Question about clearing a permanent code (cat below threshold or whatever)
 

Hey there. I have to get my car inspected soon and I'm afraid it won't pass because of a permanent error code (cat efficiency below threshold). I have Berk non-res test pipes and have been getting CEL's a lot lately (probably happened two or three times in the last 100 miles). They haven't been on this past week or anything, but because of my upcoming inspection, I'm afraid I won't be passing.

What should I do: should I swap my pipes for some HFCs, or just stick the OEM ones back on? Also, how might I go about clearing the permanent code? I'm at work right now, so I can't get the actual number. I think it's PO106, but that's just from a quick Google search.

Also, would getting a tune fix this problem? I'm not sure how it is with the Berk pipes. Don't they clear the ECU for a tune? Would that include the permanent code?

Thanks, sorry for the nooby questions this morning. :o :o :o :wtf2:

You have to go through at least one drive cycle, with all emissions systems functioning properly, before a permanent DTC will clear. Google is your friend.

So I Googled that earlier and tried the drive-cycle, but I never got the code to go away. I just assumed that it was the wrong solution to the problem, but maybe it just wasn't functioning properly, as you say. Do you know how I might get it to do that? I also read somewhere to clear all regular CEL codes (just have the permanent code), then drive under 3k RPM for 80-120 miles, then hopefully it'll go away. There's also the weird hold the accelerator for 7 seconds, release for 10 seconds method, too, but that's the one I hadn't had luck with. Any suggestions? I've tried Googling this stuff but maybe I'm just using the wrong terms when searching. Thanks a lot, BTW. :)

Also, your little gift to me is sitting in the garage all worked on and everything :D Just waiting for some aluminum plates to deliver so I can get to work :rofl2: me and my family are still laughing at how I fit your bumper in my car :inoutroflpuke:

What are you using to pull and clear codes?

I think if you get a custom tune certain codes can be turned off completely... not sure if that will work for smog or not.

I think disconnecting the battery for 10-30 minutes will also clear all the codes from the ECU... not 100% sure about that.

I've got a little bluetooth OBD II reader and I use Dash Command on my V20 to clear codes. I might try the battery thing after work, just to try it. I am doubtful it will clear a perma code though (I think they're saved to the ECU and all that).

FSM should have drive cycle procedure to clear code. Some emissions errors take more than one trip to clear, IIRC.

From what I've read, procedures using ignition switch, gas pedal, etc can be very finicky, especially when it come to timing.

If it is a permanent DTC, pulling the battery cable won't clear it.

Are you sure you have the problem fixed? P0106 is a MAP code - not sure how/if that would trigger an emissions problem.

Maybe it's a different code. I can let you know for sure when I go get lunch. It's definitely the code about catalytic efficiency though haha

So uh... Just now getting lunch. Remember those codes I was talking about? Yeah, they're all cleared now. Don't know why that happened but yeah it looks a-ok to me :rofl2:

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You're welcome. No charge ;)

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:icon18: :inoutroflpuke:

It came back on on my drive to work this morning... :mad: :facepalm: :shakes head:

It's code P0430. The code reads "Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 2."

I also had the Bank 1 code come on, but it wasn't permanent and I have that cleared now. No more CEL, but the permanent code did come back after just over a week of non-aggressive driving.

Does this mean I should try that ECU reset thing and see if that fixes it?

If you don't have catalytic converters, the catalyst system efficiency is going be low. If you want to pass a state inspection, you need some cats (or a very friendly inspection station).

That's what I figured :ughdance: my AFR is at around 14.8 which is pretty normal, though. I thought that might be a helping factor haha

Drove about an hour and a half today during work and Bank 1 turned on on the way back. I'll try the ECU reset pedal trick thing when I get home and see if that fixes anything :)

Update for those of you in the future wondering how to fix this:

The pedal sequence thing does not clear permanent codes! It does, however, clear stored and pending codes (which means it does the same thing as clearing codes in an OBDII code reader device/app like Dash Command or Torque Pro).

The only way I can clear perma-codes are to drive under 3000-4000 rpms for maybe a day or two. I'm down to only having a code on for Bank 1 at the moment, but it'll probably all go away within the week.

Other than that, I've got nothing. Keep your cats and you won't have this problem. I can't really say anything for HFCs because I don't own any yet, but maybe I'll reply to this thread in the future so you guys can see how those turn out with codes :icon17: Although, to be fair, Google may know more about this than I do.

Thanks for all the help, everyone :tup: