Questions? We Have Answers

What causes the CEL on?

There are many reasons why the Check Engine Light (CEL) may turn on. Use an OBD-II scanner to retrieve the trouble codes stored in the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). A faulty catalytic converter is the most common cause of P0420/P0042/P0430 codes. When the catalytic converter’s efficiency decreases or it becomes damaged, exhaust pollutants are not fully converted, which triggers the Check Engine Light (CEL, SES, DTC).

There are four common indicators of a faulty catalytic converter:

1. Check Engine Light (CEL): A common sign of a faulty catalytic converter, often triggering P0420 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 1) and/or P0430 codes.
2. Lack of Power: Noticeable power drop after the vehicle warms up.
3. Speed Limitation: The vehicle may struggle to exceed speeds of 30-40 mph (approximately 48-64 km/h).
4. Unpleasant Odors: A rotten egg smell coming from the exhaust.

If you detect P0420, P0430, or P0042 codes, our product will be your ideal solution.

What is the Mini Catalizador®?

Note: Don't just rely on using an extender, as they often don't work. Our O2 CEL FIX is an innovative solution that incorporates a built-in mini catalytic converter (Mini Cats) meeting European 5 standards. It is specifically designed to effectively resolve CEL issues caused by high-flow catalytic converters (HIFLOW Cat) or deleted catalytic converters in the exhaust system.

The principle is as follows: First, by adjusting the position of the second O2 sensor, moving it away from the direct exhaust flow, our built-in mini catalytic converter begins to function. Its operation is similar to that of a traditional catalytic converter, converting harmful exhaust gases into harmless substances, effectively "tricking" the ECU into thinking the catalytic converter is still working. This helps eliminate the annoying Check Engine Light (CEL) and resolve persistent error codes like P0420 and P0430. This is especially suitable for vehicles with modified exhaust systems or those that have removed the stock catalytic converter.

A worn-out oxygen sensor leads to excessive gasoline consumption, increased emissions, and accelerated catalytic converter damage. Our NEW Oxygen Sensor Replacement Kit addresses these issues, optimizing fuel efficiency, reducing emissions, and making the engine more eco-friendly.

In regions with emission-regulated vehicle inspection programs, a faulty Check Engine Light (CEL) and O2 sensor may lead to inspection failure. Our kit ensures compliance, allowing your vehicle to pass inspections smoothly.

Our kit provides a practical solution to common fault codes such as P0420, P0042, and P0430, ensuring your vehicle runs smoothly and minimizing the risk of more significant problems.

What is the Mini Catalizador® made of?

The Mini Catalizador is made from T-304 stainless steel, which offers excellent corrosion resistance, rust resistance, anti-flaking, and anti-bubbling properties.

Compared to other similar products, the advantages of Mini Catalizador include:

Material: The Mini Catalizador uses T-304 stainless steel, while some other products may use galvanized carbon steel filled with steel wool. Galvanized carbon steel can bubble, flake, and rust in high-temperature environments, while T-304 stainless steel has better high-temperature performance and corrosion resistance, allowing it to operate stably at temperatures exceeding 620°F.

Durability: Due to the use of high-quality stainless steel, the Mini Catalizador will not rust, corrode, or suffer other damage, making it more durable than many cheaper products. This reduces issues caused by metal corrosion.

Efficiency: The Mini Catalizador is equipped with a three-way ceramic honeycomb element coated with platinum, rhodium, and palladium, which effectively converts harmful exhaust gases, just like the vehicle's original catalytic converter. This helps eliminate oxygen sensor error lights (CEL). In contrast, some cheaper products may lack this conversion efficiency, leading to more frequent failures.

Easy Installation: The Mini Catalizador is very easy to install, requiring no welding or cutting—simply screw it into the existing O2 sensor interface. This makes it more convenient than other products that require complicated installation processes.

Is the Mini Catalizador® compatible with my vehicle?

The NEW O2 Sensor Spacer is a universal product designed to fit O2 sensor interfaces with M18 x 1.5mm threads, compatible with 99% of vehicles on the market, including but not limited to BMW, Audi, Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Ford, Chevy, Subaru, Mazda, Volkswagen, Mitsubishi, Hyundai, Kia, Lexus, Chrysler, Dodge, and more.

What spacer angle should I use?

The Mini Catalizador is available in three angle options: 0° (straight), 45°, and 90°, and is compatible with all vehicles equipped with M18 x 1.5mm O2 sensor bungs. The choice of the appropriate model typically depends on the space available at the O2 sensor location. If the exhaust system has tight or hard-to-reach spaces, a 45° or 90° spacer may be more suitable. Please select the angle based on your vehicle’s exhaust system layout for the best fit during installation.

Does my vehicle need one or two Mini Catalizador®?

For vehicles with a dual exhaust system or V6/V8 engines, two Mini Catalizadores are typically required (one for each exhaust pipe). Since each exhaust pipe has a post-cat O2 sensor (located after the catalytic converter), a Mini Catalizador is needed for each post-O2 sensor to ensure the exhaust system operates correctly and to prevent triggering the check engine light (CEL). If your vehicle has a single exhaust system, only one Mini Catalizador is needed.

How to install Mini Catalizador®?

Installation Steps:

  • Jack up car if necessary, find extended bung which need to replace.
  • Loosen old oxygen sensor spacer, bolt it on our new sensor spacer.
  • Bolt new sensor spacer to pipe by hand firstly. Tighten with a wrench.
  • Please click the link https://www.minicatalizador.com/pages/how-to-install to watch the installation video.

Note: Before installation, make sure all parts of the product are intact, and ensure that the top cover is tightly secured; otherwise, the cover may come loose and be lost.

Customer Notification and Disclaimer of Liability

This is a race-only product. It is not legal for sale or use on pollution-controlled vehicles that are driven on public streets, roads, or highways. Buyer's use or installation of this product for itself or for Buyer's customer is at Buyer's own risk. The Buyer is responsible for obeying federal, state, and local laws. Only Buyer can determine the end customer's use and thus assumes any and all liability, hereby waiving any and all claims against Minicatalizador.com in the sale of this product to the maximum extent permissible by law. Make sure to abide by all local, state, and federal laws, including emissions, vehicle safety, and traffic laws. It is Buyer's responsibility to know what those laws are and how they apply to Buyer or Buyer's customer. This product is designed and intended solely for legally-organized and sanctioned, closed-course, off-road competition use and is not for use on public streets, roads, or highways. This Product is capable of disabling the emissions system on some vehicles. Use on public streets, roads, or highways is a violation of federal and certain state (including California) and local environmental laws.

P0420 Code: Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)

What Is the P0420 Code?

The P0420 code signals a low catalyst system efficiency. This code suggests that the oxygen levels are below the desired threshold (Bank 1), which most often results from problems with your car’s exhaust or fuel systems. It can sometimes be tricky to diagnose.

The catalytic converter is a component of the vehicle’s exhaust system. It works by oxidizing the remaining unburned fuel and carbon monoxide (CO) from the combustion process into carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O). It also reduces nitrogen oxides (NOx) into nitrogen.

The converter uses two oxygen sensors – one on the upstream and the other on the downstream. If these sensors show similar readings, something’s wrong. That’s when the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) triggers the P0420 code, causing the check engine light to come on, alerting you that you have a catalyst problem.

What Are the Symptoms of a P0420 Code?

The first and most common symptom of a P0420 code is your check engine light turning on. Second, your engine won’t run as smoothly as it usually does, which could prevent you from going above 30 to 40 mph. This is because of a decrease in the engine’s power output. You might also notice a rotten egg-like smell coming from the exhaust. This also happens when the catalytic converter works overtime or outside of normal driving characteristics.

What Are Some Causes of a P0420 Code?

The most common cause of a P0420 code is a faulty catalytic converter.

The following are some other potential causes:

  • Exhaust manifold damage or leakage
  • Exhaust pipe damage or leakage
  • Misfiring engine
  • Catalytic converter oil contamination
  • Irregular engine coolant temperature sensor
  • A faulty rear or front oxygen sensor
  • Oxygen wiring damage
  • Loose connection in the O² wiring
  • Fuel injector leakage
  • High fuel pressure
  • Filling your vehicle with the wrong fuel type (i.e., leaded instead of unleaded fuel)

How Serious Is the P0420 Code?

Driving your car with the P0420 code will only lead to further damage to the catalytic converter. Plus, the problem can affect other parts of the car, such as the fuel line and exhaust systems. This is why it’s important to actively monitor your car’s catalytic convertor to avoid other costly repairs. You should consult a qualified technician any time you suspect any catalytic converter damage.

Can I Still Drive with a P0420 Code?

Besides the check engine light blinking, a person may not even notice any significant differences in how a vehicle performs. However, this doesn’t mean you should neglect the issue.

How Easy Is It to Diagnose a P0420 Code?

The most common mistake is to change something before you go through the diagnostics process thoroughly. In this case, replacing the O2 sensors doesn’t mean you’ll get rid of the problem since there might be another component causing your vehicle to signal the P0420 code.

How Difficult Is It to Inspect a P0420 Code?

Before getting started with any repairs, you’ll need to properly diagnose the P0420 code. Most service professionals will use an OBD-II scanner to retrieve the particular code the Power Control Module (PCM) is showing. If the voltage of the downstream oxygen sensor decreases and fluctuates like the upstream oxygen sensor, this is a certain indication that the oxygen levels are too high and the PCM will throw the P0420 code.

However, if there aren’t any visible issues with the upstream and downstream oxygen readings, the mechanic will then check engine misfires, ignition problems and even the fuel system to check for any malfunctions. The mechanic may also check the rear O2 sensor to gauge any excess wear or damage on the part.

An experienced professional will test drive the vehicle and monitor the freeze-frame data. This allows them to determine whether the rear O2 sensor is working properly. Finally, we also suggest updating the PCM to the latest version just in case there’s something wrong with it. It’s not uncommon that an out-of-date PCM is behind your vehicle’s issues.

P0430 Code: Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 2)

P0430 Code Definition

Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 2)

What Does the Engine Code P0430 Mean?

Character "P" in the first position of Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) represents the powertrain system (engine and transmission), "0" in the second position means that this is a generic OBD-II (OBD2) DTC. The "4" in the third character position in a DTC indicates that the Auxiliary emission controls system is experiencing a malfunction. The last two characters "30" are DTC numbers. OBD2 Diagnostic Trouble Code P0430 means that the sensor in the catalytic converter located in bank 2 has detected the catalytic converter’s efficiency below the threshold.
A catalytic converter’s job is to burn up the remaining raw fuel after the combustion process and to eliminate or reduce harmful emissions. A catalyst efficiency monitor (CEM) uses two oxygen (O2) sensors, one placed in front (upstream) and the other one at the rear (downstream) of the catalytic converter. When these sensors work correctly, the front sensor’s readings typically fluctuate, while the back sensor’s readings remain steady. If both sensors have similar readings, it indicates that the catalytic converter is not working properly, the check engine light (CEL) also called malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) will turn on and the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) will store the P0430 trouble code.

What Is the Cause of P0430?

While the most common causes of the P0430 code are a faulty catalytic converter and faulty O2 sensor, P0430 can also be caused by other issues:

  • A catalyst defect due to aging
  • Malfunctioning oxygen sensor (lambda sensor) circuits
  • A faulty front and/or rear lambda sensor
  • Damaged lambda sensor wiring
  • Leakage of mass airflow sensor
  • The fuel injector leaking too much fuel
  • A damaged exhaust manifold
  • A damaged exhaust pipe
  • An engine misfire

What Are the Symptoms of Code P0430?

Symptoms of a defective catalytic converter:

  • The engine control lamp (MIL) lights up (on some models the lamp starts to flash)
  • A poor throttle response
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Rough engine running
  • The failure of exhaust emission test
  • A strong exhaust odor from the exhaust pipe

Which Tools Are Needed To Diagnose P0430?

To find out more about the P0430 code that is generated and stored in the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) of your car, the only tool you need is the Carly Universal OBD2 Scanner, which works for all car brands in the world with an OBD2 port.

Carly is a revolutionary solution that allows you to access your car’s data with your phone and translates this information into powerful insights, predictions, and possibilities. This saves you trouble, time, and money.

P0042 Code: HO2S Heater Control Circuit Bank 1 Sensor 3

P0042 code definition

P0042 is telling us the ECM has detected a fault in the heated oxygen sensor control circuit for bank 1 sensor 3. This can be associated with P0043 and P0044

What the P0042 code means

The heated oxygen sensor’s heater circuit is controlled by the car's engine control unit (ECU). P0042 tells us there is an issue between the ECU and the oxygen sensor bank 3 sensor 1. This heating element is required for proper sensor readings.

What causes the P0042 code?

There are a few possible causes for P0042:

  • Bank 1 sensor 3 sensor failure
  • Open or shorted sensor wiring
  • Damaged wiring
  • Rarely ECU failure may be the cause

What are the symptoms of the P0042 code?

The first thing that will happen is the ECU will try to control the heater circuit for heated oxygen sensor bank 1 sensor 3. When the car’s ECU detects an issue with the control circuit it will trigger a Check Engine Light to show on the dash. This Check Engine Light may be flashing.

How does a mechanic diagnose the P0042 code?

There are a few steps for diagnosing P0042:

  • First, a qualified technician will hook up a scan tool to the car’s OBD-II port to confirm P0042 is present.
  • The technician will look for any freeze frame data with the code.
  • Next, the technician will clear the code.
  • After the code is cleared, the vehicle will be taken on a test drive under the same conditions. The freeze frame data tells us about the conditions from when the previous code was set at.
  • Once the code reappears, the technician will perform a visual inspection of the bank 1 sensor 3 and its associated wiring.
  • If the wiring is okay, the sensor itself will be tested to confirm operation.
  • After the oxygen sensor is tested and found to pass, the technician will perform any tests required to confirm proper operation of the ECU.

Common mistakes when diagnosing the P0042 code

The most common error is not performing all tests and steps to properly diagnose P0042. The sensor must be tested for proper operation before it is replaced.

How serious is the P0042 code?

P0042 is not a particularly serious code. The heater circuit of bank 1 sensor 3 is required for accurate readings and may cause improper readings and/or poor fuel economy until it is repaired.

Refund & Return Policy

I want to cancel the order.

If you need to cancel the order, please contact service@minicatalizador.com. Cancellation can only be made before the package shipped out. If the package is already in transit, the order can not be canceled.

When my order will be shipped?

Your package will ship out within 1-2 business days. We will contact you if there is any special case.

Returns Time

If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, we will be happy to accept a return for a refund or exchange on products in new/unused condition within 30 days of delivery. 

How can I return my order?

Please contact service@minicatalizador.com and let us know the reason why you want to return the items. If your return is accepted, we’ll send you instructions on how and where to send your package.

I bought the wrong items/ the items were not compatible with my vehicle.

Please contact service@minicatalizador.com and we will help you to solve the problems.