How To Fix A Catalytic Converter Check Engine Code With Spark Plug Non Foulers!

[@VidTubeWatch]

I appreciate you doing this video. FYI: Turn the spark plug defouler that you want drilled out upside down. Less chance to mess up the threads inside as you mentioned. Also use anti-seize on the non-drilled spark plug defouler before inserting it and on the 02 senser threads.

[@ERICSDIYGARAGE]

thank you for the useful tips 👍

[@brasspick]

I use the Copper grease- it grounds the sensors extremely well!!!

[@roby1183]

Was about to suggest the same with the last drill bit.Turn it over and drill it

[@rockysalim3931]

yes. also i used a stepper bit which is much more efficient than multiple drill bits. great video and good suggestion turning the non-fouler over to protect the threads.

[@giuliom8520]

Holy....! Have you been steeling yo mamas nail polish?!

[@audioamateur]

Possibly someone else's hands...? I would imagine

[@JokRKidd]

He got his nails 💅 did for this video 📹 on fleeeeeek👀😂

[@JentleRain]

Always disconnect the wire (plug end) first and then the O2 sensor 2nd, otherwise you are going to twist the wire making it susceptible to breaking.

[@ERICSDIYGARAGE]

yes, I realize this at 6:52 and I disconnected the harness but it was not shown to make the video shorter.

[@uncletoby-]

Best to change your O2 sensors when adding a spacer. You’re down there already so why not.

[@ERICSDIYGARAGE]

I don't change parts just because.

[@montagaemad653]

Dose it work for a California emission .without a visual inspection?? Pls say yes 😭😭

[@TTony300ZX]

You would have to do this to get it to clear the code and have all the readiness monitors in the green. Then you would need to remove the anti fouler and put the 02 sensor back in. After all that take it directly in for inspection as the code normally won't trigger right away it will take several drive cycles for the car to re trigger the code again.

[@JO3haNsum]

If you have not tampered with the exhaust system ...I suggest clearing all codes and monitors and then run your car with the Non Fouler until the Cat Monitor completes [all systems]. Once it completes take off the Non fouler and keep checking with an OBD2 scanner that codes or monitors don't change...if they don't after driving it for 30 miles take it to get smoged or take off the Non Fouler before you take it in the shop. I should've done a video on mine.I just passed after years paying extra to make it pass, some shops were charging me 300 min 500$ max to make it pass under the table

[@stevenbrown7852]

Yes

[@legocat0306]

Lmao California emissions testing is a joke

[@rocketsmall4547]

@@JO3haNsum u coulda just replace the o2 sensor....... i ran my car for years and it use more fuel. and i just reset the computer and drive it just enough to get it to pass. until it dont work anymore. then i change the sensor. realised i should have just freaking change it or use this.......

[@gabriellively5575]

How'd you start with no fingernails and go to cardi B !! helpful video tho

[@garygabos8180]

I have used this method multiple times with success

[@lh98]

Doesn’t doing this run the chance of the computer going into open loop fuel system due to the downstream o2 sensor not getting hot enough? Spaced out like that and not in the exhaust stream it might not get hot enough

[@robertpabon5243]

It worked for my 2008 Honda Accord, saved my about $700 and I passed the emissions test in Illinois

[@dete503]

That's awesome to hear. I'm going to try similar in Illinois

[@robertpabon5243]

@@dete503 nice! Did you pass??

[@jeffreya8329]

Do they not care about these things attached to your o2 sensors?

[@robertpabon5243]

@@jeffreya8329 no they don’t know that there attached, all they care about is your computer system are all in the “ready mode”

[@alvarocomeron]

Im about to do it for the same vehicle

[@rickwilliams7419]

awesome nails 😂😂😂😂😂

[@American_Jeeper]

Four years later and this is still great info. The Jeep JK 3.8's are notorious for popping the P0420 & P0430 codes and mine is no different. I just ordered some one-piece spacers that eliminate the need to drill; the pair (one for each side) cost me $22. Thanks for the video, I greatly appreciate it.

[@ERICSDIYGARAGE]

Yeah now you can buy them without drilling

[@jrodv2]

Hey where'd you find those? Having an issue currently

[@bcbjbggjh9102]

where u get it from , i need one soon

[@Bradhelton938]

Where can you get the one piece ones?

[@jrodv2]

@@Bradhelton938 spark plug anti fouler

[@omarvazquez-jacobo2487]

Bought everithing going to install everything at work and and nice nails when you were showing the pass results.

[@rccox5860]

Awwww damn....i was just about to shell out $2500 for a bunch of shit i dont even want on my vehicle ..until i saw this vid...thanks dude

[@mikesmultimedia]

I feel the same way about the costs to replace. Definitely a lift job, and major under carriage cross beam removal if not cutting and replacing using welds. Also there is actual engine performance issues if CCs inner nesh components are clogged.

[@fizzabit]

Worked like a charm on my 2004 Toyota Camry with 225,000 miles. Thank you so much.

[@ERICSDIYGARAGE]

im glad it helped you out! thank you for watching!

[@ERICSDIYGARAGE]

@Matthew Rider honestly the only way you will know is if you try it. the smog might be difficult to pass with a bad catalytic converter

[@ArunaWeerasingheblacklistlk]

what about the fuel consumption?

[@Zx14rrrrrrrrrrr]

@@ArunaWeerasingheblacklistlk mpg doesn't change much or at all. I've had a bad cat for a while gas mileage was the same

[@ScubaCat3]

@@ArunaWeerasingheblacklistlk The upstream sensor is the "air/fuel" sensor that controls that. The downstream one is just for emissions. The computer compares the upstream reading vs the downstream to make sure the cat is doing it's job. That's why this mod always goes on the downstream sensor.

[@mikesmultimedia]

Researching this mod, for a 2018 Ford transit 250 3.7L as a fix for a P0420 CEL code. I've purchased a pair of Oxygen Sensor removal tools (Socket and smaller simple wrench attachment version) also a set of replacement Oxygen Sensor (4 sensors, 2x upstream and 2x downstream units). I also just applied the Dura Lab Treatment into gas tank (1.5x bottles 16oz each, 1oz per gal) in the meanwhile to clean exhaust system while I prepare for the actual repair work. Note: The Oxygen sensors are not easy to reach at all. Will need to at least jack up vehicle 6 inches just to be able to fit under vehicle to then reach way up inside the engine to access both upstream and downstream sensors. The condition of the exhaust pipes are moderately corroded upon initial visual inspection prompting concerns that sensors may be difficult to unscrew due to seizure of threads (wd-40 application most likely to be used, yet with difficulties due to access issues from limited working space around sensors). Additional concerns possible due to tight space, not permitting the non fowlers. To be attached along with the sensors, causing the sensors to take up more room, then the original space requirements around them.)

[@w_t_v_s]

Yo what would happen if you remove the 02 sensor completely?

[@ERICSDIYGARAGE]

you'll get a check engine code and has a massive exhaust leak

[@dustinleavitt7770]

I mean if you plug your post cat sensor... Y get a check engine light but the car will run fine. The post cat sensor doesn't do anything other than confirm the cat is working

[@nicholasportolese1965]

Much appreciated...I can confirm this process worked like a charm!!

[@pwa3094]

I have a 2002 Suburban with 285,000 miles. For the last 6 years I have squeaked past my smog test for catalytic efficiency. This year the MIL light would come back on right away so I could not squeak by my smog check again. I installed the spark plug extenders and easily passed my smog test.

[@ERICSDIYGARAGE]

Glad it worked out for you!

[@nscriven28]

9 minutes and 34 seconds dude like really do you have nails like that

[@edwardorosado120]

It worked for me THANK YOU I passed the emissions test

[@everyonewasstealingmynamea919]

What state do you live in?

[@CharlesLease-ei1ee]

You might’ve passed emissions but guess what that lights going to come back on guaranteed I know because I’ve done the same thing it got me through emissions but the light will come back the PO 430 PO 420 is still there you’re gonna have to fix the problem. Sorry to tell you this.

[@edwardorosado120]

I was in New Jersey but now I moved to TN.... Thank you but that car is long gone and gotten a newer one but that light stayed off for about a year before selling it

[@h8breed67]

Your hands creeped me the f#!k out..at the end of the video

[@jeremyward493]

Funny, I think that the Emissions testing location I go to.

[@joey4277]

Worked on my 01 rav4 haven't had a check engine light in over 6 years and before I had them go out every single year thank God for these hacks

[@Silent_Shadow]

Emissions BS makes me so angry as a mechanic. Like new diesels. We do $100ks a month at the dealer just in emissions equipment only. And the emissions equipment hurts the actual engine. Stupid government that's out of touch with reality.

[@KevinMaxwell-o3t]

Good, to the point video. But there's no need to disconnect the battery. Removing an oxygen sensor is not risky in any way. And disconnection makes the car revert back to factory defaults. On my wife's Camry is even changes the electric door lock mode, increasing the chance she'll be locked out.

[@0212enrique]

I need for a 2005 honda odyssey to pass the inspection

[@alexmolina4298]

I had the P0431 code. I replaced all the spark plugs and ignition coils myself. In addition, I ended having to to replace the wiring harnesses to the ignition coils as well because they were loose. And the P0431 code came back about a month later. I was frustrated as hell, the error code would only show up unless I completed the drive cycle on my Mazda 6, so I almost threw in the towel. Fast forward to yesterday-- I installed the non-fouler adapter method on the downstream O2 sensor and my car passed smog today. Keep in mind, that might just be a temporary fix. Thanks!

[@rocketsmall4547]

why dont u change the o2 sensor. buy a good one. dont get cheap ones. also those cars will need a new maf one day. you know when u get lots of smoke coming out the exhust.

[@teddiazjr.6223]

Just installed one of these now I’m getting p0138

[@josuehuerta1165]

It worked on my 2006 Nissan Xterra. My check engine went away after about 40 miles after installing this on oxygen sensor in bank 2 and never came back on. This literally saved me hundreds of dollars. Passed emissions with flying colors. Thanks for the mod.

[@DonnieDeLo4577]

I have an 05 xterra, giving this a shot today!

[@SparklingRufus]

I understand the spacer works, but the cat is polluting toxic gases everyday.

[@TheWilferch]

@@SparklingRufus ..the cat only needs to degrade from it's 100% new condition to a 95% good condition....to throw the code. It's not as bad as you make it seem.

[@cesar2542]

Did you leave it on for emission test? I just installed spacers and code went away, but I have to test for emissions today? Please tell me the steps you took brother thank you

[@amariah6410]

@@cesar2542hi did you take it off for the emissions test??? Pls lmk

[@coldbrew_50]

Worked to clear CEL on a gen 2 Prius w/ an aftermarket cat. Has an intermittent CEL so i was able to pass smog in '23. CC was stolen in Aug '21. Just wanted CEL gone so it could come on her other reasons if nec. Still pondering what to do about replacing the cat. CEL reset on its own after about 30 mi drive. Insurance paid for new cat but I took the dough and still have it.

[@mikesmultimedia]

how did they steal the catalytic converter from your car? Did they cut it out?

[@damoncrowfeather4655]

Sad part is, the catalytic converter may be only a couple percent less efficient, and throw the code. I used the 90 degree fittings, because the straight spark plug non fouler didn't work for me.

[@Jess88176]

Nicely done sir. 👌🏼

[@thatboynyah5292]

What are the sizes of the drill bits

[@yungg9504]

Would this work if I have hollowed cats on a 07 ford f-150

[@fightdhr8866]

Didn't work on my 02 ranger..

[@paul-fk7de]

Can you tell me are these all standard size I have a ford focus 2015 just not sure if it fit ?

[@ERICSDIYGARAGE]

yes they are

[@Mr.Pop0]

I just did it on my tundra. The code needs to be reset, it wont clear on its own even after driving for a week.

[@sebestiensoliz8831]

Are you sure that was bank 2. Mine is Bank 1 closer to driver side.

[@harleyjackson5513]

03 Ford Explorer 4.6l, it worked great. 210,000 miles and going strong.

[@sea_bass21]

Mans passed emissions and got his nails done 😂

[@amariah6410]

I’m in AZ is there a visual inspection???

[@zachariahhoffmann9283]

thanks dude! so far so good on my 2000 echo!

[@johnbevins1307]

i see a lot of you guys using your phone as a scan tool what app are you using on your phone

[@ERICSDIYGARAGE]

it's a cheap Amazon one look for obd2 reader and you should see some that can be used with your phone. I recently purchased a blue driver scanner that all works with your phone

[@iispants]

I use one from tmobile called the syncupdrive its fucking amazing

[@iispants]

Gotta say though errics shit is lookin hella nice too

[@ricardogarza1977]

About time someone posts the results!!! 🙌

[@RxRau-kg9ot]

no one wants to admit they did it. you can get major fine if the feds catch you.

[@haicotourouwani9019]

Its clear👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 thank you. Could you show us the 02s2 trend on your scantool?

[@taxrayne7385]

On the 08 civic which 02 sensor gets the spacer?

[@TheWilferch]

You mean INLINE 4..... V6, V8.....etc...not V4...... Also, when drilling, you can turn the unit upside down so the threads or facing down...less chance of hitting them...

[@nutterpc]

Very well explained

[@spbald7502]

Will it work on a 2018 qx60 Infiniti

[@Djuane]

Pb blaster works better than wd-40

[@savagebikerx1357]

Great video, ty.

[@legalsolutions07]

Good vid. I had an eng light on as well as Trac and VSC lights on my 06 Lexus Rx-330 and my scanner coded P0430 bank 2. I put the non fouler on bank 2 downstream 02 sensor and so far after 100 miles no lights come on. I'm taking it to see if it can pass smog in about a week. 🤞🏽

[@cezarcamberos6586]

Did it pass?

[@legalsolutions07]

@@cezarcamberos6586 It passed with no problems.

[@ltsjaded]

I have a Lexus is250 2008. With the exact same codes as yours, same lights and everything. What EXACTLY did you purchase to fix this ?

[@cesar2542]

Hey brother so how did you pass test, did you take the spacers off before you tested? My CEL just turned off after having spacers on for about 80 miles. I need to pass my emissions test today! Thanks brother

[@cesar2542]

Hey brother so how did you pass test, did you take the spacers off before you tested? My CEL just turned off after having spacers on for about 80 miles. I need to pass my emissions test today! Thanks brother

[@samuelwalker1178]

It works I have a 05 taurus with 4 02 sensors I did both downstream and passed today

[@chente-ov2rn]

What state do you live in ?

[@hectorrodriguez9257]

I had the same issue but I don't know if your Kia turned off after it warmed up for me it kept turning off after it warmed up and it would be very difficult to turn on again after I did what it shows in the video it started up and it kept working so this video helped a lot thank you😁👍

[@trevordolly4628]

Your Catalytic converter(s) are most likely clogged then. They usually won't start at all once they are completely clogged

[@ronieantonia393]

I did it but it stil give me bank1 and bank 2!! But I didn’t drill the plugs, i just connect them to the sensors! Maybe i did something wrong?

[@paulroddy-redic5619]

Just want to say thank you, this Definitely worked for me. This video was like rain on a hot day. 02 Tahoe 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@e-racer4673]

Why don’t you drill it from the other side so you wouldn’t have to worry about the threads at all I mean Jesus dude

[@ERICSDIYGARAGE]

I like to risk it all

[@Silent_Shadow]

​@@ERICSDIYGARAGEhaha😂 but it is 100% easier to go the other way

[@coldbrew_50]

Hey bro thank you for the great video. So, I just did this and I have not driven the car yet. It seems that I forgot the 2nd crush washer which would have gone in between the 1st non-fouler and the 2nd. Do you think this will matter? I still have it up on the ramps, I should probably just go back and do it.

[@ERICSDIYGARAGE]

No

[@coldbrew_50]

@@ERICSDIYGARAGE Damn. I didn't read this until I was already finished redoing it. I use the fresh crush washer on the first nonfowler though. And I placed the used crush washer in between the two nonfowlers if that makes sense. I have not driven the car very far yet. I am not resetting the CEL and waiting to see if it will disappear all on its own. Thanks 👍🏽🙏🏽

[@Edward-gk4dj]

It worked on my skateboard

[@PirxthePilot]

Well, this is a saving grace for thousands of catalytic converter theft victims. The non oe 50-100 usd cat replacements last about 6 months after which you have a permanent cat efficiency code check engine light - this if done right fixes it.

[@joshuawebb3337]

Think this works by moving the sensor out of the main stream of exhaust so the voltage doesn't fluctuate as much. One indicator that the cat isn't working as well as it should. This probably won't work if the cat is really bad.

[@itsth3wifi456]

I have 4 on my explorer sport. This is gonna be fun 😂 my 40 series flomaster isn’t loud enough for me though so it’s gotta be done 😮‍💨

[@mikesmultimedia]

I'm only doing downstream sensors x2, seems to be the trend.

[@DavidBoston-rx2yi]

Great job, thank you

[@johnnycanread9978]

You have nice long pretty nails 💅. Hehehe. Thanks for your video.

[@PatrickLarson]

I tried it on a 2002 4Runner and reset my codes, drove for about 18 miles and ONLY the check engine light went on, indicating a P0136 O2 Sensor Circuit code. No other codes yet. Grrr.

[@Theoneking1469]

What size are the drill bits

[@oswaldoceronsanabria5846]

If the guy who making the emisión test see that thing what happens?

[@1SLWMPR]

Fails for modified emissions components

[@Powertoolz]

Just a fail. Take it to a non anal retentive smog shop. If your doing this avoid smog places that go over with a fine tooth comb.

[@countrygamer7280]

Basically, just go to a run down raggy ass shop that doesn’t give af

[@hasanhussein5913]

will this work with lexus Ls430 2006

[@WARD5KUSTOMZ]

Im gonna do this when i install a mustang 3.8 in my mazda b2200

[@ERICSDIYGARAGE]

let me know if this works for you

[@WARD5KUSTOMZ]

@@ERICSDIYGARAGE i will. Just gotta get time to work on it. Been working out of state

[@UnemployedMacintosh]

Just fyi if you’re in California this will still fail if the inspector does the visual inspection properly.

[@larrysullivan8890]

Excellent info and video ! Have to admit I was startled to see the hot pink fingernails holding the inspection report !😂

[@SohailMahboob-US]

While seeing after inspection report,,,Wow your nails look good, is red or orange

[@codijacobs2896]

Just a heads up for those not running cats period get you some either chore boy or steel wool and put it in the second non fouler that you don't drill. It works

[@LE550N]

I dont have cat amd i did the 2 non fouler and still getting p0420 ill try the steel wool thing

[@gaugecloud8822]

​@LE550N did this end up working for you? I plan to delete the cats on my mustang and I'm trying to fund ways around having to get a tune for now.

[@gaugecloud8822]

Does the steel wool act as an extra filter for the sensor, keeping it from throwing a code?

[@MyIronman8]

Ya that's an huge V6 also they made 4x4 models also

[@hey96779]

Dude what happened to your fingernails..🤔

[@areaofeffect4408]

It kinda looks like the o2 flange is cracked...

[@ERICSDIYGARAGE]

No it was fine this took care of the code

[@MustangFourSix]

If you do smog in cali all you do is take them out that day and CEL wont pop up until a few days done it a few times

[@GavinB211]

Thank you, will be trying this soon, if it works and I pass emissions, should i take the nonfoulers off after the test?

[@brandonsample1]

So it turns the code off has anyone had problems with there car after doing this?

[@rodrigob.9294]

How about fuel consumption after doing that?

[@francoisd6942]

Nice nails

[@ERICSDIYGARAGE]

thank you I get that a lot

[@alfredbernal8603]

I think the best solution to pass the smog check, using Erick's method, is by the following procedure; BUT, if you have a bad cat problem initially preventing you from passing smog check, keep in mind people, your catalytic converter will eventually need to replaced to prevent damage to your engine. This is just a temporary method to try to help pass smog. 1) reset your codes using an obd 2) remove o2 sensor#2, after cat and clean it while you are at it. 3) install adapter 4) install o2 sensor unto the adapter 5) run your vehicle for 60 miles or more, depending on your vehicle so you can have all onboard monitors ready for smog check 6) the day/time of your smog check inpection, run your vehivle for at least 10 miles or more for a warm up. 7) remove o2 sensor (wear gloves & work smart as components will be hot) 8) remove adapter(wear gloves & work smart as components will be hot) as they may visually be inspecting undeneath. 9) re-install o2 sensor without adapter. ( wear gloves & work smart as components will be hot) 10) visit your local smog check station & hopefully it will pass without having the adapter during the test/inspection. 11) good luck people! ✌🕶🔧

[@yactabay]

I have NEVER had a shop raise my car or look underneath it when testing it for admissions. Uh, I meant emissions😊. Therefore, you don’t need to remove the adapter just before the test. If they are looking under your car maybe it’s best to have it tested elsewhere.

[@alfredbernal8603]

@@yactabay over here in California, they have to check..very strict inpections here. They check to see 2 things, the catalytic converter if it is compliant with their mandatory CARB and to see if there is any hacks

[@yactabay]

@@alfredbernal8603 Get rid of Newsome and all like him from government.

[@cadenator-lt9kc]

Pftttt in what way does a bad CAT cause damage to an engine? Cats are only used for smog emissions and cleaning exhaust. My 79 jeep ran catless and it was actually more efficient than with cats on.

[@cadenator-lt9kc]

Only way it would cause engine failure is if the cat is completely clogged and you smelling sulfur/ rotten eggs then yes

[@armandolongoria4625]

Hey bro what type of drill bit did you use? Titanium?

[@ERICSDIYGARAGE]

It was a cheap one made to drill through metal

[@loganbick2395]

Carbide

[@harrisroberts7912]

HSS

[@batvette]

HSS is all u need use cutting fluid or oil if you like. Push hard low rpm keep the bit cool. If the bit smokes and turns blue youve lost its temper and it wont drill cuz its now softer than your work. Kept cool drill bits last virtually forever.

[@mikesmultimedia]

I'll be using a step-bit, which is Mt goto bit unless projects need traditional bit.

[@darrellnichols6179]

Unplug the sensor or pre-twist the wire so when it’s tight you don’t have the wire harness all twisted up.

[@mikesmultimedia]

Good word "pre-twist"

[@stephenbratset2164]

it doesn't read a lower temperature...the sensor body is barely making contact with the gases which results in a lower output - keep in mind this is ILLEGAL

[@reaperasylum2163]

Only if you get caught which you won't cops and inspection stations don't have the time to look under the vehicle and they won't, plus he still has cats.

[@ERICSDIYGARAGE]

thank you for you comment 👍🏻

[@mysteryvideos7181]

Dude, you have nice nails. Thanks for the video...

[@gerlandkent6377]

[YES, THIS WORKS]

[@gerlandkent6377]

Thank, you

[@merged]

I'm tired of asking this question and no one gives me an answer....Would you answer me.....???....:)

[@jeremykochan5718]

some vehicles dont have the space. order A 90° adapter

[@timothycarley7348]

You Definately Need to Double the Foulers?

[@PeterHinkle]

Nice mod bro. Nice fingernail polish too.

[@LDiego]

Very nice, I will try this thanks for sharing

[@shanejones6884]

Will this work if you gut your catalytic converters if they are getting clogged?

[@kingsambition2179]

I'm getting ere headers my car has 2 cats on the exhaust manifold and one under the car. I'll do this if it will work out good.

[@Argentina69able]

Idk what's going on but when I get to the 1/2 drill bit it will not drill through I even had to buy a better drill and it just doesn't work how long did it take you to pass through?

[@ERICSDIYGARAGE]

it might take a while to drill through just keep at it make sure its a metal drill bit or something to cut through metal

[@Powertoolz]

Go in steps. Find a bit that barely passes through and lack of a better word message in circles then go up next diameter.

[@RockymountainRobert]

Should i do this on the sensor before the converter?, or do I put the fouler adaptor on the sensor after the converter? Or on both?

[@ERICSDIYGARAGE]

After

[@jakegrames9001]

What is wrong with your nails my dude 😂

[@LowVlogDrives]

Some people say do the 2nd sensor and some say the last sensor. Which is best

[@LowVlogDrives]

Thank u 💓

[@ERICSDIYGARAGE]

thank you for helping I appreciate it

[@ryaneades173]

Anybody else hear CAT-LETUCE

[@512juancho]

I think you passed emissions test cuz you showed some chichis bro them nails dnt lie some women have a deep voice😨😩

[@MyIronman8]

Hell ya you got the 4x4 model hell ya that's the good model to get .

[@stevenwaldock2425]

I HAD MY CAT STOLEN IAM GONNA GET A STRAIGHT PIPE WHAT SIZE NUT WOULD I NEED TO HAVE WELDED ON FOR THIS ?

[@Mogonly]

Does it effect petrol