Alright I admit it, I am shamelessly stealing further blog posts names from M539 Restorations on Youtube. With the sheer amount of cars I go through, I think it at least adds a little personality as I am not one to name cars.This part two is only going to be for a few items as I am not extensively modifying this car outside of a few cosmetics, and I have gotten pretty bad at recording things I am doing.
Section 1 - Emissions
The first thing I wanted to cover was the nagging CEL that seems to be playing hide and seek with me. The code being thrown is a P430 code which signifies that the bank 2 catalytic converter is below efficiency. In simple terms, the filter is letting too much fuel by and the O2 sensor is picking that up. This has no effect on driveability, however will set a Check Engine Light thanks to the EPA…
On the 3.2 motor the converters are a known failure point, however with such low milage the idea of dropping $2,000 on a new converter is not ideal. So before going all out, I decided to do some digging and check all the systems that could cause the code. I also checked the diagnostic readouts in VIDA (which we will get into later). The first items I replaced were the PCV box as well as the sensor for bank 2 sensor 2.
The oil trap on this car was original from when it left the factory and was still stamped with its 2009 build date. Usually at this age they begin to deteriorate and really recommended to be replaced at the 100,000 mile mark which this car is very much passed. A faully failed unit will make a distinct whistling noise due to the rubber diaphragm inside going. A decently old one such as this can be clogged and will effect fuel trims leading to the code I was seeing. Thankfully replacing these are decently easy, while not being a walk in the park either, located on the top of the motor they are much easier to access compared to the old whiteblocks. A few extensions and swivel sockets were needed to reach the back bolts, and much care was taken to not drop any down into the abyss.
Following this was the installation of a new O2 sensor. While I wish i had photos of this process I unfortunately had to pay a shop to replace it as my sockets and wrenches just could not break free the 10 year old+ threads. I went with an OEM Bosch sensor, one as a precaution and secondly due to some off readings I was getting from the original. Before replacing the sensor was flatlining at 0v randomly, I believed that this reading was causing the code to be thrown as it was not a reoccurring code, oly showing up every ~800 miles. Below are the readings are post sensor install. Not great as you can see the readings are still fluctuating indicating that the cat may still be bad.
The black is Bank 2 Sensor 2 Voltage (the bad cat), purple is Bank 1 Sensor 2, and the two others are the front O2 sensors.
Since these two items were installed (and the ECM parameters reset), I have driven about ~700 miles without issues. We shall see if the code returns. if it does, the next steps will an O2 sensor with built in mini-cat. If this does occur, i will make sure to have a seperate write up on fighting these stupid 3.2 emissions systems.
Section 2 - Cosmetics
If you have followed this blog, you’ll know I am a big proponent of LEDs, especially on these eastly P3s as they make the car look much more modern. Most of the kits I receive I buy off Amazon or AliExpress, links will be provided for each item.
License Plate Lights
Ease of install: 10
Two bolts and about 5 minutes is all you’ll need for these. Slots directly into where the originals were, gives a much cleaner look!
Before and after, LED vs standard filament bulbs.
Looks very clean with the upper LED tail lamp modification done by the PO.
Interior Lighting
Ease of install: 9
This kit came with lighting for all the interior bits and bobs. Some I have not installed yet like the visor mirror lamps or the glovebox, but they all fit without issue all around the car and make it much easier to see at night when digging through the car.
Puddle Lamps
Ease of install: 6
Not a fan of installing these, only due to the fact that getting the stock lamps out is a huge pain. The plastic become brittle and stiff over time so of course it broke trying to get it out. Luckily its no big issues as the replacement goes in easily, however I like to save the original equipment in case something happens to the aftermarket units.
Once installed they cast a nice white LED light, and illuminate much better than stock. Gives the car a clean look all around when on.
Well thats all for this installation. I was hoping to have also gotten some convex mirror glass, but the ones I ordered from China were not the right size. Sad. Hope everyone enjoys, I have a cool box of stuff from VPARTS coming soon as well, so stay tuned for that!