Cat Converter 2002 XL-7

billvegashris · 09-30-2009, 02:02 PM

I have a 2002 Suzuki XL-7 I had the front right O2 sensor replaced and the car ran fine for a week. Took it to palm springs and the check engine light came on and did not do anything. Now it is giving a P0430 code..bank 2 catalyst system below threshold. I had a tech look at it and he said the catalytic converter is bad. Problem is that the part is 1400 from the dealer. Called discount catalytic in Texas (great guys) and they said it could be one of the three parts that is clogged. Looked under the car and it is spitting what looks to be water where the right and left come together. I am not sure if it is the rear cat before the tailpipe or if it is the fromn right. Any help would be great. Hate to order and 250 part and have to return it or fidn out it is wrong. Thanks

XL7Limited · 10-01-2009, 07:30 AM

I would be willing to bet the O2 sensor is the issue. Either they put on a generic one and not a direct wired sensor or the wrong one or it is defective. BTW- rock auto has new converters for $416

billvegashris · 10-01-2009, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XL7Limited

I would be willing to bet the O2 sensor is the issue. Either they put on a generic one and not a direct wired sensor or the wrong one or it is defective. BTW- rock auto has new converters for $416

I think it is the bottom cat bc there is what seems to be water coming from the area where it hooks to the other cat and I get a massive hissing sound when I step on the gas.I just trying to see if there is a simple test . to see which one it might be

XL7Limited · 10-02-2009, 09:07 AM

yes It sure does sound like a bad converter..

pitara · 10-15-2009, 10:57 PM

I have the same problem in my 2000 grand vitara, it makes a loud hissing
sound when I step on the gas. I checked under while a friend steped on the gas and I could actually see how the joint where the cat converter meets the manifold separated a bit and felt the air coming out. I also saw a crack on the seal betwen the two but I think the reason of the sound is the cat converter rather than the seal because without the excess pressure air woudn't be able to push the two parts apart.
I would apreciate any help.
Thanks.

Jeff L. · 10-18-2009, 11:02 PM

For what it's worth the only converters that are monitored are the two "precat" ones in the exhaust manifolds. If there is no O2 sensor downstream of the converter in question then it is not monitored.

I've never seen a converter go bad on the 2.5/2.7L engines but I guess it's possible. We've replaced lots of Aerio/SX-4 though.