What is Mini Catalizador (Mini Catalytic Converter)?

Do you have a CEL (Check Engine Light), SES (Service Engine Soon) light, or MIL (Malfunction Indicator Light) on? Have you installed a test pipe, header, low-flow catalytic converter, downpipe, no catalytic converter, or high-performance exhaust system?
What is Mini Catalizador (Mini Catalytic Converter)?

About Mini Catalizador

If so, this new O2 sensor spacer (mini catalytic converter) is perfect for you and will eliminate those annoying P0420 and P0430 trouble codes!

We know that 99.9% of P0420 and P0430 trouble codes are usually related to the performance of the post-oxygen sensor (the sensor located after the catalytic converter) in modified exhaust systems. This sensor is also known as the “Heated Sensor Circuit” or “Sensor 1, Cylinder 2.”

In a modified exhaust system, the post-catalytic sensor detects higher exhaust temperatures and flow rates due to unburned gases passing through, which exceed the original exhaust system's standards. This causes the ECU (Electronic Control Unit) to detect an imbalance in the exhaust system. When the ECU detects this imbalance, it throws a code and enters "limp mode" (safe mode).

Mini Catalizador is a new high-performance stainless steel O2 sensor extension adapter that, unlike traditional O2 sensor extension adapters, features a built-in 400-cell mini catalytic converter that complies with European Euro 5 standards. This product is designed to solve CEL (Check Engine Light) issues caused by high-flow catalytic converters (HIFLOW Cats) or exhaust systems without catalytic converters. Its core function is to alter the position of the oxygen sensor to prevent it from being exposed directly to the exhaust flow. The built-in mini catalytic converter operates similarly to a traditional catalytic converter, transforming harmful exhaust gases into harmless substances. This effectively "fools" the ECU into thinking the catalytic converter is still functioning normally, allowing the ECU to run the engine properly and unlock extra horsepower.

Key Features:
- Built-in Mini Catalytic Converter: Mini Catalizador uses the same principles as traditional catalytic converters, with an internal ceramic honeycomb structure coated with platinum, palladium, and rhodium to catalyze harmful exhaust gases, reducing emissions and optimizing engine performance.
- Compatibility: The product fits vehicles with M18 x 1.5mm O2 sensor interfaces, covering over 99% of vehicles on the market. Please check the oxygen sensor thread size before installation to ensure compatibility.
- Wide Applicability: Suitable for various exhaust systems, including high-flow catalytic converters, test pipes, turbocharged, non-turbocharged, and modified exhaust systems.

How It Works:
In OBD-II vehicles (1996 and newer), the ECU uses two oxygen sensors for diagnostics. The first oxygen sensor is located before the catalytic converter and is responsible for air-fuel adjustment, which is essential for normal vehicle operation.

The second oxygen sensor is located after the catalytic converter. Its job is to ensure that a functioning catalytic converter is present in the exhaust system. It detects the difference in exhaust gases between the first and second oxygen sensors. If it detects the same exhaust signal, the ECU knows that the catalytic converter may be damaged or missing.

Mini Catalizador works similarly to a traditional full-size catalytic converter by using an internal three-way catalytic honeycomb element to oxidize and convert exhaust gases. Harmful gases such as nitrogen oxides, unburned hydrocarbons, and carbon monoxide are converted into harmless water and carbon dioxide, while nitrogen oxides are converted into nitrogen and oxygen. This process effectively resolves oxygen sensor fault light issues (such as P0420 and P0430 trouble codes) caused by exhaust system modifications or catalytic converter removal, with a success rate of up to 99.5%.

Installation and Use:
The installation of Mini Catalizador is straightforward, requiring no welding or electrical modifications. Simply connect the threaded end to the existing post-O2 sensor and install the unit into the O2 sensor interface. The whole process usually takes no more than 10 minutes, and it can also be easily removed once installed. Please ensure that all parts are intact before installation and that the cap is securely fastened, as a loose cap may fall off.

For dual exhaust systems, V6 or V8 engine vehicles, you will typically need two Mini Catalizador units (one for each exhaust pipe). Each exhaust pipe’s post-O2 sensor requires a Mini Catalizador to ensure the exhaust system operates correctly and prevents triggering of fault lights. For single exhaust system vehicles, only one Mini Catalizador is required.

Materials and Durability:
This product is made from high-quality T-304 stainless steel, offering excellent corrosion resistance, rust-proofing, and preventing peeling or flaking. Unlike galvanized carbon steel commonly found in other products, T-304 stainless steel can withstand temperatures up to 620°C, making it suitable for high-temperature environments. Exhaust systems typically reach and exceed 620°C during operation, and O2 sensors usually work around 600°C with heating elements to achieve this temperature quickly. When the steel wire inside galvanized carbon steel adapters rusts, it can mix with exhaust contaminants and reactivate the check engine light (CEL), causing the system to enter open-loop (limp mode). T-304 stainless steel prevents these issues, ensuring long-term durability. Furthermore, the built-in catalytic honeycomb element remains stable at high temperatures, effectively converting harmful gases into harmless substances.

Usage Scenarios:
Mini Catalizador is mainly used for high-performance exhaust systems, whether turbocharged or non-turbocharged, suitable for engine displacements from 1.6L to 6.3L. Common applicable models include, but are not limited to:

- BMW: 3, 5, 7 series, M3, M5, Z4, M4, etc.
- Audi: A3, A4, A5, S3, S4, S5, RS4, TT, TTS, etc.
- Toyota: Camry, Scion xA, xB, tC, etc.
- Nissan: 350Z, G35, G37, 300ZX, etc.
- Honda: Accord, Civic, S2000, Integra, etc.
- Chevrolet, Ford, GMC, and other American brands , as well as other modified vehicles.

Product Details:
- Material: T-304 Stainless Steel
- Working Temperature: Up to 620°C
- Model: Available in three angles (Straight, 45°, 90°). The model choice generally depends on the available space for the O2 sensor. If the exhaust system space is narrow or hard to reach, the 45° or 90° model may be more suitable.

Disclaimer:
While the Mini Catalizador effectively eliminates CEL (Check Engine Light) and resolves P0420, P0430 trouble codes in most modified exhaust systems, CEL warnings may sometimes be triggered by issues with the oxygen sensor itself, such as an overly sensitive sensor. In such cases, even with the O2 CEL FIX installed, the CEL may still turn on and trigger other trouble codes. Therefore, while our CEL eliminator is effective for most issues caused by oxygen sensors, specific results may vary depending on the exhaust system layout, ECU tuning, and vehicle modifications. We cannot guarantee that it will solve all vehicle issues.
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