It means you have a current or stored fault. Do you have more of a story to go with this or are you just curious?

 

OBD codes

I got codes P0420 and P0430 on an OBD scan. What does this mean and what will it cost me to fix? I think it has something to do with oxygen sensors. Emergency?


Thanks.

 

The check engine light went on. Got one codes p0420 and p0430 and want a handle on what this means and how serious.

If it's sensors for oxygen or cat converter autozone fellow suggested additive to clean system. Any problem with this once?

Thanks.
Charles

 

Charles, Did they clear the code? If not, I would try that first and see if it comes back. I am not a fan of the various additives to clean cats. They can make a bad situation worse or make a non-situation a bad one. If the CEL is persistent, you can have the cats inspected with a boroscope. This is all assuming you didn't hit something with the bottom of your car. If so, get to a shop right away. Physical damage to the cats can be very serious. How many miles are on the car?

 

Try these for a start
P0420 Error Code: Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)
OBD-II Trouble Code: P0430 Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 2)

 

They did not clear the codes. I didn't know thy could do that. I can go back and ask them to. Car has 29k miles. A 2009. Seems to drive fine. No I didn't hit anything on bottom of car.

Charles

 

They can, but often won't. You can get an inexpensive reader and do it yourself. Your O2 sensors shouldn't be bad at that mileage and it's odd for them to go out at the same time. Are you using quality gas?

 

I'm glad to say that the lights went off yesterday by themself. I have not filled the tank but once with average fuel. Plan to use premium now at least in an alternating basis. I did not add the fuel additive.

I've only had the car ten days or so.

 

You should plan on using premium EVERY time. These are high compression, high revving precision engines built to Maserati specs by Ferrari. It will run on less than premium, but it actually has to work at it. The engine parameters are designed for high octane fuel. When you run lower octane, it has to make changes to ignition, intake, fuel etc. to try to keep the engine from pinging or knocking. Losing power is the obvious side effect. Putting in crappy gas once in a while because you have no choice (for whatever reason) isn't going to hurt the engine. But I recommend not pushing it during those times. Putting crappy gas in on purpose, well, your car already told you it didn't like it and it didn't take long to do so.

 

lcdave....Could not agree more why would you choose to put regular in a car that is designed for premium. Let's say premium is an extra 30 cents per gallon if you put in 20 gallons of gas that is an extra $6.00. I would say that is the cheapest insurance policy to get the most performance from your vehicle and keep it running well. I would also recommend using Top Tier fuels that contain proper levels of detergents. Top Tier Gasoline

 

Some members have suggested Shell V-Power. I was skeptical at first, but now use it as often as possible. It idles much better and performs top notch. btw, does anyone know how to reset the "expired service coupon" (little green wrench) on a 2009 QP after a DIY oil change?

 

These cars require premium fuel no matter the brand....As far as the service reset you need the dealer or a shop with the proper software to reset it. Jason

 

Yes. The car runs better on better fuel. Probably better mileage as well?

When I start my car in the morning it idles at about 1300 then in gear it drops to about 750. Is this normal?

Is it normal for the downshifting to slow car when coasting towards a light?

Chares

 

I just bought a 2009 QPS yesterday. The CEL came on today. When I checked, the gas tank cover was loose from the dealership. I refilled the fuel and tightened the cover. The CEL remains. I think this may have been the cause for the CEL. Any thoughts?

Anuj
PS - new to the forum

 

Welcome to MaseratiLife!
Without actually clearing the code with a scanner, it can take a few drive cycles to clear itself.