujillo8405 7 жыл бұрын

nice video sir , tank you for sharing the information...🐒

@Tillerman4 10 ай бұрын

Very informative and needed Intel...thanks for your content....

@jimthecarguy 10 ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@samermelegy9824 6 жыл бұрын

thanks for you , it is very useful video

@HungNguyen-tk6vb 4 жыл бұрын

Great video I'm getting po420 and po420 does that mean I have to replace front and back sensor

@jimthecarguy 4 жыл бұрын

You will need to check the inlet and the output temperature to be sure the cat is bad.

@lorenzoalmanza4765 4 жыл бұрын

Tanks for the information.

@jimthecarguy 4 жыл бұрын

Any timeThanks for watching.

@desiefiautoelectrician7150 4 жыл бұрын

I watch all your videos and learn a lot. May Allah grant you long life

@jimthecarguy 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching.

@davidgoliath982 8 жыл бұрын

what did u do to verify that it needed all the coils? not accusing u of being a parts changer. just wondering if it was more than just experience? enjoy your videos

@NURsMec 2 ай бұрын

Hi i just have a question. Is the inlet temperature should be higher than outlet catalytic? Or the post cat is should be higher? And what is the normal temperature for good cat?

@jimbuford4147 8 жыл бұрын

Jim, I drove a 91 Mazda pu for years with the check engine light on and sold it and that person drove for years with light on and never any other problem. In fact, I called the dealer and he said don't worry about it. In other words, is it always critical that the check engine light be addressed?

@jacobgomez2682 2 жыл бұрын

Yes fix the issue, just because you dont feel a difference doesnt mean you dont have a bad injector or cat and slowly destroying the engine slowly

@bryanhunter1927 8 ай бұрын

Excellent video

@dendro1717 7 жыл бұрын

Great video boss!

@jimthecarguy 7 жыл бұрын

Thank you for stopping by the shop.

@JustinMentionedIt 2 жыл бұрын

Can you check a catalytic converters with a OBD2 code reader on a vehicle that doesn’t run? Car won’t start with code P0430 but can’t check the CC bc it won’t run

@chriscanty8214 7 жыл бұрын

thank you

@bobvansand6346 8 жыл бұрын

Thx great help

@smazz1234 2 жыл бұрын

Jimmy when you checked the o2 sensor in bank one sensor 2 it was not fluctuating the proper way. It was the cat that was the problem. If it was a o2 sensor problem what would the scanner be showing? Did say it’s the sensor and not the cat.

@vencentbauer 7 жыл бұрын

u will like the modus ultra with the graphing abilities

@zackjalamani 5 жыл бұрын

I have same problem, I wish I can use your help in your shop. Which city you are in?!

@Samestori214 Жыл бұрын

I have a 05 BMW x3 Both bank 1 and 2 sensor 2 are reading 92 and not moving. Could this mean that they are bad? I do have p0420 and P0430 codes. Could it just be the 02 sensors?

@ariantaria2065 6 жыл бұрын

Hi,Jim great video .Is it a good Idea to clean Catalytic Converter with oven cleaner?

@jacobgomez2682 2 жыл бұрын

No, use a bg fuel induction on the vehicle

@eddiemartinez265 8 жыл бұрын

Good work jimmy did the old cat melt of did you get alot of rock's and chunk's out of the old cat.

@Zeberka767 3 жыл бұрын

My oxygen sensor is not in the catalytic converter, but right behind it. Can I still use a scan tool to diagnose the catalytic converter?

@3dombee524 6 жыл бұрын

great video!

@michaelmacdonald7886 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks, your video waste a big help to me ☺

@jimthecarguy 7 жыл бұрын

I'm happy to help welcome to the shop.

@sheerwillsurvival2064 2 жыл бұрын

Great video Jim 👊🏻on a side note what the hell has happened to NAPA quality parts I’ve noticed a big difference last few years 🤷🏼

@markgil9249 5 жыл бұрын

The temp test is a start but its not the correct way, because the computer is set to go off by the smallest inefficiency. So the last car i worked on had a 100° drop from like 412 to 309 but was still setting the code p0429. So I changed the cat and light never came on again.

@christinasatterfield6711 Жыл бұрын

I have a 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 5.3l when I pull up the part for the converters it's showing a pipe with 3 parts on it and oxygen sensor for each how do I know which one is the bad one? I'm a widow and trying to figure out the cheapest way to fix this it's my only vehicle. Plus my truck has 167,000 miles is it normal for the converters to stop up that quickly? Please help!

@MMorsiiiii 6 ай бұрын

good job thanks👌

@andriivladyka7126 4 жыл бұрын

Very professional diagnostic and extremely helpful video. Thank you so much. I have similar symptoms on my Mitsubishi outlander 03. My downstream o2 sensor is reading about 0.7-0.8V after about one minute of accelerating to 2K RPM right after I release the gas pedal. Then after about 3-5 minute that downstream o2 sensor starts jumping and reading 0.3-0.5V like the upstream sensor. The temperature on the front and on the back of the catalytic are pretty much the same. Could you please advise me if my catalytic converter needs to be replaced? Thank you very much.

@jimthecarguy 4 жыл бұрын

If the inlet and outlet are the same temperature and there is no exhaust leaks than it sounds like the converter is bad. Thanks for watching.

@andriivladyka7126 4 жыл бұрын

@@jimthecarguy Thank you very much for your reply and for your time. Have a good one.

@andriivladyka7126 4 жыл бұрын

@@jimthecarguy I'm still wondering about the catalytic converter in my Mitsubishi outlander 03 and have one more question. If I'm randomly getting an obd code which says 'catalytic converter over threshold' is it possible that the problem is with the downstream o2 sensor? This sensor periodically reads up to 0.7-0.8V like I mentioned in my previous message but sometimes the reading from that sensor jumps all the way down to 0.1V. Would you advise me to change that sensor first before I replace the catalytic converter or in your opinion is it definitely the catalytic converter that's bad? Thank you in advance. And have a good one.

@borkganza9627 2 жыл бұрын

@@andriivladyka7126 hi, I would say the 02 sensor is ok. However the cat is probably bad. Have you tried cleaning both sensors and cats? Or have you already repaired your car?

@georgep1665 13 күн бұрын

I got a po136 06 Chevy trailblazer I know it suggests is a downstream O2 sensor but live data says the O2 sensor is working fine comes on after about a hundred miles got to realize this vehicle's got 205,000 me and I live in Chicago. Rust belt I do live data it shows CO2 sensors working fine. I really believe it could be the catalytic converter because if you press the gas there's hesitation that it normally wouldn't have. What's your thoughts

@TheDisgruntledMechanic 8 жыл бұрын

which did you grab? the coffee or the beer? Good vid and info Jim! thanks!

@magicman28790 7 жыл бұрын

Great Video.. Thanks man

@jimthecarguy 7 жыл бұрын

Thank you for stopping by the shop

@newyota1 7 жыл бұрын

How do you find a random misfire code p0300?Replace all tune up items.Think we ruined the catGot the 421 code now..Could smell fuel burning then light came on.Car idles fine and then all of the sudden it will run bad.

@anthonynoneya5899 7 жыл бұрын

newyota1 check your ignition control module that's what mine was on a 99 buick can be tested at auto zone

@SWFLJetSkiRiders 4 жыл бұрын

How do we know if the back o2 isn’t bad ?

@CraftMMORPGs 5 жыл бұрын

Hello im only getting the p0420 code on my nissan altima, i did the cat-cleaner solution drive 132 miles passed smog check but i when i hit 152 miles it turned the engine light again. Cat converter needs to go?

@jimthecarguy 5 жыл бұрын

Yes those cleaner just don't work. The cat needs to be replaced if there is no other problems. Thanks for watching. Don't forget to subscribe.

@andriivladyka7126 4 жыл бұрын

I'm still wondering about the catalytic converter in my Mitsubishi outlander 03 and have one more question. If I'm randomly getting an obd code which says 'catalytic converter over threshold' is it possible that the problem is with the downstream o2 sensor? This sensor periodically reads up to 0.7-0.8V like I mentioned in my previous message but sometimes the reading from that sensor jumps all the way down to 0.1V. Would you advise me to change that sensor first before I replace the catalytic converter or in your opinion is it definitely the catalytic converter that's bad? Thank you in advance. And have a good one.

@jimthecarguy 4 жыл бұрын

Can you borrow the laser thermometer from on of the big box store and check the converter as I did in the video?

@andriivladyka7126 4 жыл бұрын

@@jimthecarguyThank you for your reply. In about ten minutes after I started the vehicle I check temperature by the laser thermometer and the temperature is almost the same on the front and on the back of catalytic converter.

@blackbeard6663 7 жыл бұрын

I have two Cadillac converter on my car. the left side says 380 at the top pop the bottom pipes says 276 the right side says 147 at the top the bottom pipe says 116. so I take it that means the left side is bad.

@poolbob8776 5 жыл бұрын

Did you also replace o2 sensors or use old ones?

@hellosunshine1090 5 жыл бұрын

Bob my rear 2 cats (V6 Mercedes e320) were partially/mostly blocked. Temps read 100deg higher in F, than Rear. Oops that's reverse what it should be ! Proper is +40-100 hotter in rear of cat, btw. Cut them out & straight piped now runs like scalded cat (!) plus 3mpg increase. Front Cats are still there. I added Flowmaster 40 series muffler in back. Best sounding car I've ever driven.

@todaysupdate6824 3 жыл бұрын

Hi, my check engine light on today . It say catalytic converter defect . But I have change it one month ago . Anyway I erase the code and check engine light gone . So my question is will it come back again. If so how long it will take to come back. Thanks Golf 5 ( 2008 ) 1.4 patrol engine I drove with bad kat about a week but no engine light on and after I drove another week without Kat no engine light on . When I change my both Kat and drove 500km not engine light. Then I put fuel injector cleaner and drove another 150 km . And after engine light on and it says on my obd2 Kat defect

@wtbm123 8 жыл бұрын

Good video

@Dennis-sb7gp 8 ай бұрын

Thanks

@freddiejonesy6168 2 жыл бұрын

Great video!

@jimthecarguy 2 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

@baddriversofnorthtexas6850 7 жыл бұрын

So whats the best way to test on an OBD1 with 1 O2?

@jimthecarguy 7 жыл бұрын

The best way to check then is with the thermometer inlet and out let temp

@oqhr 6 ай бұрын

My O2 sensors in both banks are reading arounf 750 mV continuously (at idle and at 3000 RPM as well) Also, the LTFT in both banks are almost zero, but at steady 3000 RPM, the LTFT go to -10 in both banks What does this mean?

@vincentcanezal 3 жыл бұрын

This is the easiest video to follow. The other videos had me questioning if i really understand it or not. Lol

@jimthecarguy 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@jarekdesign1 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much !

@jimthecarguy 3 жыл бұрын

You're welcome!

@skh4113 3 жыл бұрын

Great!! Have two questions, first what does the second o2 sensor do? Second, why does the temperature changes always and how much should the difference between the outlet and inlet temperatures be?

@mandeepsinghkhosa5379 2 жыл бұрын

Second O2 sensor reads gasses coming out of the catalytic converter and lets the computer know that the exhaust gasses are withing specs. The difference between the two temps should be around 100 degrees. the engine side being cooler one. Reason for that is, a working Cat supposed to burn off hydro carbons which tend to make the exiting side hotter.

@frankmontez6853 4 жыл бұрын

Car sometimes after starting stays low RPM even if you floor gas pedal . I then turn off for about a minute then restart it and usually does the trick works normally . Usually works after doing it once . Lately , sometimes a few tries . About a week ago for the first time ever turn off died several times at home and very nearby ( a few blocks ) . Someone said it's probably a bad CC . Now I'm here trying to figure what to do . I'm hesistant taking to a shop because some mechs don't know what they're doing . Already paid for a throttle body with sensor replacement and that didn't fix it . And when they've tried to scan it it doesn't show any readings . And I've checked fuses