Catalytic converter fault on XC90 2011

toba

XC90 2011 Executive 3.2.

I have engine warning light on dashboard. Computer diagnostics advise faulty catalytic converter. Code is P0430. Catalytic Converter system, bank 2 - efficiency below threshold.

Resetting clears it for a day or 2 before returning. I have taken the car to Volvo specialist who advise car has 2 catalytic converters and is expensive job to replace, engine needs to be lifted. 2nd hand converters fitted would be ~$3.5k and new ~$5k, with no guarantee it would clear the fault. I just wanted other opinions or if anyone else had experienced same fault what action they took.

Car has been a gem until this fault developed.

Thank you.

Philia_Bear

Failure of rear o2 sensors can cause same codes

timbo

Providing the fault code is p0420 cat convertor efficiency low then, I usually just fit spacers to the rear 02 sensors for about $200 , this gets the sensors out of the exhaust stream enough to stop the fault codes. You'll need 90 degree spacers as there's limited room

toba

timbo
Providing the fault code is p0420 cat convertor efficiency low then, I usually just fit spacers to the rear 02 sensors for about $200 , this gets the sensors out of the exhaust stream enough to stop the fault codes. You'll need 90 degree spacers as there's limited room

I should have put code in original post, it is P0430. Catalytic Converter system, bank 2 - efficiency below threshold.

timbo

I fit these to solve those fault codes cheaply

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/354136745229?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=705-154756-20017-0&ssspo=gkmfntt6qne&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=RDozT-dlTGu&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

Ex850R

Give it some good long drives revving it out, hold the gears in manualised mode.

It will stink up even inside with rotten egg smell but my cat is smelly and throws a CEL now and again , 245,000 klm.....

Only one cat on my T6 , why woukd the 3.2 Si6 engine have 2?

nh2868

That's nothing. The V8 has 4 cats, but only 2 are monitored. I replaced the O2 sensor (downstream) which helped for a few months, but last year also installed a spacer on the downstream sensor - the straight spacer was $7 on ebay. Usually you'll find that the catalyst is still working, just not to the performance characteristic which is expected by the ECU, and the spacer makes the sensor seem like it's working properly again.

Ex850R

nh2868
That's nothing. The V8 has 4 cats, but only 2 are monitored. I replaced the O2 sensor (downstream) which helped for a few months, but last year also installed a spacer on the downstream sensor - the straight spacer was $7 on ebay. Usually you'll find that the catalyst is still working, just not to the performance characteristic which is expected by the ECU, and the spacer makes the sensor seem like it's working properly again.

They get blocked as well.

nh2868

I've been battling with a Hyundai Tucson GDI - both cats completely clogged at 100,000km. First cat needed replacing, the rear cat may have ended up with a 3" hole through it...no amount of chemical wizzardry would work. My V8 still has the original cats (and 3 of the oxygen sensors) at 400,000km and all is well.

I suspect that cheap engine oil with too much ash creation plus poor fuel choice has a lot to do with it.

Ex850R

nh2868
I've been battling with a Hyundai Tucson GDI - both cats completely clogged at 100,000km. First cat needed replacing, the rear cat may have ended up with a 3" hole through it...no amount of chemical wizzardry would work. My V8 still has the original cats (and 3 of the oxygen sensors) at 400,000km and all is well.
I suspect that cheap engine oil with too much ash creation plus poor fuel choice has a lot to do with it.

My 290,000 V8 stinks when given the berries, they are rooted. My T6 at 240,000 same.

Gut them.......

Use vDash or P3Tools to delete them.

toba

Ok I got the parts. Any recommendation of a garage in Melbourne that will fit? My service place only wants to do service and brakes.

Ex850R

Good exhaust shop?

Seal Motors.

Voldat.

Berry's way out 6 weeks on booking.

Ex850R

Masons prestige if down Seaford way.

toba

Fitted today at Trufit, Moorabbin.

toba

After two days engine warning light has come back, this time with a different error code:

P2272 - Heated oxygen sensor (H02S) 2, bank 2 - signal stuck lean

nh2868

The adaptors I used are only half as long and straight. It's possible that the sensor is now too far removed from the gas flow ?