Brownies_Maxima

I have a few questions regarding my SES. I know this is a common problem with the Maxima's but there seems to be a lot of conflicting information out there.

First of all I'm pass due for inspection by about 8 days and when I took it in they failed me since my light was on. I have had the light on since 04 and it’s passed inspection every time so I'm not sure what the problem could be. If unplug the battery for an hour would it clear the code out, I know it will reset the ECU but not sure if the code will be erased. At this point I'm trying to get my car passed so I can drive without the fear of being pulled over.

Also I took it to Auto Zone last night and the code came back P0430 and from what I have read about that code online it seems like short of replacing the whole exhaust system there isn’t a real cure for getting that SES to go off.

A little detail on my car, it’s a 2000 Maxima SE with 124,000 miles. Runs strong and no mechanical problems so far. Had the Intake Sensor replaced in 04 because the car would shut off if I threw it in neutral and have had no problems since. I have done all the regular maintenance my self, spark plugs, oil and filter, and air filter. The car doesn't leak or eat any oil and I don't see any metal in the oil when I change it. One hint I was told if the Cat has gone bad is you might see metal in the oil.

The only thing I can say for sure is that if open the car up on the highway and when I stop I have the rotten egg smell. But besides that I really don't smell it.

Sorry for the long thread but one finally thing, this is all the information so far I have gathered about P0430.

1) Could be the O2 sensor - Blank 2 if I'm not mistaken. How many O2 sensors do I have, 3 or 4?
2) Need a new catalytic converter, apparently they are two and I think it might be the one in the front. Was also told when the car is cold tap the cat and if you hear any loose metal in it then you have to replace the converter.
3) Finally it could be my pre-cats, not all too familiar with the pre-cats so really not sure where to start on that.

Thanks again and great forum by the way!

brianw

You have 4. One for each cylinder bank, plus one each before and after the main catalytic convertor. Replace the O2 sensors first, they're cheapest.

What is P0430 anyway? Catalyst low efficiency? My memory is foggy right now.

Brownies_Maxima

Check out this site for a describition of P0430

OBD-II Trouble Code: P0430 Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 2)

I unplugged by battery for the night and the SES light went off. I took it in for emissions and the second time around it passed. So not really sure if its my cat or sensor. Would anyone know a good site to order O2 sensors?