430 Well, I Spoke Too Soon (CEL After Header Install)

So in at least my DIY thread and in a reply to somebody else's thread, I mentioned not getting a CEL after installing my ceramic coated AP headers. That was based on three separate occasions when I've pulledthe car out of the garage, let it warm up to normal operating temps, revving it a few times, then pulling it back it the garage. All in all, each occasion lasted around 15-20 minutes. Never a CEL. I went to do the same today, and got a CEL. My theory is that at least one O2 sensor is failing due to the ceramic coating on the inside of the exhaust. I still have all the panels off, so I plan to check and make sure all the manifold nuts and sensors are still tight. I don't have a scan tool, but I'm open to recommendations. I was thinking of this one: https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/b/bosch-3089/tools---equipment-16488/diagnostic-16546/code-readers-scanners-17943/5609f7011617/bosch-scan-tool/obd1300/2578941

 

ok, so without an error code such as p0xxx , it is shooting in the dark. Why o2 sensor would fail because of heat insulation? the stock header insulation is even better than ceramic coating! It is just that the oem style insulation is way too expensive to produce in the afttermarket hence the ceramic, which is an half-ass solution, in my humble opinion.

 

I am with 24000. It has nothing to do with the coating. It has everything to do with the sensitivity of the O2 sensors and is the problem that EVERYONE who replaces the stock headers faces. Why would yours magically not have that issue and it be attributable to something that shouldn't have any impact? When you hear hoof beats you don't think zebras.

 

While it is warming up, dont rev it- this sends unburnt fuel up the pipe and deposits it on the cool sensor. Just let it tick over to get some heat in the sensor

 

Try these they worked for me.
http://www.bigdaddiesgarage.com/mini-cat-cel-fix.html

 

https://www.armytrix.com/shop/armynator-cel-delete-dongle

 

also worked for me

 

That's a good point. I never rev a car while it's still warming up, but I might have done so a little early that time. I thought I dodged the bullet like others with AP headers have reported (not getting CEL). That's part of the reason I suspect it has to do with the coating. We just got 4" of snow, so it may be a while before I get another chance to pull it out to see if it goes away on it own.

 

Retune the care and blank sensor signal so its never an issue.

 

360Trev is offering a reflash tool to desensitise the rear cat o2 sensors.

I have a custom tune on my car which included it - it is my preferred option.

 

These worked for me as well, never a CEL.

 

Its not going away on its own.

 

If you live in a State that requires emission testing then it is prudent to purchase a scan tool that has the "Monitor Ready" or Drive Cycle Complete " status built in. That way you know when not to go to the test facility

My $0.02

 

I do (Pennsylvania), but my car is exempt die to putting less than 5k miles on it between inspections. I'll be exploring those bungs mentioned above. Yay, another $300+ between a scanner and hardware.

 

I ordered an Actron CP9680 scan tool and was wondering if it will go so far as to indicate which O2 sensor(s) might be causing the CEL, assuming that's what it is. Was also wondering if it's safe to assume it would be one, or both, of the O2 sensors that were mounted on the OEM manifolds, now on the back part of the headers??

 

The code will indicate left bank or right bank pre or post.

 

So, I received my OBDII scanner today and the code it found was P0600, which reads as follows:
Motronic ME 7.1.1 - RH
P0600
RH-B AND LH-B CAN LINE ERROR
CAN line communication error between the RH ECU and the LH ECU
Communication Error
Wiring and system intactness check.
I don't know what to make of this. I was extremely cautious with disconnecting the four sensors and reconnecting them. I even wrapped everything in cotton and plastic. Another thread elsewhere mentioned something about not getting a reading on the tach, but my tach works. As far as I know, there are no noticeable traits to consider, such as rough idle, hard starting, etc. Everything appears as normal, but then again, I haven't driven it off my driveway yet. I was able to clear it without it coming back (at least not yet).

 

Mine had fabspeed headers, it left me with codes. I had the 02 sensor extenders installed, codes still remained. I went back to stock headers, problem solved. I installed fabspeed muffler and tips months later, check engine came back. revert back to stock and problem solved. The only modification I am able to do without codes is to keep everything stock except the tips which I have are Fabspeed.

 

"EVERYONE"? Others have reported not getting a CEL after installing headers. In my case, it turned out the CEL had nothing to do with emissions or exhaust, so my AP headers are still CEL-free Maybe I'll still get a header-related CEL down the road, but keeping my fingers crossed.

The P0600 points to communication between the left and right bank ECUs, and I have a suspicion I know why. After a successful header install, I thought I'd take on something easy, like installing a custom drink holder assembly on the rear parcel shelf between the seats. The assembly was secured by two fine thread screws, which I'm guessing nicked a wire below the shelf. I'll have to take out the panels and check things over. I wish I never got thirsty while driving

 

Well, my above theory was disproven. Not only did the two screws I put through the rear parcel shelf clear all the wires underneath with ample room, everything is still like new. So the search for the cause of the coincidental P0600 code continues.

 

I spoke at length with Trevor last week (a very educational and humorous conversation). We spoke for more than two hours.

I am eagerly awaiting availability of his version for the 430. He recommends the desensitization option rather that just ignoring the signals completely.

I was incredibly impressed with his knowledge about the various microprocessors in the 430 and how they communicate. And, he's a fellow assembler language programmer. There are very few of us.

Ray

 

Use the scan tool to clear the errors. Drive the car about ten miles. The error should not return. Recheck with the scan tool.

The errors are telling you the right bank can't communicate with the left bank on the CAN BUS.

The errors may have occurred when you disconnected something and reinstalled it if the battery switch was not turned off. These cars are very fussy about things like this but once everything is back in order and battery voltage is above 12.5v when you shut down you should be okay.

Ray

 

Clear the error codes and startup from cold, keep off the accelerator until it has run for 2 minutes, then see if it throws a code- mine does not this last 4 years with Capristo manifolds. Once hot it is fine.

 

Has anyone avoided the CEL with headers and cat deletes? Besides a tune.

 

No