I got the epc light coming on a while ago with the "below threshold error", just before inspection of course. Inspected the cat with an endoscopic cam through the lambda hole, looked ok there. Then I cleaned the lambda sensor and reset the epc error ....... it's still off until now. I once used a bottle of wynn's or something similar and the EPC light did disappear for like one or two weeks. And my engine either consumes oil and/or has a small leak after we replaced the oil pump earlier this year ....... still have to go to my buddy and check it out. Also I have to talk him into replacing my clutch, DM-flywheel and rear crankshaft seal ;)
I’ve cleaned loads of these, block one end with a potato, fill with drain / sink unblocker and leave for 3-4 hours, then rinse with a low pressure hose ( not a pressure washer) Let it dry and refit, it will be as good as new.
This isn't true even in the slightest. There are precious metals in a catalyst that deplete as they interact with the exhaust fumes. Specifically palladium. They absolutely need to be replaced.
@@MrGWAMPO how many have you personally cleaned ??, i personally have cleaned over 2000 cats with no issues what so ever, giving it a wash does no damage to the cat or metals…….the inside of the cat gets wet daily due to condensation. It’s not rocket science 👍
Jamie, I've done this also. It doesn't last. Sporadic 0420 still shows up. Best practice is to replace a depleted catalyst. I wish it weren't true, but it is. China ones are ok if you don't have an oil consumption issue but OE is always better
I agree with you about wondering if burning lacquer thinner through the tank would really clear carbon or oil deposits from surfaces in a cat. After going through the combustion chamber, it's essentially exhaust that has burned cleaner than gasoline. One guy did a chemical soak with the cat out, besides the guys doing a soap solution. I would think if whatever solvent used that would break down carbon is introduced directly onto the honeycomb in liquid form, then allowed to soak, some if not all of the gunk would be softened to be blown or rinsed out. I dunno... I haven't tried any of it yet. ....an OEM Subaru Crosstrek cat set (CARB compliant) is over $3 grand. I'd sandblast the effin thing before I just fork out that money. One thing I've read is that a physically broken cat, or one with melted/cracked elements inside simply has to be replaced. Thanks for trying and showing the evidence. Thumbs up.
I have the same code on my 98 A4. Just got a new cat . Question I need to replace My speed sensor clip it was damaged when my axle broke , I tried to clip and but a new connector but dose not work. I want to replace the loom but is that a junk yard find or can I find a new one?
I got a P0421 passenger bank on a 2002 C5 Allroad 220K 6 speed manual CEL recently, it has new turbos about 25K ago as I had the passenger turbo fail so replaced both with new Rotomaster CHRA's no other codes... anyone with ideas. It runs like a scaled cat so I know it's not a plugged cat. $1800.00 for new passenger catalytic convert WTF and they want my right nut. I've fixed everything up till now on this beast, these things are supposed to be for the life of the car, and it's still going. Keep seeing guys talk about Seafoam in the pre cat O2 sensor hole, run that through, and one other cleaner. I tried CATACLEAN ran two tanks 1.5L in 15 gallons each like the bottle says, I will say this car seams to run better after using CATACLEAN, but still get a CEL after 60-70 miles, you think they could have shortened up that drive cycle a little or just told you that your out of spec by at least 5% percent sometime...... !!!!!!
I have low treshold fault. I sometimes have missfires when I step on the gas, (sometimes) otherwise no problem. Do you have any experience with catalist being a cause of missfires ? I have replaced the sparks, gas pressure sensor and checked the fuel pump, before I noticed this code.
Nice video.i got the same code on my tiguan 2.0 tsi .i'v tried liqy moly staff but didn't change anything.the only way to do it is buy a new one i think ,but before i have to check if there is any leaks before the catalyctic converter .air also can cause that i think.
If you don’t have emission testing or maybe even if you do but it’s not strict then you could do a rear 02 sensor extension. I might do that video soon.
I got that code once and it was the sensor wire that was chewed away by some critter before I started to garage it. After a wire splice it did not code any more.
i think my cat is clogged somewhat. I have used cat clean a few times and the engine light does not go away. also, when I accelerate I get some engine shaking going on and I think it is because of the exhaust is clogged. I don't feel like paying 2K for the job. This is all on an engine that was consuming lots of oil until Feb 2022 I had rebuilt engine installed and been running great but now clogged Cat is making engine shake when I accelerate moderately to heavy. (nice work BTW).
If you take seafoam and pour or spray with the red hose directly into the cat after removing the upper O2 then run it. This is supposed to clean it out. Watched several videos on this technique. I myself haven't tried it yet. I'm going to this week. Damm California emissions
My car is hesitating, white smoke out exhaust shaking sputtering. Pcv and spark plugs just done. Fresh oil change it says max not sure if it’s overfilled. Wondering if catalytic, hpfp, injectors, coils? Put alot of money and the thing still is having issues? Any ideas?
@@JCuervo330 put 4 fresh Denso coil packs cost $100 along with ngk spark plugs from everything for $40. Upgraded Diverter valve on the bottom of the turbo for $50 and the cars running much better. Still eventually would have to do timing chain, the car is a lot to maintain. Moved onto something more economical. In this case I believe there was to much oil and the car was blowing white smoke and sputtering. Extracted .5-1L of oil out and could see the gage still at 3/4. Guessing when they did the oil change they used all 5L instead of 4.7L as stated on the oem drain plug. Coils, plugs and Diverter valve are all highly recommended as mileage maintenance.
I tried lacquer thinner and cataclean. I am crazy enough that I am now willing to try drano gel. I would like to know why this is a bad idea. Will drano kill my cat?
citric acid will clean it like new as long as it is not melted or broke apart. The citric acid even takes the rust off of it. rinse it with just a regular hose when done. For no reason should a pressure washer touch the honeycomb.
In EÚ we have companies that can clean this dpf or catalyc converter.. There are profi machine that can refurbish it... Under pressure pouring cleaning agents.. Works pretty well and can regenerate 98% of flow... Can you tell me wheres issue? On mine B8 2.0tdi turbo failed.. So oil everywhere.. New turbo, New converter, New intercooler, oil, filter... After assembly the misfire on cyl. 3 started.. How can it be related to turbo fail? After turbo fail limp mode started but no dtc showed up.. I was looking at oil level and it was fine after I stopped after 10km of ride..
2009 A4 2.0T here, a gallon of lacquer thinner added to 1/4 tank worked for me. I guess it's a hit amd miss with lacquer thinner when it comes to cats. Thanks for your "one hand" vacuum pump video, I needed to change vac pump gasket, it made it easier for me, I didn't have to think, just follow your video.
For people with a p0420 that is always on and has been for several months that have gone thru enough drive cycles for the car computer to register, laquer thinner or better described acetone does not work, or may for a little while make the car run "cleaner" in the eyes of the o2 sensors and the p0420 may go away. But acetone does not "clean" a cat and the p0420 will come back if the cat is not properly cleaned
😂lol:) I have 02 sensors spacer on each of my 2 Audi and R53 Mini , but the ultimate purpose is -- sometimes ( 1 year 300ml-600ml )*I’d poured liqui moly Catalytic cleaner or Just injection cleaner and I have to drive a car on Highway like I stole it-- 1 or 2 each month 😂
@@NaptownTuner clean the one you have the right way and the result is a Fixed cat. Acetone, soap (of any kind), Lyme or drain cleaner (sodium hydroxide) all do not work.
No it won't. Boil it in organic acids like oxalic acid and citric acid or off the shelf product like CLR which is also organic acids based cleaner of lactic acid and gluconic acid
well, I used a chemical for cleaning catalyst converters that we had work, Idk what the stuff is called but that shit worked great. Some highly combustible foam that you either put into the cat itself or if not possible it was a different way to do it according to the manual but I already had my cat out for an engine swap anyway so I filled the whole thing. Worked great in my case. But the brand I used is not sold to consumers, so I'm not sure if there is a similar product from a different brand that consumers can buy.
You admit that oil consumption can cause them to block up, but that running a cleaner through the engine will never have any affect? If the converter is clogged, it's easy to get the engine under heavy load and to run rich and send unburned hydrocarbons through the converter. As long as the inner structures are still intact, a cleaning process has a chance to work. I'll admit that I would have much more faith in a direct cleaning that involved the removal of the cat entirely though.
Yeah I thought the same thing, if he soaked it in a decreased he would have had better results, the fabric softener just made his exhaust fumes smell like potpourri
Use carb intake cleaner directly trough the O2 sensor hole and spray directly on the honey combs. Repeat a few times than let sit 30 minutes and than go for a ride.
I’m not suggesting this is the right thing to do, but a person could buy a good used cat and put it on for emissions, and then run a straight pipe for the rest of the time until the next time they have to do emissions
If it happened again I would add foaming degreaser through the O2 port a few times.
I got the epc light coming on a while ago with the "below threshold error", just before inspection of course.
Inspected the cat with an endoscopic cam through the lambda hole, looked ok there.
Then I cleaned the lambda sensor and reset the epc error ....... it's still off until now.
I once used a bottle of wynn's or something similar and the EPC light did disappear for like one or two weeks.
And my engine either consumes oil and/or has a small leak after we replaced the oil pump earlier this year ....... still have to go to my buddy and check it out.
Also I have to talk him into replacing my clutch, DM-flywheel and rear crankshaft seal ;)
I’ve cleaned loads of these, block one end with a potato, fill with drain / sink unblocker and leave for 3-4 hours, then rinse with a low pressure hose ( not a pressure washer)
Let it dry and refit, it will be as good as new.
This isn't true even in the slightest. There are precious metals in a catalyst that deplete as they interact with the exhaust fumes. Specifically palladium. They absolutely need to be replaced.
@@MrGWAMPO how many have you personally cleaned ??, i personally have cleaned over 2000 cats with no issues what so ever, giving it a wash does no damage to the cat or metals…….the inside of the cat gets wet daily due to condensation. It’s not rocket science 👍
Jamie, I've done this also. It doesn't last. Sporadic 0420 still shows up. Best practice is to replace a depleted catalyst. I wish it weren't true, but it is. China ones are ok if you don't have an oil consumption issue but OE is always better
only one way to clean a clogged cat that will work every time, and it involves a hammer and a long drift.
I agree with you about wondering if burning lacquer thinner through the tank would really clear carbon or oil deposits from surfaces in a cat. After going through the combustion chamber, it's essentially exhaust that has burned cleaner than gasoline. One guy did a chemical soak with the cat out, besides the guys doing a soap solution. I would think if whatever solvent used that would break down carbon is introduced directly onto the honeycomb in liquid form, then allowed to soak, some if not all of the gunk would be softened to be blown or rinsed out. I dunno... I haven't tried any of it yet. ....an OEM Subaru Crosstrek cat set (CARB compliant) is over $3 grand. I'd sandblast the effin thing before I just fork out that money. One thing I've read is that a physically broken cat, or one with melted/cracked elements inside simply has to be replaced. Thanks for trying and showing the evidence. Thumbs up.
This ^ is why I am trying to sort out some issue b4 replacing stock cat w. HFc and might as well go stage 2!
I have the same code on my 98 A4. Just got a new cat . Question I need to replace My speed sensor clip it was damaged when my axle broke , I tried to clip and but a new connector but dose not work. I want to replace the loom but is that a junk yard find or can I find a new one?
Burning oil? How is that related to CAT failure? My wife car does consume quite but oil, admittedly not well kept up with. Honda Odyssey exl 08
I got a P0421 passenger bank on a 2002 C5 Allroad 220K 6 speed manual CEL recently, it has new turbos about 25K ago as I had the passenger turbo fail so replaced both with new Rotomaster CHRA's no other codes... anyone with ideas. It runs like a scaled cat so I know it's not a plugged cat. $1800.00 for new passenger catalytic convert WTF and they want my right nut. I've fixed everything up till now on this beast, these things are supposed to be for the life of the car, and it's still going. Keep seeing guys talk about Seafoam in the pre cat O2 sensor hole, run that through, and one other cleaner. I tried CATACLEAN ran two tanks 1.5L in 15 gallons each like the bottle says, I will say this car seams to run better after using CATACLEAN, but still get a CEL after 60-70 miles, you think they could have shortened up that drive cycle a little or just told you that your out of spec by at least 5% percent sometime...... !!!!!!
Hey can you make a vid of the electrical diagram the Audi a6 please
Mine blew out the flexible hose. The odd thing is no visible damage when I removed it.
I have low treshold fault. I sometimes have missfires when I step on the gas, (sometimes) otherwise no problem. Do you have any experience with catalist being a cause of missfires ?
I have replaced the sparks, gas pressure sensor and checked the fuel pump, before I noticed this code.
Nice video.i got the same code on my tiguan 2.0 tsi .i'v tried liqy moly staff but didn't change anything.the only way to do it is buy a new one i think ,but before i have to check if there is any leaks before the catalyctic converter .air also can cause that i think.
If you don’t have emission testing or maybe even if you do but it’s not strict then you could do a rear 02 sensor extension. I might do that video soon.
I got that code once and it was the sensor wire that was chewed away by some critter before I started to garage it. After a wire splice it did not code any more.
@@sipthewater i did changed the sensor but not checked the wire .it was well protected by a plastic cover .but good point i'll check that also
.
No you can rejuvenate them. Well known how to. Acetone does not work
evil energy i think thats the name, makes a mini cat anti fouler sounds interesting well scotty uses the 420 might be the reason
i think my cat is clogged somewhat. I have used cat clean a few times and the engine light does not go away. also, when I accelerate I get some engine shaking going on and I think it is because of the exhaust is clogged. I don't feel like paying 2K for the job. This is all on an engine that was consuming lots of oil until Feb 2022 I had rebuilt engine installed and been running great but now clogged Cat is making engine shake when I accelerate moderately to heavy. (nice work BTW).
im mad late but have you checked the pcv valve
If you take seafoam and pour or spray with the red hose directly into the cat after removing the upper O2 then run it. This is supposed to clean it out. Watched several videos on this technique. I myself haven't tried it yet. I'm going to this week. Damm California emissions
Not related to this video but I have a 2011 audi a4 and have a parking brake malfunction and stabilization program fault. How can I fix this problem?
Take it to a mechanic
My car is hesitating, white smoke out exhaust shaking sputtering. Pcv and spark plugs just done. Fresh oil change it says max not sure if it’s overfilled. Wondering if catalytic, hpfp, injectors, coils? Put alot of money and the thing still is having issues? Any ideas?
Any luck? Sounds just like mine
@@JCuervo330 put 4 fresh Denso coil packs cost $100 along with ngk spark plugs from everything for $40. Upgraded Diverter valve on the bottom of the turbo for $50 and the cars running much better. Still eventually would have to do timing chain, the car is a lot to maintain.
Moved onto something more economical. In this case I believe there was to much oil and the car was blowing white smoke and sputtering. Extracted .5-1L of oil out and could see the gage still at 3/4. Guessing when they did the oil change they used all 5L instead of 4.7L as stated on the oem drain plug. Coils, plugs and Diverter valve are all highly recommended as mileage maintenance.
I tried lacquer thinner and cataclean. I am crazy enough that I am now willing to try drano gel. I would like to know why this is a bad idea. Will drano kill my cat?
Drain cleaner bad. Sodium hydroxide will remove the platinum. Water will remove most crusts. Vinegar is a mild solution and should be safe.
citric acid will clean it like new as long as it is not melted or broke apart. The citric acid even takes the rust off of it. rinse it with just a regular hose when done. For no reason should a pressure washer touch the honeycomb.
Extremely hot water and bleach is what I use to clean carbon off my spark plugs. A bath in this same mix should help clean up catalytic converters.
Soak it in CLR, it works! Soak for a few days
what is that?
my audi cat is blocked with a hard cement like crust that i am having to chisel off
In EÚ we have companies that can clean this dpf or catalyc converter.. There are profi machine that can refurbish it... Under pressure pouring cleaning agents.. Works pretty well and can regenerate 98% of flow... Can you tell me wheres issue? On mine B8 2.0tdi turbo failed.. So oil everywhere.. New turbo, New converter, New intercooler, oil, filter... After assembly the misfire on cyl. 3 started.. How can it be related to turbo fail? After turbo fail limp mode started but no dtc showed up.. I was looking at oil level and it was fine after I stopped after 10km of ride..
2009 A4 2.0T here, a gallon of lacquer thinner added to 1/4 tank worked for me. I guess it's a hit amd miss with lacquer thinner when it comes to cats. Thanks for your "one hand" vacuum pump video, I needed to change vac pump gasket, it made it easier for me, I didn't have to think, just follow your video.
Laquer doesn't work
@@yogamon Your brain doesn't work.
I think you're the pot calling the kettle black
P0420 can be an intermittent or transient code. Next time you get it don't put in laquer thinner. I'll bet it goes away on its own
For people with a p0420 that is always on and has been for several months that have gone thru enough drive cycles for the car computer to register, laquer thinner or better described acetone does not work, or may for a little while make the car run "cleaner" in the eyes of the o2 sensors and the p0420 may go away. But acetone does not "clean" a cat and the p0420 will come back if the cat is not properly cleaned
My 2005 Kia spectra is flattered your talking bad about it .
What about an O2 spacers?
Might help with the code, but won't do anything for the car running like shit due to a clogged cat.
😂lol:)
I have 02 sensors spacer on each of my 2 Audi and R53 Mini , but the ultimate purpose is -- sometimes ( 1 year 300ml-600ml )*I’d poured liqui moly Catalytic cleaner or Just injection cleaner and I have to drive a car on Highway like I stole it-- 1 or 2 each month 😂
What if I have a aftermarket test pipe ? And this code popped up
You need a tune
$1000 new?
ECS tuning sells the AUDI OEM CAT for $2500.
Wow had no idea it was that much
@@NaptownTuner clean the one you have the right way and the result is a Fixed cat. Acetone, soap (of any kind), Lyme or drain cleaner (sodium hydroxide) all do not work.
Dude, you're using fabric softener
boil it in acetone. That will clean it out
No it won't. Boil it in organic acids like oxalic acid and citric acid or off the shelf product like CLR which is also organic acids based cleaner of lactic acid and gluconic acid
well, I used a chemical for cleaning catalyst converters that we had work, Idk what the stuff is called but that shit worked great. Some highly combustible foam that you either put into the cat itself or if not possible it was a different way to do it according to the manual but I already had my cat out for an engine swap anyway so I filled the whole thing. Worked great in my case. But the brand I used is not sold to consumers, so I'm not sure if there is a similar product from a different brand that consumers can buy.
You admit that oil consumption can cause them to block up, but that running a cleaner through the engine will never have any affect? If the converter is clogged, it's easy to get the engine under heavy load and to run rich and send unburned hydrocarbons through the converter. As long as the inner structures are still intact, a cleaning process has a chance to work. I'll admit that I would have much more faith in a direct cleaning that involved the removal of the cat entirely though.
Pull the o2 sensor out fill with a carpet cleaner ie rug doctor then replace the o2 and start the engine. Job done
Seafoam ftw
That's fabric softener not detergent. Nobody else caught that. That's only gonna leave a nasty oily residue. Yikes
good catch!
Yeah I thought the same thing, if he soaked it in a decreased he would have had better results, the fabric softener just made his exhaust fumes smell like potpourri
Just don't use water! Cats hate that!
Cats love water...they hate pepper
Use carb intake cleaner directly trough the O2 sensor hole and spray directly on the honey combs. Repeat a few times than let sit 30 minutes and than go for a ride.
Im changing my turbo on Saturday, Gonna get me some carb cleaner and blast the shit outta my cat. I have this P0420 code, but no check engine light.
@theenglishtrucker1849 would mund sharing your results with us? Did that work? I'm inclined to try this method.
@@theenglishtrucker1849did it work
I’m not suggesting this is the right thing to do, but a person could buy a good used cat and put it on for emissions, and then run a straight pipe for the rest of the time until the next time they have to do emissions
scotyn is foul off s... lol
They’re $1000.00 buddy must be nice to just be able to replace it
Buy from Autodoc...£200-300
Scotty Kilmer......hell to the NOOOOOO