Vanity: Anyone have any magic bullets for OBDII "Cat not ready"

Me ^ | 01/22/2020 | Me

[libertylover]

I’d be curious to know what you found out. Also, there are some “Check Engine” light problems that the only thing needed is a new OEM gas cap. Even fairly low-end OBD2 testers can test for it, but I forgot the name.

[Yardstick]

LOL (and awww)

[Attention Surplus Disorder]

I am at a point where I have replaced the two sensors on the exh manifolds (aka “upstream”) and the one post-CAT converter. (aka downstream) On one hand, those cleared up my numeric faults, eg; “Pxxxx”. However, I can not know if the aftermarket sensors are possibly bad out of the box. This is something that can happen with parts you buy from an ebay seller. On one hand, they must work because they fixed the numeric codes. On the other hand, they ain’t getting Mr. CAT NOT READY no matter how many drive cycles I do.

Ergo, I have decided to find a smog repair joint where I can pay 1 hour of diagnostic time (that they will no doubt complete in 10-15 mins) with the more comprehensive scanner in the hopes that the more sensitive readings (that have the actual analog voltages) will point to a more succinct problem.

I believe I have to throw limited, judicious money at it at this point, but as the car has only 78K on it, I’m skeptical that it needs a new cat converter. It drives quite noticeably better since I re-sensored but if it can’t pass smog (every other parameter passes fine) it can’t be registered. It may only be worth $3K, much less if it can’t be smogged, but it’s a perfectly comfortable and otherwise all-working car.