Bank 1 / Bank 2 for Code P0430 / Catalytic convertor failure

[maximus2005]

Hi

I received a code P0343 on my 2005 Maxima with DTC results TW CATALYST SYS-B2. I've been told its the rear catalytic convertor. However after research in the forums it seems people recommend changing out the O2 sensors and it may be the front catalytic convertor. So Im looking for advice and have a couple of questions:

1) Apparently thats bank2 which a lot of posts that says its the front catalytic convertor (near radiator), not the rear?

2) Would you recommend changing out the O2 sensors first. Is there a way I can check the sensors ? it seems information is very hard to find on the 2005 maxima and I've tried to find the FSM with no luck.

Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated!

Thanks

[rioredstang]

I don't see a code P0343 in my manual. I don't think this is a cat code. Cat codes are usually in the 400's, bank 1, po420, bank 2, po430. Bank 1 is always on the same side as the #1 cylinder. A po343 I think would be a ignition code. I would have someone else check the codes. Clear the codes and when it resets the code then check and diagnose the problem.I would check this a little farther before spending any money on parts.

[maximus2005]

My apologies, as mentioned in the thread title its a P0430 and that was a typo in the body of the thread. Turns out after a lot more investigation its the front cat, radiator side (bank 2). So its either the catalytic convertor or the O2 sensor. Its seems its a high probability its the catalytic convertor :<.

Im still interested in hearing about peoples experience with O2 sensors vs Cat with that code...Ive read that code can be a lazy O2 sensor.

[rioredstang]

I have seen o2's help on the ford products, not sure on the nissans. Have you checked with the dealer for warranty or recalls? Most emission parts carry 8yr/8o,ooo mi warranty.

[maximus2005]

Hi

Yes, unfortuneatly its got 94k on it...thanks. I can get an Eastern cat at a decent price so I think im going to change it out. Question is if the Eastern cat will suffice because (although my car has never been in CA or registered there - and dont live there), Ive read CA emissions cars something have different fittings. And im not sure if the car is programmed for a different read from the cat.

[rioredstang]

The emissions label under hood will tell you if it is Federal or Calif. emissions. I have used Discount Converters for a while and haven't had any problems. http://www.discountconverter.com

[Q45tech]

Aftermarket cats have very very little catalyst inside to save money. Many barely last 12 months [15k] some make it 2 years vs oem 80k+.You get what you pay for.

Look for a low mile wreck at junkyard for oem.

My 20 year old 325k Q45 still has as build cats and passes emmision but platnium was cheap back then at $400 oz so they used more ounces. In 2005 it was $900 oz. Today it is $1600 oz.

Rhodium is $2900 per ounce ouch.

[maximus2005]

Just to put closure to this. The code P0430 was in fact the radiator side cat (front manifold) and not the rear as I was told previously by a Nissan Dealer. So I "burned out the cat" (pulled a plug allowing extra fuel to go through the cat and run it really hot). I tried this before replacing the cat.

The car threw a P057 code which was a sensor code that turned out to be because the engine was running rich.

After driving for a bit, I reset the code and it has not come on. The cars been driven over 200 miles since. So burning off the carbon seemed to work.