p2a03 Code... help?

A forum for the legendary Nissan Pathfinder and Infiniti QX4.
Earlsfat
Posts: 2
Joined: Thu Jul 17, 2014 6:39 am
Car: 08 Pathfinder
14 FJ
70 Camaro

Post

Got the P0420 / P0430 codes and did the rear o2 sensor / spark plug non-fouler hack fix. It worked for about 40 miles then I got p2a03 codes :mad: . So I replaced the rear o2 sensors and left the non-foulers in... still getting the p2a03 code.

I bought the cat's to replace them, but can't figure out how to get to them to replace them - it seems like you almost have to take have the front end off to get to the heat shield and studs :crazy: . If I could get to them I'd replace them and I think that'd fix it, but getting to the studs seems impossible... I can't even get any type of cutoff tool in there to cut them of!!!

I need this thing to pass an inspection, it's 3 months out, lol. (I know... I should have addressed this earlier, but it's my wife's car and I rarely drive it. Dealer / mechanic wants $2500 to replace cat's... I now know why.)

Any help at all is GREATLY appreciated.


4xq
Posts: 375
Joined: Wed Aug 01, 2012 9:42 pm

Post

Having two cats fail at the same time on a newer vehicle is very rare - kind of like having two blowouts on the highway at the same time. Could happen if your engine burns lots of oil, but not likely at all.

Pretty sure warrantys on cats and engine computers is now 8 yrs / 80,000 miles if that helps.

Look here: http://engine-codes.com/p2a03_nissan.html You will note that there are several causes for the code, related to the engine running lean. It COULD be a simple vacuum leak. Also note under tech notes that there is a relearning proccedure you should do.

Also note that vacuum leaks could affect BOTH cylinder banks and therefore both cats. Low fuel pressure would be the same. But a bad fuel injector will only affect the cat on ONE side. So you are looking for a problem that affects both cylinder banks.

I would buy a subscription at ALLdata which gives you access to your service manual and all factory service bulletins. See if there isn't a service bulletin on p2a03 - I seem to remember reading about a service bulletin for this code, possibly involving updates to your ECM. I'm not sure, but its worth a look. I would also call the nissan dealer and see what they may know. Tell them you did the rear O2 sensors already.

I would check your air intake for leaks carefully. If that seems ok, I would let Nissan or a good tech have a shot at it before I swapped out cats. If you just swap cats before doing the diagnostics, you may get the same code back when you are done.

Earlsfat
Posts: 2
Joined: Thu Jul 17, 2014 6:39 am
Car: 08 Pathfinder
14 FJ
70 Camaro

Post

I'm fairly certain there are MINOR exhaust leaks, there's a little soot on a few spots on the exhaust, but I'm pretty sure they're all after the o2 sensors.

I'll try checking for intake leaks and post back up.


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