My Volvo is showing check engine light and when I had it checked the following codes came up. P0420 and P0430 catalytic converter bank 1 and two so do I need a new converter?

 

The converter is not the most likely cause. These codes are saying the catalytic converter is not operating at maximum efficiency (there's two oxygen sensors - one before and one after that read the amounts and compare). If your car is not burning a lot of oil (which can clog the converter), I'd look for vacuum or intake air leaks, whether the intake or MAF is clean etc. The O2 Sensors and the boost controller (for turbo engines) can also be at fault.

 

I've always looked after my own Volvos - least for the last 35 years! Well I'm stumped and wonder if someone could help.
2009 XC 70 with 3.2
Long story short, had a misfire ended up replacing all the coil packs and taking it to a 'Volvo specialist' to do software update.
Anyway, a day later P0420 and 0430 Cat efficiency codes. Banks 1 and 2.
Is this likely?
I tried Cat cleaner
I read OBD streaming data and voltage on o21 and o22 almost the same, indicating a bad cat, but which cat there are two?
Could in someones experience think something else be going on?
Could it be as a result that the new software updates have narrowed the perimeters?
It just seems unlikely that both Cats would fail at the same time.
Any help would be much appreciated.

 

FYI, the ECM-990F Torque monitoring faulty signal fix for me was the catalytic converter, the O2 sensor on the rear was good. Not saying it couldn't be an O2 sensor, which you should check first, but for me, it was the cat. Symptoms I had on my 03 S60 were not able to get up to speed and if I did it was downhill not uphill. Lost big gas mileage as well from like 28 to 20 on the highway.

 

Do you have a link for sea foam? My husband and I are clueless. I took my car in for what was an oil leak. Mechanic replaced my spark plugs and now my check engine light went on and exhaust codes flying. Car seems to be running rough too, smell of rotten eggs. 1999 Volvo S80 turbo with 110k. I’m the second owner since 70k.

 

2002 S60 - On a smog check we got a PO420 code. Our mechanic said the new CC is $1500 (8603068), so I went about calling to find it for less and here is what I found -
I was quoted a $875 for 8603069... and when I asked what the delivery time is, I was told... it's been discontinued... and so then I asked about the $1500 one and I am told it can't be brought into California! I spoke to 2 dealerships and both gave me the same answer! My mechanic said he could find me a used one... but then I spoke to Volvo and asked if the part has been discontinued what I'm supposed to do (because as noted, you aren't supposed to use a used one)... They said the exiting part should be good for 250,000 miles (I have 100,000) and to just replace the oxygen sensors & fuel filter. Ok - I can do that, but what's the chance those are replaced and we still don't pass the smog check? For the others who have replaced CC - how many miles were on your cars? Anyone in California replaced their cc recently? And finally - does Volvo guarantee an original part? Thanks!

 

That's a catalytic converter efficiency code - Some have fooled the ECM with an oxygen sensor extender, it places the rear sensor further away from the exhaust stream. A dealer won't install one of those - you will have to find someone willing to.

I would try that first - Then see if the car will complete a drive cycle without setting the efficiency code -

 

Hey everyone...I know this is an old post, just looking for advice. My dealer said my o2 senser is coding and if they cant get it out i will need a new cat for 3400! Just bought the car for 12k. It runs well and i like it a lot. o2 sensor only is 250 but they aren't sure if they can get it out. Light has come on,gone out, and now back on. What would you do? 3400 is alot to drop on a 10 year old car with 122 k on the clock but damn i like this ride lol. Ideas? Thx

 

If they cant get the 02 sensor out and are sure its the actual sensor that is the problem, take your new sensor to an exhaust shop. They will cut off the old sensor if unable to remove and can weld in a new bung to screw in the new one if needed. I would never buy a new cat because the mechanic couldn't fix the sensor without replacing it.

 

Dingus...thx for your input. I had not thought of doing that. My question for the dealer is why they didn't suggest doing what you said. Plus the little research I did showed at least a dozen ways to remove a sensor that wont break loose. Is it safe to drive as is until the car starts running poorly? The Volvo dealer said he has had numerous customers with the same problem and drove their car that way for years with no serious issues. I hate doing business with dealers. Lol