Well, I got my my exhaust parts installed Tubi headers, Tubi test pipes, Capristo bypass valve, Big Daddies Catted O2 extenders, Oem Muffler. Car sounds and runs great. After 30 miles of driving, I got CEL and the P1448 code. First thought was the decattng caused the CEL, but reading here, it sounds like it's bypass system related. I cleared the code with my scanner, but the CEL light won't go out from clearing the code and the code came right back without even driving the car a mile. Any insight much appreciated. Skipp
1448 is the cat overheating at the center bypass valve. Make sure you plug in the thermal couple and make sure the TCU works. You can swap TCU around to see if the error code follows the TCU.
Skipp, Since you didn't have the code before and the thing you changed on that TC was the bypass valve, I would make sure that it is functioning correctly. There was no reason for them to have unplugged the TC to install the test pipes or bypass valve but if for some reason they did, make sure they didn't swap the TC/SDECU on the right side also.
not sure. but I think the vacuum for the bypass has to be reversed with the Capristo BPV? keep in mind the capristo is default open, as opposed to default closed with oem. so regular cruising around where the BPV would otherwise be closed, the capristo needs to get vacuum to close under those condition etc.. vice/versa. so the code you're getting for the by pass thermo prob is likely because the ecu is looking at it like like a wired open oem bp valve where the prob is getting continues exhaust steam. etc
Thanks guys. To clarify. The Capristo bypass valve has been in the car since last Fall with no issues. The Tubi manifolds, test pipes, and big daddies are what was installed this week. I hear the exhaust get louder when I go WOT and the valve is closed when at idle, so the bypass valve seems to be working correctly. I pulled the hose to the bypass valve to check for holes, and there were none. When I got the car two years ago the OEM valve was bolted too tight between the pipes and wasn't opening. That situation never threw a code. When blowing into bypass hose from the top that connects to the valve, you can hear a little airflow below at the solenoid. It's not a lose connection at the solenoid, just some air passing through it when I blow. I know one of the nipples on the solenoid your not supposed to be able to blow air through, but the other nipple air should flow through when you blow. Since the valve is opening under WOT, I don't think it's the valve. Thermocouple is installed in the bypass. Tech said he had to gently stretch the Y pipe to get it to align with the header connections. He's very careful, so I don't think that was a issue. It's ironic that the TCU or probe would fail while making this header swap. Should I just replace the TCU and probe ?
Also, should the CEL light be extinguished when the scanner clears the code ? Mine cleared everything code, but the CEL remained.
Skipp, easy way to do this is swap the TCU and see if the code moves. You can simply swap the wires as the TCU's are on the same panel. RH side, corner of rear bumper.
If you don't more the thermocouple and only swap the wire, if the code moves, bad TCU. If it stays the same, swap the thermocouple. If that causes the code to move, bad thermocouple. Not sure why you light is not going out. Be sure to clear pending codes too.
Another pic. The TC was clearly shot internally. The professional techs that I have worked with on these confirm that they are an item that regularly fails over time. The environment adjacent to the Cats and the bypass valve where these are located is the harshest in the engine bay. Not a big deal if you diagnose it correctly and replace it. Image Unavailable, Please Login
Given all was well before the car was worked on, along what looks like a bend over TC, it seems reasonable to suggest that this failure was based on an external influence and not a component failure. Regardless, Skipp, I'm glad you found the issue - that's really all that matters.
I'm happy that this far, the decat and Big Daddies appear to be working. I'll keep everybody posted as the experiment continues.
A quick update: Up and running again thanks to a new bypass valve thermocouple purchased from DrBob for $100 less than OEM. Shout out to Bob ! Had to bend the TC to clear the heat shield above the bypass valve. This lack of clearance is what led to the failure on the original probe. Car sounds fantastic. Not too loud, just right imho. No CEL thus far with the Big Daddies and decat. Also, the car doesn't smell bad at all without the cats. Will keep updating as the miles pass.
Hi Skipp, ask the people driving behind you and get back to us Also, for those wanting OEM parts, Eurospares has OEM Thermocouples for $152.00
+100. We've used the Dr. Bob TCs on several occasions. Not only is the price attractive, the quality is far superior to the overpriced OEM units. Shop local, be happy!
At an OEM price point of $152, that's pretty reasonable IMO especially for a part that rarely fails as confirmed by long time, factory master techs. It's also a very simple part and I'm not understanding how one could be so far superior in quality. And OEM units have the proper threaded nuts that have not been re tapped as some of the DIY assembled TC were made. In Skipp's case here, the faliure was some outside influence that broke the part. Very different than a component that just stopped working.
Thanks Skipp. I'm glad it worked out. I know you just did the Capristo bypass valve but I have made the thermocouples for guys that have Capristo exhausts with the lead about 6" longer to allow the bung to be assessed properly. Don't know if the valve in your case was interfering. The thermocouples have a reinforced strain relief crimp at the junction to the probe that is sturdier than the OEM design. Most of the failures occur at the joint due to the heat and vibration just inches from the cat. I have provided over a 100 of these to shops, end users and suppliers. The OEM units do fail as I know personally in my car and from all the people I have provided replacements for.. All nuts are drilled and tapped whether they are the ones provided with the OEM units by an automated process or by me. This is how nuts are made. Thanks for the kind words and you know where I am if you need anything. The Big Daddy's are working here also. Thank you to David Feinberg for that tip. He is a wealth of knowledge.
For those that don't know about metal cutting and are interested, fasteners are made by starting with raw materials and some threads are made by forming, single point turning and tapping. In all cases, new parts don't have existing threads drilled out to change the thread size. That is a less than ideal situation for those that care. Also, when machining stainless steel, if using cutting tools not made of solid carbide, post machining passivation is performed to prevent rust from iron particles left behind from the cutting tools. These proper processes along with the design, testing, overhead, warranty and service of true, legitimate businesses all add to the cost of components. Obviously it up to the individual to determine the proper direction that suits their needs and comfort level. For me, if I'm taking my car to a shop, I want OEM parts to be used or other options discussed with me prior. Skipp, very glad your car is sorted. That's the most important part!