Check engine light came on.. Catalytic converter

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probably typical 12 months (or 6 months i forget--its on the invoice you get at the bottom) on new parts/install but likely your car is out of warranty so there is no assumed warranty beyond that.
 
I wanted to give an update to a post that I did on cleaning the Catalytic Converter. I have about 130000 miles on the dash now, and when I did the clean, it was about 120000 miles. Since the clean, the light has remained off for the most part. Every now and again I would have P0430 pop-up from time to time. It was not enough to throw an actual code on the dash, but it was enough for my scan tool to capture it. I stated in my last post that I would probably have to perform the clean again on bank 2(P0430) because I did not like the values I was seeing on my scan tool after the clean for bank 2(P0430). So this weekend I decided to tackle this task again.

I wanted to approach this a little different from the first time that I did it. I purchased a scope camera from Amazon so that I could look inside the exhaust manifold and see if the Catalytic Converter was clogged or not (pictures and a video below ), it was not. After verifying this I proceeded to clean that Catalytic Converter again with the seafoam spray. I read somewhere that the code could come from a faulty O2 sensor, so after I was done with the cleaning portion of the task, I switched the bank 2 sensor with bank 1. Remember that I was getting code P0430 which means Catalytic Converter bank 2 has the problem. After driving the truck for about a day I throw a code (again not enough to display the light on the dash, but enough my code reader pick it up). The code I received now was bank 1(P0420) which confirmed my suspicions that the O2 sensor is bad and not the Catalytic converter.

I do remember the service manual indicated that these items should be replaced at about 60,000 miles or so. I just wanted to share this update in the hopes that you guys won't look at replacement as the first option, because Catalytic Converters are very expensive.
 

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Hello all, update on my repairs. Manifold EXH w/cat LH & RH, both air fuel sensors were replaced (8 year 80k) too along with gaskets,seals,o-ring,studs,bolts,nuts.
Under inspection the coolant inlet from thermostat assembly to coolant inlet on the upper engine block were cracked and leaking (supposedly, though I did see pics of the dried and seeping coolant) Thermostat housing,water outlet, thermostat and a connector were replaced for $794.92 under my AutoNation warranty, I was responsible for a $200 deductible.

All repairs are covered for 12k mi/12 mo.

Service manager suggested driving the truck on a 60-70 mile drive monthly to get the CATS nice and hot.

Lets hope all is well for 100K lol
 
Hey, did they also replace O2 sensors behind the cats? If not they should also be replace.
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O2 sensors are are air fuel sensors, so yes!

I don't quite understand the statement, but what I mean is that they should have replace the O2 sensors behind the cat and the ones before the cat which are Air/ Flow the sensors. So a total of 4 for good measure.
 
I don't quite understand the statement, but what I mean is that they should have replace the O2 sensors behind the cat and the ones before the cat which are Air/ Flow the sensors. So a total of 4 for good measure.

I think that guy is saying that O2 sensors are the same thing as air fuel sensors. That is the names can be interchanged and mean the same thing. That is what I think his post means.
 
Aside from the extra "are" that is what I meant! Thx Petit!
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Oh ok....lol:D. On another note I ran across this TSB for our trucks ITB13-053.

Has anyone got this done before replacing there Catalyst converter?

ITB13-053 2011-2012 QX56; MIL "ON" WITH DTC P0420 AND/OR P0430.

This TSB is for reprogramming of the ECM on certain models. Apparently, before they are to recommend replacement, they are suppose to do reprogramming first then if that fails that is when they are suppose to recommend replacement. If you do not have the reprogramming done after replacement there is still a chance the code will come back with the new Catalyst installed.

I just want to pass this information on to the group as I just became aware of it by a person who used to be an Infiniti Tech.
 
Thank you for the TSB update jrm, I checked my paperwork, my replacement of the exhaust manifolds and other parts included a " reprogram of the engine ECM"
 
2012 Cat Issue

Both of my cats were bad when I bought my vehicle of course it came up 100 miles after I bought it and dealer wouldn't do anything. So I finally got one of them to clear and hasn't come back but the other has still showed faulty. But here is the thing, I live in Houston, TX and I drove it to Sante Fe, NM for christmas. On the way when I got to higher elevation in Amarillo the check engine light went off and stayed off for the week I was gone. Driving home it stayed off too and was off for probably a week before it came back on. So something with the elevation made the car run differently and made the check engine light go off. This leads me to think that my cat is on the verge of working. What would the elevation have to do with the cat to start working, running leaner?? I have run super in all my cars but I assume previous owner didn't. It has gone off one other time since I had it but came back on a week later. I've replaced the sensors all the way around and no affect. It's so close to working....
 
I have read extensively on this thread, and want to chime in with a huge thank you for all the collective knowledge, and with my experience.

My 2012 QX56 had the SES light at 111,000 miles. Local Infiniti shop said it was a 0430 error, Bank 2 Catalytic Converter. The service manager suggested when one cat goes, the other is not far behind and quoted a price of $4400. At the look on my face, she suggested calling Infiniti Consumer Affairs.
I did this, and was blown away by the respect and efficiency. They have a protocol for this. I have been a good customer; and I'm um, old, and a widow. I was assigned a 'case manager', named Ashley. She talked with the dealer and it was decided Infiniti would pay for Bank 2 Cat replacement.

In the meantime, and during a delay of getting in contact with the local dealer service manager, I was reading here. I had run high octane in my QX, but always the cheaper brand. I had no idea there was really a difference in fuel. Also, I am what is termed a 'socker mom'--or rather grandmom. I drive a lot, and I do take my truck out pulling a small camper on the Interstate, but much driving in town below 20 miles a trip.

I tried the Sea Foam thing: 2 cans in half a tank of fuel and fast and furious for about 200 miles on I10. The SES light remained on, but I sure did notice that my QX was much more peppy and smooth. I had not realized how sluggish it had gotten. I experienced a mild increase in fuel mileage. So, I did it again with the Sea Foam and switched to fuel with cleaners in it. I didn't go on the highway but sure did impress my grandson with pushing it on open county roads. Then, as per instructions on the internet, I reset the SES light. I drove 500 miles and the light never did come back on. The truck is peppy as can be. I no longer drive like a grandmom.

The Bank 2 manifold exhaust was replaced at 112,000 miles. I have not experienced any further increase in fuel mileage with it. I now will only run the better grade high octane with cleaners and plan to put in Sea Foam with every oil change. One of my family members has had two different Ford Tauruses that she drove 250,000 miles each, no replacement of catalytic converters, no major problems. This QX should not have failed like this. But apparently the engine does have needs.
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I was told to call infiniti and was told they weren't going to help me replace my cat's even though I've found all over the internet it's a common problem with this vehicle. Mine even had probably 90k miles when I called.

are TSB covered by Infinit?

Oh ok....lol:D. On another note I ran across this TSB for our trucks ITB13-053.

Has anyone got this done before replacing there Catalyst converter?

ITB13-053 2011-2012 QX56; MIL "ON" WITH DTC P0420 AND/OR P0430.

This TSB is for reprogramming of the ECM on certain models. Apparently, before they are to recommend replacement, they are suppose to do reprogramming first then if that fails that is when they are suppose to recommend replacement. If you do not have the reprogramming done after replacement there is still a chance the code will come back with the new Catalyst installed.

I just want to pass this information on to the group as I just became aware of it by a person who used to be an Infiniti Tech.
 
If your VIN does not fall within the recall it wont be covered. This is standard on other car brands as well.

You should check to see if your car has had the recall done.

If the car has ran on regular fuel, this wont matter much as long as the fuel is a top tier brand. Yes you dont know what the previous owner did to the car (they could have maintained it poorly) and if your car is not a CPO then it may have been a wise decision to get it checked with an Infiniti dealer or competent mechanic you trust (maybe you did this?).

First thing to do is check for any codes at the obd port. Better yet spend the 80 dollars or so and get it diagnosed at an Infiniti dealer so you get an idea of where to look. Maybe its not JUST the cats? Could just be a faulty O2 sensor(s)? Could be a faulty petrol pump? High pressure pump? Dirty MAF? I mean there could be other things causing you issues upstream of the cats...
 
Here is one for you, when I drove from Houston to Santa Fe, NM about 3/4 of the way there the check engine light went off and it stayed off for the whole week I was there and didn't come back on till I got home. I'm assuming it was something with altitude change from 100' ASL to 2000'+ ASL which makes me think it is something with MAF


If your VIN does not fall within the recall it wont be covered. This is standard on other car brands as well.

You should check to see if your car has had the recall done.

If the car has ran on regular fuel, this wont matter much as long as the fuel is a top tier brand. Yes you dont know what the previous owner did to the car (they could have maintained it poorly) and if your car is not a CPO then it may have been a wise decision to get it checked with an Infiniti dealer or competent mechanic you trust (maybe you did this?).

First thing to do is check for any codes at the obd port. Better yet spend the 80 dollars or so and get it diagnosed at an Infiniti dealer so you get an idea of where to look. Maybe its not JUST the cats? Could just be a faulty O2 sensor(s)? Could be a faulty petrol pump? High pressure pump? Dirty MAF? I mean there could be other things causing you issues upstream of the cats...
 
MAF could be dirty for sure, but i think since you were traveling in that hot climate, that kept the CATS HOT, which means it was more efficient in burning off the pollutants better, this keeping those pesky trouble codes off.

Now I’m not a mechanic , but this is my speculation from reading about the issues with the early models (2011) and with the DIG engine. :)
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my point is still valid. the cats get hot regardless. the more you drive the car and keep those cats hot, the better they are at burning off the pollutants and keeping them in good condition.
 
that's all good but what would explain it staying off the whole time I was in santa fe, never came on one time? It was a 14 hour trip and didn't go off till about hour 9, I would think they were plenty hot by hour 1 or so. I have driven several 4 hour trips locally and doesn't go off.
 
It’s difficut to diagnose over the internet, and I’m not a mechanic. Just trying to offer some help/spark discussion.

The issue with the car not being able to start up could be due to a BCI malfunction, cam angle sensor, petrol pump, some other electrical gremlins....

I don’t recall if you said you were able to get any codes off the obd port but may be worth a try to do this. Also at some point it may be worth the diag fee to have nissan look it over.
 
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