P5 OBD-II Reader - which one?

[the_mgroove]

Which OBD-II reader does the P5 use? I have the Check Engine Light (CEL) on and not sure what's up. Please help, so I can get the reader to check on it.

I'm due for a Smog Check soon as well, so just wondering if the CEL needs to be in the clear before the smog check.

Thanks for the help guys!

 

[hornsfan10609]

Your car will not pass inspection with a CEL, and there is only one kind of OBD-II code scanner, they aren't vehicle specific. Just get the cheap one from the auto parts store with two buttons, it reads what codes you have and clears them, that's all you really need.

 

[Wagonbacker9]

so local oil change places and ALL the local chain auto parts stores have a code reader they'll let you use... for free.

 

[the_mgroove]

Cool. Thought it was vehicle specific.

Went to a local Autozone (a local chain parts store) and they don't offer the service of checking out the code. What's the price range for an OBD-II?

Also, if there is a problem, what's next? Bring to a mechanic/dealership? I want to avoid the dealership as much as possible.

 

[Wagonbacker9]

WTF? every autozone here has that.. alternator and battery testing.. gratus.

 

[JDMJNKY]

Cool. Thought it was vehicle specific.

Went to a local Autozone (a local chain parts store) and they don't offer the service of checking out the code. What's the price range for an OBD-II?

Also, if there is a problem, what's next? Bring to a mechanic/dealership? I want to avoid the dealership as much as possible.

I think I paid about $50 bucks for a simple obdII reader at advance auto.Hasn't failed me yet.

 

[the_mgroove]

WTF? every autozone here has that.. alternator and battery testing.. gratus.

I called them and they said they don't. They just sell the code scanner, but no code scans whatsoever. However, another chain called Pep Boys does so gonna check it out with them asap.

 

[JDMJNKY]

I called them and they said they don't. They just sell the code scanner, but no code scans whatsoever. However, another chain called Pep Boys does so gonna check it out with them asap.

You try Advance Auto they do that down here for free.

 

[slavrenz]

I called them and they said they don't. They just sell the code scanner, but no code scans whatsoever. However, another chain called Pep Boys does so gonna check it out with them asap.

They must be the only autozone in the country that doesn't have that - I would try calling back and ask someone else.

Every Autozone, O'Reilly's, Advanced Auto, Napa, etc. around offers this service free. At the very least, they should let you rent the code reader.

 

[P-Funk!]

Get the code first. You have to drive ~100 miles after it is reset to pass the test. If the CEL returns before then - you have to fix something...

 

[the_mgroove]

Ok I got the codes. Can you guys help to interpret and tell me what would be the next steps. Btw, I gotta get this stuff fixed asap, as I am due for a Smog Check soon. Thanks ahead for the help!

PO421 - catalyic conv.
PO300 - misfire
PO507- high RPM

Now, I'm thinking the misfire reading could be causing the PO421 code to show up. Does anyone know whether the P5's Catalyic Converter can go bad so early? I have 119K miles on the P5.

 

[Tzar177]

Ok I got the codes. Can you guys help to interpret and tell me what would be the next steps. Btw, I gotta get this stuff fixed asap, as I am due for a Smog Check soon. Thanks ahead for the help!

PO421 - catalyic conv.
PO300 - misfire
PO507- high RPM

Now, I'm thinking the misfire reading could be causing the PO421 code to show up. Does anyone know whether the P5's Catalyic Converter can go bad so early? I have 119K miles on the P5.

It can go bad easily if you've have alot of misfires. May want to consider replacing spark plugs, plug wires and coils

 

[SouthATX]

I had the same code -P0421- and just replaced my precat ( not the main cat). I replaced the upper O2 sensor ( had a code for it as well), plug wires, plugs, and coilpacks before I finally replaced the precat - none of the other fixes worked. I paid $65 for a used one, and 100+ miles later, no CEL. My car has over 160K on it. However, even with lower miles, if your car ran after repeated misfires or other problems, it can cause the cat to go bad. I paid $50 for code scanner at Sears and it is worth having your own.

 

[the_mgroove]

I had the same code -P0421- and just replaced my precat ( not the main) cat. I replaced the upper O2 sensor ( had a code for it as well), plug wires, plugs, and coilpacks before I replaced the precat. I paid $65 for a used one, and 100+ miles later, no CEL. I paid $50 for code scanner at Sears and it is worth having your own.

How much does the precat cost to do on your own? No need to do the O2 sensors, correct? I'm pretty sure it's a cat prob, but for sure a precat?

I was thinking the same with the wires, plugs and coilpacks. (thanks tzar177 and southATX)

Now I'm debating how I should get this stuff fixed? I don't work on cars, but if I get the parts, I can have someone help me fix it. Or, should I go to a certified mechanic to get this fixed? Which is more time efficient and cost effective?

How about the PO507? Is there a way to fix that?

Advice??

 

[slavrenz]

How much does the precat cost to do on your own? No need to do the O2 sensors, correct? I'm pretty sure it's a cat prob, but for sure a precat?

I was thinking the same with the wires, plugs and coilpacks. (thanks tzar177 and southATX)

Now I'm debating how I should get this stuff fixed? I don't work on cars, but if I get the parts, I can have someone help me fix it. Or, should I go to a certified mechanic to get this fixed? Which is more time efficient and cost effective?

How about the PO507? Is there a way to fix that?

Advice??

Search on here for advice on the cats - there are dozens of posts about the precat and what your options are for replacement. Just don't buy one of the cheapo converters on eBay, and make sure you get the misfire fixed before you replace the cat or it'll go bad all over again.

As for the P0507, I believe there is a TSB for this that involves a reflash of the PCM. This may just be for the sedans tho. I would contact your dealer about it.

 

[SouthATX]

I paid $65 for a used Precat. It came with the metal gaskets and nuts. Shipping was $20. That's cheaper than a new O2 sensor. The junkyard rep said has 3 more. PM me for his address if you want - he is in PA. It took me about 4 hours to replace it myself. I am a novice and would say it was kinda hard. You would need to find a mechanic willing to install a used part. I am guessing it's between $100 -$200 labor. That being said- the l alternative is a new one for close to $1000 installed. Slavrenz is right, do your homework before putting in a new cat - you don't want the existing problem to ruin the replacement. Keep researching those other error codes. I think the new plugs, wires, coils will eliminate the misfire error. Maybe run a can of Seafoam in your next tank of gas, too. Reset the CEL, then see if the other 2 errors come back. If you do have someone install a new precat have them check your EGR valve, too, just to make sure it's not really dirty. I am no expert, just happened to have gone through the same process last week. Good luck.

 

[the_mgroove]

**UPDATE**

So I brought my car in to my mechanic to get rid of the 3 error codes and it worked. I passed smog as well. The throttle was cleaned, fixed a leaky hose and the air filter was changed.

However...

As I was driving my car today, the CEL light came on again! It was blinking for a few minutes and then it stopped and just stayed on. Also, I notice while it was blinking, the drive was a bit hesitant. At stops, it took a bit effort for it to go. Has anyone experienced this before? My mechanic says my car runs fine, but in time I'll need a new cat. But he says my car should not have any problems for the next year or two.

So my question is: 1) Why is the CEL light on again? and 2) Should I worry about it (even though it's been inspected by my mechanic)?

Help!

 

[Wagonbacker9]

CEL is still on because there is still a problem. driving for a year or 2 with a bad cat isn't going to work... sounds to me like your mechanic is an idiot.

 

[mWxo3]

O2 sensors
possible vacuum leak or busted tb for high revs
plugs or coils for misfire?

 

[the_mgroove]

O2 sensors
possible vacuum leak or busted tb for high revs
plugs or coils for misfire?

Brought it back to the shop. It was coded as "random misfires." Sprayed water on the engine, no smoke, so not the sparks. The CEL has been cleared and it works fine. A hose leak fixed, filter changed and cleaned the throttle body. Seems to do it so far. Hope the light doesn't come on again. Thanks for the advice.