So I've had a few codes for a little while maybe 6 months and recently have been trying to fix it myself by reading this forum mainly. I've tried taking it to my mechanic but he doesn't understand what I'm talking about and jumps to replacing the pre-cat. If it comes down to it I'm fine replacing the cat if that is actually what needs to be done. I really Love my p5 so Please help if you can, I really don't know that much about cars but I am trying!
Also I'll mention that my car seems to be running fine. It idles fine, accelerates fine, no weird smells, my mpg seems fine.
This is what I've done so far.
When I first checked the CEL I got three codes, P2009, P0421, and P0660
I started with the P2009. I read that switching the VICS and VTCS plugs (White and Green) can sometimes get rid of the code telling you if the plugs are bad. I did that and also added some stuff to my gas tank that was supposed to help clean the 02 sensors and whatever else. I wish I could remember the name of it, I got it at autozone.
I disconnected the battery for a while and the CEL light went off. I then drove my car for about 5 minutes and the light came back on.
I got it checked again but this time only the P2009 was on.
I switched the wires back and disconnected the battery again. I drove a lot further this time, maybe 40 miles and the light came back on. This time it was only P0421. The P0660 has magically disappeared.
I tried some sea foam that I read about here, just a lot of smoke and when I drove afterwards my CEL was blinking until I disconnected the battery again. The code still came up after.
I have tried switching the two plugs one more time just for fun I guess with the same results. With the correct placement with the White plug on the right I get P0421. With them switched and the White on the left I get P2009.
My assumption is that one of the plugs, I don't know how to tell which one, needs to be replaced. If the P0421 goes away when switched the P2009 might be coming up because they are switched and one is bad. But what do I know...
Please help! I know there are a lot of threads on these topics, I've read pretty much all of them. I just need some new advice. Thanks!!
Also I'll mention that my car seems to be running fine. It idles fine, accelerates fine, no weird smells, my mpg seems fine.
This is what I've done so far.
When I first checked the CEL I got three codes, P2009, P0421, and P0660
I started with the P2009. I read that switching the VICS and VTCS plugs (White and Green) can sometimes get rid of the code telling you if the plugs are bad. I did that and also added some stuff to my gas tank that was supposed to help clean the 02 sensors and whatever else. I wish I could remember the name of it, I got it at autozone.
I disconnected the battery for a while and the CEL light went off. I then drove my car for about 5 minutes and the light came back on.
I got it checked again but this time only the P2009 was on.
I switched the wires back and disconnected the battery again. I drove a lot further this time, maybe 40 miles and the light came back on. This time it was only P0421. The P0660 has magically disappeared.
I tried some sea foam that I read about here, just a lot of smoke and when I drove afterwards my CEL was blinking until I disconnected the battery again. The code still came up after.
I have tried switching the two plugs one more time just for fun I guess with the same results. With the correct placement with the White plug on the right I get P0421. With them switched and the White on the left I get P2009.
My assumption is that one of the plugs, I don't know how to tell which one, needs to be replaced. If the P0421 goes away when switched the P2009 might be coming up because they are switched and one is bad. But what do I know...
Please help! I know there are a lot of threads on these topics, I've read pretty much all of them. I just need some new advice. Thanks!!