The problem started in January 2014. The SSR had been sitting in Garage during the sub Zero temperatures. I went out to do the weekly start up during cold storage. While idling in garage. The check engine light came on. P0420. All summer SSR drove ok with no trouble codes. Then January 2015 same code when extreme cold. But this same code was coming on in traffic & on heat soak after shut down & restart after a hour.
I went through the mechanical & all parts were within nominal range. I finally got tired of the Trouble code. Took to Chevrolet dealer. The Rocket Scientist Mechanic? Hooked OBDII to my SSR. He got the same trouble code & said give him $57 for his diagnosis & $2500 for new Catalytic Converters. I asked why? Clogged by gas? I did not accept his offer to repair. Found the Fuel injectors would not properly anatomize or just would not work after heating to normal operating temps. Replace Fuel injectors. $1000, Also found same problems with Ignition Coils. $100.
Then while I had everything apart. found the AC Delco 100,000 plugs had too wide a gap for spark to jump at 25,000. $50, While reassembling the intake & fuel rails. Found several Vacuum leaks at Fuel PSI Regulator. Dealer price for part. $75. My cost. $10. I had the Battery disconnected during Fuel Injector repairs. Negative Battery Post severely Rusted & bat ground connection. New Post & clean up. $5. I also found that SUNOCO uses too much Ethanol in gas. It caused a trouble code. My other advise is to get Chevron Techtron injector cleaner. $7 Also use Mr Gasket Catalytic Converter cleaner every 1000. $25 Now my SSR is running great.
Do not wait for GM Recommended dates & miles to replace parts. Check Annually & change oil every 3000. Pull Spark Plugs to be sure gap is 0.040 max & min. This simple step will save headaches. As written on Instructions of Box of New Catalytic Converters I did not install. Check Engine Tune & Performance before replacing for a P0420 trouble code.
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The problem started in January 2014. The SSR had been sitting in Garage during the sub Zero temperatures. I went out to do the weekly start up during cold storage. While idling in garage. The check engine light came on. P0420. All summer SSR drove ok with no trouble codes. Then January 2015 same code when extreme cold. But this same code was coming on in traffic & on heat soak after shut down & restart after a hour.
I went through the mechanical & all parts were within nominal range. I finally got tired of the Trouble code. Took to Chevrolet dealer. The Rocket Scientist Mechanic? Hooked OBDII to my SSR. He got the same trouble code & said give him $57 for his diagnosis & $2500 for new Catalytic Converters. I asked why? Clogged by gas? I did not accept his offer to repair. Found the Fuel injectors would not properly anatomize or just would not work after heating to normal operating temps. Replace Fuel injectors. $1000, Also found same problems with Ignition Coils. $100.
Then while I had everything apart. found the AC Delco 100,000 plugs had too wide a gap for spark to jump at 25,000. $50, While reassembling the intake & fuel rails. Found several Vacuum leaks at Fuel PSI Regulator. Dealer price for part. $75. My cost. $10. I had the Battery disconnected during Fuel Injector repairs. Negative Battery Post severely Rusted & bat ground connection. New Post & clean up. $5. I also found that SUNOCO uses too much Ethanol in gas. It caused a trouble code. My other advise is to get Chevron Techtron injector cleaner. $7 Also use Mr Gasket Catalytic Converter cleaner every 1000. $25 Now my SSR is running great.
Do not wait for GM Recommended dates & miles to replace parts. Check Annually & change oil every 3000. Pull Spark Plugs to be sure gap is 0.040 max & min. This simple step will save headaches. As written on Instructions of Box of New Catalytic Converters I did not install. Check Engine Tune & Performance before replacing for a P0420 trouble code.
- Todd Y., Toledo, OH, US