What is a Mini Catalizador?

If so, this new O2 sensor spacer CEL fixer (mini catalizador) will be perfect for you, capable of eliminating those annoying P0420 and P0430 codes!

We know that 99.9% of P0420 and P0430 fault codes are usually related to the rear oxygen sensor (post-catalytic converter sensor) in aftermarket exhaust systems. This sensor is also known as the "heated sensor circuit" or "Sensor 1, Cylinder 2."

In modified exhaust systems, the rear catalytic sensor receives higher exhaust temperatures and exhaust flow, with incomplete combustion, exceeding the standards of the factory exhaust system. This leads the ECU to detect an imbalance in the exhaust system. When the ECU detects an imbalance, it throws a code and enters "limp mode" (safe mode).

The Mini Catalizador is a new high-performance stainless steel oxygen sensor extension adapter, different from traditional oxygen sensor extension adapters. It integrates a mini catalytic converter with 400 cells, meeting European 5 standards. This product is designed to solve the engine check light (CEL) issues caused by high-flow catalytic converters (HIFLOW Cat) or catless exhaust systems. Its core function is to change the position of the oxygen sensor, preventing it from being directly exposed to the exhaust flow, while the built-in mini catalytic converter operates similarly to a traditional catalytic converter, converting harmful exhaust gases into harmless substances. This effectively "tricks" the ECU into thinking the catalytic converter is still functioning properly, allowing the ECU to run the engine normally and unlock additional horsepower.

Key Features:
- Built-in mini catalytic converter: The Mini Catalizador uses principles similar to traditional catalytic converters, with an internal ceramic honeycomb structure coated with platinum, palladium, and rhodium, to catalyze the conversion of harmful exhaust gases, reduce emissions, and optimize engine performance.
- Compatibility: The product is suitable for all vehicles with an M18 x 1.5mm oxygen sensor interface, covering over 99% of models on the market. Please check the O2 sensor thread size before installation to ensure a match.
- Wide applicability: Suitable for various exhaust systems, including high-flow catalytic converters, test pipes, turbocharged, non-turbocharged, modified exhaust systems, etc.

Working Principle:
In OBD-II vehicles (1996 and later), the ECU uses two oxygen sensors for diagnostic purposes. The first oxygen sensor is located before the catalytic converter and is responsible for air/fuel adjustment, which is critical for the vehicle's normal operation.

The second oxygen sensor is located after the catalytic converter. Its role is to ensure that a properly 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.

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

In many modified exhaust systems, the rear oxygen sensor (located after the catalytic converter) may detect abnormal exhaust flow and temperature due to the absence of an OEM catalytic converter or the use of a high-flow catalytic converter. This can cause the ECU to enter fault mode and activate the check engine light (CEL). By installing the Mini Catalizador on the rear oxygen sensor, it moves the sensor out of direct exhaust flow, ensuring it can still read some exhaust gases while simulating the normal operation of a catalytic converter. This tricks the ECU into sensing resistance in the exhaust, effectively resolving the CEL issue.

Installation & Use:
The Mini Catalizador installation process is very simple, requiring no welding or electrical modifications. Simply connect its threaded end to the existing rear oxygen sensor and install the assembly into the O2 sensor interface. The entire process typically takes less than 10 minutes, and it can be easily removed afterward. Note: Before installation, ensure that all parts of the product are intact and that the top cover is securely fastened, as a loose cover could fall off.

For vehicles with dual exhaust systems, V6 or V8 engines, it is typically necessary to install two Mini Catalizador units (one for each exhaust pipe). Each exhaust pipe's rear oxygen sensor requires one Mini Catalizador to ensure proper exhaust system operation and prevent the fault light from being triggered. For vehicles with single exhaust systems, only one Mini Catalizador is needed.

Materials & Durability:
This product is made in the USA from high-quality T-304 stainless steel, which offers excellent corrosion resistance and is resistant to rust, peeling, or flaking. Unlike common galvanized carbon steel on the market—which can blister, peel, and turn black at 320°C, eventually leading to rust—T-304 stainless steel withstands temperatures up to 620°C, ideal for high-temperature conditions. Exhaust systems typically reach and exceed 620°C during operation, while oxygen sensors generally operate around 600°C and often have heating elements to quickly reach this temperature. When the steel wires inside a galvanized carbon steel adapter rust, they can mix with exhaust pollutants, reactivating the check engine light and causing the system to enter open loop (limp mode). The T-304 stainless steel in this product avoids these issues, ensuring long-term durability. Additionally, the built-in catalytic honeycomb element remains stable at high temperatures, effectively converting harmful gases into harmless substances.

Usage Scenarios:
The Mini Catalizador is mainly used in modified high-performance exhaust systems, whether turbocharged or non-turbocharged, and can be used in vehicles with 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: Can withstand temperatures up to 620°C
- Models: Available in three angle types (straight, 45°, 90°), with the choice of model usually depending on the available space for the O2 sensor position. If the exhaust system has narrow or hard-to-reach spaces, the 45° or 90° models may be more suitable.

- Installation: Easy installation, no welding or electrical modification required
- Applicable Models: Suitable for most vehicles with M18 x 1.5mm O2 threaded interfaces

Disclaimer:
Although the Mini Catalizador is effective in eliminating CEL (Check Engine Light) and resolving P0420, P0430 error codes in most modified exhaust systems, sometimes the CEL warning may be triggered by oxygen sensor issues, such as an overly sensitive sensor. In these cases, even after installing the O2 CEL FIX, the CEL may remain on and may trigger additional error codes. Therefore, while our CEL eliminator is effective in most cases for issues caused by oxygen sensors, the specific results may vary depending on exhaust system layout, ECU tuning, and vehicle modifications. We cannot guarantee that it will solve the issue in every vehicle.