Catalytic converter code P0432

[jkelly]

Hey all,

So my '01 TJ is throwing a P0432 code. Upon easy research, it's that the "main catalyst efficiency below threshold." I haven't noticed any drop in performance and the vehicle is pretty new to me so I don't know if it's affecting the mileage.

I've gotten a quote for around 1,000$ for the repair. Was told the part alone is around 600 if I remember right. Now, auto parts stores have catalytic converters that range from 100$-600$. And it has them "compatible" with my vehicle.
https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p...4hm/22315828-P?searchTerm=catalytic+converter

https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p...860/10648025-P?searchTerm=catalytic+converter

Can someone explain why the 2 are so different in price, as well as what I would need?

From talking to people, this code is not going to be due to an O2 sensor... It's a real code saying the cat is going out. Is that accurate?

Lastly, I live in Ohio which is not an emissions testing state (or rather Columbus is not an emissions testing city). I've talked to a few people who say you can remove the cat, take it apart and knock out the honey come metal and that put everything back together. Sounds like a lot of work. Can I cut off the converter and just connect the piper to the muffler without causing an issue with sensors and performance?

Appreciate the help!

 

[mots]

You'll need both of those parts to replace all 3 cats (2 monitored cats up front and 1 unmonitored cat in the rear). Might as well do all 4 O2 sensors at the same time if they are original. This is exactly what I am doing soon. That said, there is a recent thread where we are discussing all the different aftermarket catalytic converter units. Some can be bought for $250-300 that include all 3 cats in one kit. Look around a bit and you'll see what I mean. As far as$1000 for just the cats...find another shop, you should be able to get the 3 cats ($250-350+), aftermarket cat-back ($200-300+) and all 4 sensors ($170-190) installed (~$200-350 labor) for less than or around $1000 or so +tax. Point out the cost of the parts (print out or email links) letting them show you know how much the parts cost, and that you know they are a dealer/reseller of said parts. Then make sure you work out a fair deal on labor.

 

[mots]

P.S. you can forgo the rear 3rd single larger cat. It won't hurt anything or throw codes per others here that have weighed in.

 

[Kingkole02]

Jkelly,
Hopefully you’ve fixed this already.
However I just completed the job.

Replaced my Y down pipe as the rear cat is gone, completely gutted inside. The debris are embedded in the lower (3rd) cat.
I found parts off cheap auto parts and rock auto. The rock auto were the o2 sensors and they are Denso. Direct fit and color coded like the original (white clip in the rear, black clip in the front). The y pipe might have been from outside the US, however after I painted it and wrapped in it exhaust wrap, it won’t flake from corrosion like the Chrysler one.
Got exhaust mounting flange bolts (4) from the dealer.
Went together well. I did not change the upper, exhaust o2 sensors although I should have considered that.

In total my cost was around 300. Did all the labor myself over a few days after work and such. Got all the exhaust put back together in about 4 hours. It’s a bit of a difficult install getting the stud bolts to go into the flange with the heat shielding in the way.
I used 15 mm sockets and 5/8 wrench. They both fit about the same but 15 mm seems to be the correct size.
Rock auto also sells a o2 sensor socket specially built to remove o2 sensors. Works great.

 

[Kingkole02]

Here are some pics of what I found

 

[Daredevil96]

Here are some pics of what I found

View attachment 70765

View attachment 70766

View attachment 70767

How is the new cat holding up for you? I’ve been looking at prices and it’s kind of ridiculous (oem and flowmaster).

Been debating on getting just some random one from autozone or amazon or bite the bullet and get a flowmaster. I have a p0432 code however it went away this morning.

It’s weird. It starts to idle weird on start. Then at times I lose power then I get misfires I guess? It popped on me 3 times then of fixed itself.

Sometimes I hit a bump and it comes back on. Sometimes it works just fine so I am bamboozled.

Sounds like the one of the cats might be like this inside and every time I hit some bump, the inside parts move around and either clog or unclog the cats

But what’s weird is…. If I feel this weird idling, I’ll turn it off and back on and it goes away. So im even more bamboozled.

I see this post is a bit old. how are the cats holding up ok after a few years now ?