Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Why CEL's all the sudden?!

I was having issues with my car above 4k rpm, but the mechanic replaced the MAF, and things were fine again. Then I had my first CEL, and took it to the garage (I forgot about the free Autozone tests), and it needed a new 02 sensor. Fine. Then I got another CEL a few weeks later for the Idle Speed Control. I wasn't having any idle problems, so I had Autozone clear the CEL. Every once in a while the idle will dip to 500 rpm and then back up, but it's rare and I haven't been concerned. Then this morning I had another CEL so I took it to Autozone again. This time it was a different idle issue and the infamous catalyst code (0420 I think). I had those erased as well. My question is, do I need to worry about these things? We don't have emissions tests here, and I'm getting fine gas mileage and other than the above mentioned idle issue running fine. I've spent $1700 on various items this year (most maintenance, but still $1700) and I don't want to spend any more money on things that don't seem to be affecting anything. FYI, I have a 2000 CSVT with 81,000 miles (I know...nice timing for the 0420 code...).

" Then I got another CEL a few weeks later for the Idle Speed Control. I wasn't having any idle problems, so I had Autozone clear the CEL. Every once in a while the idle will dip to 500 rpm and then back up, but it's rare and I haven't been concerned. Then this morning I had another CEL so I took it to Autozone again. This time it was a different idle issue"
Post these exact codes. I have a hunch that it could be a vacuum leak.

"and the infamous catalyst code (0420 I think)"
This is a $30 fix with mileliminators (and gutting the precats if you chose to). www.mileliminators.com

"My question is, do I need to worry about these things? We don't have emissions tests here, and I'm getting fine gas mileage and other than the above mentioned idle issue running fine."
The vacuum leak (if it turns out to be) could just be as simple as tightening a few hose clamps screws or tightening some bolts at the IAC valve. So get the exact codes and post them.

I will try and get the exact codes next time they come on. I don't remember which they were exactly. I didn't get to see the actual reader at Autozone. I'll post again at that point. Thanks!

I guess my real question is if the car is running fine and I'm getting fine gas mileage, do I really need to even worry about these or can I just keep getting them cleared for free at Autozone?

the catalyst code is p0430.....my car has that right now mine's getting really good gas mileage too....but my rpm's have been holding steady sometimes, around 3 or 4 rpms. i'm not worried about mine until it blows up. kinda funny how we both have green csvt's, too i also just moved from michigan. WEIRD lol

Ok, my CEL came back on so I was able to get the exact codes from AZ.

P1520: "Intake Manifold Runner Control circuit fault". Possible the IMRC is stuck open or a circuit malfunction?

P0430: "Catalyst System Efficiency below limit - Bank No. 2".

P0174: "System Too Lean - Bank No. 2".

I don't know what the hell those really mean. I'm looking for "real world" answers. I'm not very mechanically inclined. The car is running pretty well. Power is fairly flat above 4k rpms, but I can live with that if the repairs will be expensive. I'm just hoping to know a little bit more about what I'll "need" to get done at the garage, and what I "could" get done at the garage. Also, my gas mileage has been fine as well.

By-the-way, I did pour a bottle of Berryman's B12 in my last tank. The code came on after my next fill up.

some info:

P0430

P0174

P1520---pdf file

Thanks! That is all definately the information I'm looking for. I guess my main thing is 1) try and get the power above 4k rpms back without spending a ton, and 2) try and get the codes from coming back.