Oldsmobile When starting new posts, please specify YEAR, MAKE, MODEL, ENGINE type, and whatever modifications you have made.

02 Alero Converter Code

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 02-24-2016, 11:44 AM
  #1  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
gmfan2014's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
gmfan2014 is on a distinguished road
Default 02 Alero Converter Code

Hello,
Writing about an ongoing issue with my 02 olds alero with a 2.2 engine. The Check Engine Light is coming on. Originally, it was Catalytic Converter error and thermostat error. My mechanic replaced the thermostat and reset the code. The light came back on. Then the converter was replaced. Light went off for about 3 weeks and then came back on. After it came back on, ODB was scanned and the error was catalytic converter. Took it back to the muffler shop and they replaced the CAT under warranty. However, the light is back on and it is still showing Catalytic Converter. Both O2 sensors are new AC Delco Sensors.

Any suggestions on what may be causing this issue?

Thanks,

Last edited by gmfan2014; 02-24-2016 at 11:45 AM.
Old 02-24-2016, 04:04 PM
  #2  
Retired



Certified Car Nut
 
Mike's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Dark Side, AZ
Posts: 17,920
Received 1,780 Likes on 1,304 Posts
Mike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond repute
Default

It would help us more if we knew what the codes are.
__________________
Retired Administrator
2002 *-10 5.7 V8
2023 Jeep Rubicon Diesel

Old 02-25-2016, 09:33 AM
  #3  
Senior Member

True Car Nut
 
Tech II's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Worcester, Ma.
Posts: 2,878
Received 1,084 Likes on 832 Posts
Tech II has a reputation beyond reputeTech II has a reputation beyond reputeTech II has a reputation beyond reputeTech II has a reputation beyond reputeTech II has a reputation beyond reputeTech II has a reputation beyond reputeTech II has a reputation beyond reputeTech II has a reputation beyond reputeTech II has a reputation beyond reputeTech II has a reputation beyond reputeTech II has a reputation beyond repute
Default

Agree with Mike, we need the code(*).....

Your Tech should have a scan tool capable of plotting the data from the pre and post, O2 sensors....

The pre should show the waveform constantly changing, sinusoidally.....the post should not...it should be changing very slowly......if the post "mirrors" the pre, then the cat is bad.....

What kind of cat was used? Does it look much smaller than the OEM?
Old 03-01-2016, 09:00 AM
  #4  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
gmfan2014's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
gmfan2014 is on a distinguished road
Default

Thanks Mike and Tech II.

The code is P04020. Both 02 sensors are new, the CAT has been replaced 3 times under warranty. The CAT is a direct fit Walker CAT. The downstream sensor is pretty much a flat line but will show a slight variation. The upstream has constant waveform. The Thermostat has also been replaced. I leaning towards the downstream sensor being the issue as I don't see how 3 CATS can all be bad. Thoughts?
Old 03-01-2016, 01:12 PM
  #5  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
gmfan2014's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
gmfan2014 is on a distinguished road
Default

Thanks Mike and Tech II.

The code is P04020. Both 02 sensors are new, the CAT has been replaced 3 times under warranty. The CAT is a direct fit Walker CAT. The downstream sensor is pretty much a flat line but will show a slight variation. The upstream has constant waveform. The Thermostat has also been replaced. I leaning towards the downstream sensor being the issue as I don't see how 3 CATS can all be bad. Thoughts?



Originally Posted by Tech II
Agree with Mike, we need the code(*).....

Your Tech should have a scan tool capable of plotting the data from the pre and post, O2 sensors....

The pre should show the waveform constantly changing, sinusoidally.....the post should not...it should be changing very slowly......if the post "mirrors" the pre, then the cat is bad.....

What kind of cat was used? Does it look much smaller than the OEM?
Old 03-02-2016, 12:43 PM
  #6  
Senior Member

True Car Nut
 
Tech II's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Worcester, Ma.
Posts: 2,878
Received 1,084 Likes on 832 Posts
Tech II has a reputation beyond reputeTech II has a reputation beyond reputeTech II has a reputation beyond reputeTech II has a reputation beyond reputeTech II has a reputation beyond reputeTech II has a reputation beyond reputeTech II has a reputation beyond reputeTech II has a reputation beyond reputeTech II has a reputation beyond reputeTech II has a reputation beyond reputeTech II has a reputation beyond repute
Default

It'* P0420......sounds like your waveform is correct......Replaced 3X'*?

Either the wrong type cat, or you have a driveability problem taking out the cats....
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
labonnita
1987-1991
9
12-26-2009 09:58 PM
SSEimatt93
Your Other Rides: Pics & Videos
1
12-30-2007 07:43 PM
Larry Hagman's Liver
1987-1991
6
04-04-2006 01:26 PM
SSEimatt93
Lounge
10
07-12-2004 12:30 AM



Quick Reply: 02 Alero Converter Code



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:04 AM.