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06 Tucson Catalytic Converter

8K views 17 replies 5 participants last post by  mudmanmike 
#1 ·
On my daughters 2006 Tucson GLS 4WD the check engine light came on. Took to AutoZone and they ran the codes. Showing both banks for the Catalytic Converters being bad. Vehicle has 170k+ miles. Runs and Drives great. I called a few shops to get a rough quote on having the converts replaced. Quotes range between $2200 and $2500. Was a little shocked. What are my options for a less expensive route just to get it to pass inspection here in NC. Already done the reset but light comes on before the required mileage driven. Any help will do. I'm pretty mechanical inclined but not a pipe welder. Thanks!
 
#2 ·
What engine? What shops did you talk to?

First - are you SURE it is the cats? - i.e. I'm not sure that code couldn't be produced by bad O2 sensors, fuel mixture, etc. I'm not saying it ISN'T the cats, but it's a lot of money to replace them and find out it was something else:

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog...l+v6,1432774,exhaust,catalytic+converter,5808

There are 5% off codes online. Cats are minimum $375 plus shipping. Looks like they bolt on, but you are likely dealing with a lot of frozen/rusted/corroded bolts and possible access issues for the front cat. $2200 seems WAY high, though...
 
#4 ·
The Tucson has the 2.7L V6. Thanks for the information. I'll take to a local shop to have them confirm it's isn't a sensor or something simple. Replacing the Converters will be more than I want to spend on this vehicle. Was hoping for a more economical solution to keep it on the road 1-2 years. Thanks
 
#6 ·
I dug up the sheet from Autozone. Here are the codes

Definition:
Code P0430 indicates that the Bank 2 Catalyst System efficiency was below the threshold for a predetermined period of time.

Error Code Read
P0430 Catalyst Efficiency Below Normal (Bank 2)
P0420 Catalyst Efficiency Below Normal (Bank 1)
P0430 Catalyst Efficiency Below Normal (Bank 2)
P0420 Catalyst Efficiency Below Normal (Bank 1)
P0442 EVAP System Large Leak (0.040") Detected

This is just as it is printed on the sheet. Is there a way to post this pic on the forum?
Thanks!
 
#9 ·
I'm no expert, but this tells me you have at least 2 cats, one on each bank and bank 2 is bad. With you miles, not too bad. First I'd get under it and take a good look, take measurements from flange to flange and where the post O2 is located. Take a pic for reference. Then search for it's replacement. The replacement should come with new gaskets and bolts, hopefully. I've replaced one on a 06 Chevy a few years back, wasn't too difficult. GM's price was right at a grand and I got the entire assemble (this included a down pipe on this particular one) for about $130 shipped off Ebay. Pain to do, but easy with just hand tools.
 
#7 ·
The text is probably all we need, but you can create a garage on here or maybe upload the picture to the website (imageshack, imgur, photobucket) and link to it.

I'm NOT a technician, but here is what I am getting at:

P0430 means the Bank 2 Catalyst system efficiency is below the threshold.

But the only way the system can know the Catalyst efficiency is below threshold is b/c the O2 sensor after (???) the cat is reading too much oxygen. But that could mean the cat is bad (expensive), or it could mean the O2 sensor is bad (not expensive), or it could mean there is an exhaust leak ahead of the O2 sensor (usually inexpensive).
 
#8 ·
Unless you have access to a high level scanner where you can watch the O2 sensor readings
(preferably on a graph)
Personally, I would replace the O2 sensors first.
It is a cheaper try to fix.

Normally, catalytic converters are meant to last the life of the car
unless it has been running rich or lean or too hot
So, there is a good chance it could be the O2 sensors.

Also, don't forget to check to see if there is any leaks in the system
That can throw off the readings and give you a code also.

Good luck
 
#10 ·
If we are thinking it is the cat, I'm confused, b/c I think there are three cats. Bank 1 and Bank 2 could easily be the front and rear exhaust manifolds, but there should be another cat further back in the exhaust.

The forward ones come with the exhaust manifold (see RockAuto link above), but the price wasn't too bad.
 
#11 ·
There could very well be 3, one for each bank initially and then a 3rd after the "Y". Another reason to get under and take a look to see what you have. Makes shopping easier.
 
#12 ·
Causes

A code P0430 may mean that one or more of the following has happened:

  • The catalytic converter is no longer functioning properly
  • An oxygen sensor is not reading (functioning) properly
  • There is an exhaust leak
 
#13 ·
Thanks for the great information. I'll get under my Tucson and determine what I have and start with the O2 Sensor if I find no leaks. The vehicle is originally from NY so most of the undercarriage shows rust, solid body though. So it could be just a rusty portion of the exhaust leaking, however I don't hear one under normal driving. I feel a little better now knowing it could be an inexpensive issue. Thanks again for everyone's post and information.
 

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#14 ·
Even if it is the catalytic converter - see my earlier post - cat is around $125. Labor is around $200, but shops estimate $600 for the cat. If you can find a shop that will let you use your own parts and still do the install for $200 and you buy the cat from RockAuto, you can get (one) cat replaced for about $225.

O2 Sensor is around $50 and should be easy to change (needs a $15 or so socket, though) - but I don't recommend changing the sensor unless you know it is bad - especially if you are just trying to keep the car for a couple more years.
 
#15 ·
I took my Tucson to 3 different shops, local mechanic, and 2 muffler shops. The local mechanic said it was for sure the CATS. The two muffler shops said it was the CATS. I feel the folks I was dealing with were being honest with me. Both muffler shops quoted me with parts and labor $3k+. Both stated that the Tucson was a low emissions vehicle and replacing portions of the system wouldn't help being that the threshold was so low for this vehicle. Looks like I'm either selling for it for a few grand loss or going to try and do the NC Inspection Waiver to get another year out of it. Anyone had any experience with doing that in NC? Thanks in advance.
 
#18 ·
If you have an OBDII reader (get 1 from Harbor freight or Amazon cheap), reset all the codes and then drive the car. Wait until all the emission ready flags go active except the CAT. It will be the last one to clear. Drive immediately to an inspection and have them perform the inspection. NC allows for a maximum of 1 ready flag not to be cleared to do an inspection on that model year of car. I also have the same issue with 0420 and 0430 codes. The car runs great and I have replaced all the Ox sensors. I have contemplated going the rockauto route to change the CAT's but until I have to I'll wait and do the once a year inspection work around. My Tuc has 168k miles and still runs smooth with the codes.
 
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