CEL: Catalyst efficiency low-bank 1

[kmhord01]

Got a CEL this morning when I turned on my car. I just got back from a road trip that was about 800 miles in total. The entire trip the light did not come on. Before the trip I had changed the oil, air filter, and serpentine belt. I took the car by Autozone for a code read and was reported as follows:(did not get error code)DefinitionCatalyxt efficiency low bank 1Explanation The oxygen sensors monitor the Catalytic Converters ability to store oxygenProbable cause1-Catalytic converter defective (failure possibly due to # 2, 3, or 4)2-Engine misfire or running condition3-large vacuum leak4-Engine oil leakage into exhaust-valve guide seals, piston rings. I've searched the forums and read through various threads. I've cleared the code by unplugging the battery, and it has yet to come back (only a few hours ago). I checked to see if there were any lose hoses, and the oil is still at the 'full' level so there seems to be no leaks. The engine runs fine.The car is only 5 years old, and has 67k miles. If the catalytic converter has indeed gone bad, is it possible the car is still covered by the catalytic warranty GM has? Even in todays condition of GM?

[northvibe]

what year and model of vibe?ie. 2003 GT or base.There was a certain model year that had cat issues.Also since it is 5 yrs old there could be a vacuum leak or a crack in a rubber hose off the intake etc.

[kmhord01]

Its an 05

[northvibe]

Quote, originally posted by kmhord01 »Its an 05base 1zz or a GT 2zz engine?have the car running and check all the rubber hoses around the intake, pcv etc to see if you can hear or feel the tubes for leaking.If it is a Cat then yes it should be covered under the emissions warranty, but I forgot how long that is.

[kmhord01]

1zz, and in the owner's manual it says the warrenty is 8 years or 80k miles, so still covered. I'll check hoses as a precautionary. Drove for approximately 4 hours today, still no sign, but knowing all this doesn't hurt.

[joatmon]

welcome to genvibeQuote, originally posted by kmhord01 »(did not get error code)sounds like a P0420 http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=19728

[tunertype]

emissions law cat must last 7 years regardless of mileage. problem with dealerships is they always find a way to skrew you. They'll probbaly charge you 200 dollars just to tell you it's not the cat. it's hard to test cat function without an exhaust analizer. you can test to see if it is clogged by checking back pressure(put hand over exhaust outlet should build up pressure quickly and force out your hand or leak out somewhere else) and seeing if the cat is getting unusually hot(red hot). the after cat o2 sensor could also be wrong or you could be getting misfires. or you could have an exhaust leak. Monro and mieneke will do a free brake and exhaust inspection to try and get your business so I'd let them check out the underside of the car.

[northvibe]

Yeah cel lights I think are covered under that emissions warranty for 8yr 80k. because cels are usually some emissions error..Anyway if you take it to a dealer like stated above just make sure you dont pay anything. If they charge you thats bologna.