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For 1990-2009 cars only

DTC Descriptor

DTC P0430: Catalyst System Low Efficiency Bank 2

Diagnostic Fault Information

Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.

Circuit/System Description

A 3-way catalytic (TWC) converter controls emissions of hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO), and oxides of nitrogen (NOx). The catalyst within the converter promotes a chemical reaction which oxidizes the HC and the CO that are present in the exhaust gas. This process converts the HC and the CO into water vapor and carbon dioxide (CO2), and reduces the NOx, converting the NOx into nitrogen. The catalytic converter also stores oxygen. The control module monitors this process by using a heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) that is in the exhaust stream after the TWC. This HO2S 2, also referred to as the catalyst monitor sensor, produces an output signal that the control module uses to calculate the oxygen storage capacity of the catalyst. This indicates the ability of the catalyst to convert the exhaust emissions efficiently. The control module monitors the efficiency of the catalyst by allowing the catalyst to heat, then waits for a stabilization period while the engine is idling. The control module then adds and removes fuel while monitoring the HO2S 2. When the catalyst is functioning properly, the HO2S 2 response to the extra fuel is slow compared to the response of the HO2S 1, which is located before the TWC. When the HO2S 2 response is near that of the HO2S 1, the oxygen storage capability and efficiency of the catalyst may be degraded below an acceptable threshold. If the control module detects the degraded condition, DTC P0430 sets.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • DTCs P0050, P0056, P0059, P0060, P0068, P0101, P0102, P0103, P0107, P0108, P0112, P0113, P0116, P0117, P0118, P0120, P0121, P0122, P0125, P0128, P0151, P0152, P0153, P0154, P0155, P0156, P0157, P0158, P0160, P0161, P0174, P0175, P0201, P0202, P0203, P0204, P0205, P0206, P0220, P0222, P0223, P0300, P0325, P0327, P0332, P0335, P0336, P0340, P0341, P0442, P0443, P0446, P0449, P0455, P0496, P0506, P0507, P1153, P1258, P1516, P2101, P2119, P2120, P2122, P2123, P2125, P2127, P2128, P2135, P2138, P2172, P2176, P2A03, P2A04 are not set.
    • The vehicle must have run for more than 60 minutes followed by a key cycle, new vehicles only.
    • The Engine Run Time parameter is more than 5 minutes.
    • The vehicle has been driven at more than 1,100 RPM, or 1,300 RPM for manual transmission only, for more than 1 minute.
    • The Vehicle Speed Sensor parameter is less than 5.5 km/h (3.4 mph).
    • The Loop Status parameter is Closed.
    • The vehicle transaxle is in Drive range.
    • The engine coolant temperature (ECT) parameter is between 75-123°C (167-253°F).
    • The barometric pressure (BARO) parameter is more than 70 kPa.
    • The calculated TWC temperature (Calc. TWC Temp.) parameter is between 500-840°C (932-1544°F), or 500-850°C (932-1562°F) for manual transmission only.
    • The intake air temperature (IAT) parameter is between -20 and +250°C (-4 and +482°F).
    • The ignition 1 Signal parameter is more than 10.7 volts.
    • The time at idle is not more than 60 seconds. Time at idle is counted as valid when the Vehicle Speed Sensor parameter is less than 5.5 km/h (3.4 mph), and the TP Indicated Angle parameter is 2 percent or less, closed throttle.
    • Fuel Trim Learn parameter is enabled.
    • The Short Term FT parameter is between -10 and +10 percent.
    • The mass air flow (MAF) parameter is between 4-16 g/s, or 4.5-16 g/s for manual transmission only.
    • This diagnostic attempts 1 test during each valid idle period when the above conditions have been met for up to 7 seconds. This diagnostic initiates up to 6 tests during each drive cycle. The first test may run after the initial warm-up period of 5 minutes.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The control module determines that the efficiency of the catalyst has degraded below a calibrated threshold.
    • This diagnostic may conclude in as few as one test attempt. However, this diagnostic may require as many as 18 test attempts which would require at least 3 drive cycles. Each test attempt may conclude in approximately 7 minutes.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The control module illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) when the diagnostic runs and fails.
    • The control module records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The control module stores this information in the Freeze Frame/Failure Records.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • The control module turns OFF the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) after 3 consecutive ignition cycles that the diagnostic runs and does not fail.
    • A current DTC, Last Test Failed, clears when the diagnostic runs and passes.
    • A history DTC clears after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles, if no failures are reported by this or any other emission related diagnostic.
    • Clear the MIL and the DTC with a scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids

    • Inspect for the following conditions which may cause a catalytic converter to degrade:
       - An engine misfire
       - High engine oil or high coolant consumption
       - Retarded spark timing
       - A weak or poor spark
       - A lean fuel mixture
       - A rich fuel mixture
       - A damaged oxygen sensor or wiring harness

Caution: Refer to Road Test Caution in the Preface section.

       Important: A new catalyst may fail this test due to out-gassing of the internal matting. If this occurs, operate the vehicle at highway speeds for approximately one hour and retest.

    • A catalyst may be temporarily degraded if a fuel with sulfur content or contaminated fuel has been used. Drive the vehicle at highway speeds for 10 minutes and retest the converter.
    • If the condition is determined to be intermittent, refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections .

Reference Information

Scan Tool Reference

Scan Tool Data List

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

Circuit/System Verification

Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC.

If the DTC fails this key cycle, proceed with Circuit/System Testing.

Circuit/System Testing

Notice: Refer to Heated Oxygen Sensor Resistance Learn Reset Notice in the Preface section.

Notice: Refer to Three-Way Catalytic Converter Damage Notice in the Preface section.

    Important: A new catalyst may fail this test due to out-gassing of the internal matting. If this occurs, operate the vehicle at highway speeds for approximately one hour and retest.

  1. Inspect the catalytic converter for the following conditions:
  2. • Dents
    • A severe discoloration caused by excessive temperatures
    • Road damage
    • An internal rattle caused by damaged catalyst substrate
    • Restrictions
    If a condition is found, then replace the catalytic converter.
  3. Inspect the exhaust system for the following conditions:
  4. • Leaks
    • Physical damage
    • Loose or missing hardware
    If a condition is found, then replace the exhaust system or components, as necessary.
  5. Inspect the HO2S 2 sensor for proper torque.
  6. If the HO2S 2 sensor does not have proper torque, correctly torque the sensor.
  7. Inspect the HO2S 2 sensor and circuits for the following conditions:
  8. • Grounded or chafing wiring harness
    • Damage
    If a condition is found, then replace the HO2S 2.
    If no physical condition is detected, perform the following:
     - Clear all DTCs.
     - Operate the vehicle under the Conditions for Running the DTC.
         ⇒If DTC P0430 runs and fails, replace the converter.

Repair Instructions

Important: A new catalyst may fail this test due to out-gassing of the internal matting. If this occurs, operate the vehicle at highway speeds for approximately one hour and retest.

    •  Exhaust Manifold Replacement
    •  Catalytic Converter Replacement
    •  Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement - Bank 2 Sensor 2
    •  Exhaust Leakage
    •  Restricted Exhaust

Repair Verification

  1. Clear all DTCs.
  2. Important: DO NOT touch the accelerator while a catalyst test is in progress.

  3. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC.
  4. Verify if DTC P0430 has passed or failed this ignition cycle with the scan tool.
  5. If 6 tests have been attempted and the DTC has not run or passed during this key cycle, turn the ignition to OFF for 30 seconds, then run the test a second time.
  6. A maximum of 6 tests per key cycle will run if each test is a combination of passed, failed, or aborted tests.
  7. After a code clear, this diagnostic may conclude in as few as one test attempt. However, this diagnostic may require as many as 18 test attempts which would require at least 3 drive cycles.