I have an '01 SSEi. I recently was told that the catalytic convertor was clogged, so I removed it and knocked out all of the insides and put it back on. Maybe that was not the best solution to the problem, but I am currently unemployed and could not afford to replace the part. I have a Service Engine Soon light on now. When they scan for codes at Advance Auto Parts, the error code says "catalyst system not performing efficiently" or something like that. I have a few questions. Is this an indication of a bad O2 sensor? If I replace the O2 sensor is the lack of a good catalytic converter going to cause me to get that error message anyway?
I can't find to post, but I believe there is an O2 replacement part that tells the computer that all is well with the system and nether alters the operation of the car or send the error message. If this is correct, can someone tell me the name for this part and where I can get one?
Thanks for your help. I'm a poor old man trying to keep the car running as good as I can until things get better. I don't want to ignore the service engine soon light, but it stays on all the time and I don't need to continue to get it scanned every week to make sure there are no new codes.
Hey, it ain't easy being po'!

An O2 emulator like this http://zzperformance.com/grand_prix/products1.php?id=967&catid=107 will fake the rear sensor and tell the PCM the car is ok.

Great! Thanks for the help.

I've seen some sights that offer an O2 spacer, or O2 Eliminator that seems to do the same thing. Here's one site:
http://o2spacer.com/
Does anyone know if these things will prevent my Service Engine Soon light from coming on after gutting my Cat?
Thanks for your comments, this would be a great cheap fix if it works.

What is the actual code you are getting? Have you replaced the front sensor in the past?

Never replaced either sensor. Don't know the code number. Just know the guy at Advance Auto Parts said the code said "catalyst system not working efficiently".

Please get the codes read and report the actual codes here and refer to techinfo for the definitions. We just don't want to throw parts and money at it to not fix it. Autozone only knows what the code reader tells them.

Code is PO420

I have a ZZP o2 emulator that is barely used.

$45 shipped

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Andrew - owner/operator of Bonnevilles Unlimited

2004 Bonneville GXP | 60k | White Gold Tricoat | custom built supercharged 3800 hot rod | garage queen
1997 Corvette | 57k | Silver Metallic | Z06 wheels | Date-night Hauler/Parts runner
2014 Town & Country Limited | Cashmere Pearl | 115k | Family Hauler
2002 Ram 1500 Quad Cab Sport | Black| 280k | Official Bonneville Hauler

Thanks, but they sell for $49.99 new on the website. Don't think used is worth the $5 savings.

ZZP also charges probably at least $5 shipping, so you're saving at least $10.

_________________
Bye Bye:

RIP sandrock

They charge $7.95 for shipping, so you are saving $13.

Make an offer of what you think its worth.

_________________
Andrew - owner/operator of Bonnevilles Unlimited

2004 Bonneville GXP | 60k | White Gold Tricoat | custom built supercharged 3800 hot rod | garage queen
1997 Corvette | 57k | Silver Metallic | Z06 wheels | Date-night Hauler/Parts runner
2014 Town & Country Limited | Cashmere Pearl | 115k | Family Hauler
2002 Ram 1500 Quad Cab Sport | Black| 280k | Official Bonneville Hauler

Do you know anything at all about this part?
http://o2spacer.com/

Not gonna fix your problem. They're for vehicles known for fouling O2 sensors, and just by the looks of the site, anything on the ricer market should be avoided...

_________________
Bye Bye:

RIP sandrock

I had a CEL fix on my WRX because i added a Cat-less downpipe and worked like a charm, i don't know how it works on other cars but it worked well for my subie. I would say look on ClubGP and see if there is someone locally to you that has Powrtuner and have them disable the code. My CEL fix on my subie looked like this (pulls the O2 sensor out of the exhaust stream.

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Shane "RedZMonte"
2004 Z16 Z06: Virgin
2000 SSEi: Kenwood DDX512, 3.25" MPS, ZZP DP, PLog, Puck Mount, NGK TR7's, DHP Tuned
1995 Monte Z34: T04e "60" turbo, 42.5# injectors, Borla Catback, OBDII swap, DHP Tuned, Much more...