2011 Tahoe/hollowed catalytic converters

[seakone]

2011 Tahoe Lt 5.3 4wd
recently bought this vehicle and come to find out all 3 catalytic converters are hollowed out I had changed all 4 oxygen sensors because I had permanent code p0430 and p0420 codes SUV runs fine and all I can even pass smog inspection no check engine light I can remote start it I'm just wondering how the hell can it pass smog and why no check engine light ?

 

[Tonyrodz]

The codes cleared once you changed the O2's?

 

[seakone]

The codes cleared once you changed the O2's?

nope "permanent codes" are still there as seen in screenshot but no dtc lights or anything I just want to know how the heck it passes smog and no dtc lights ?

 

[tom3]

I wonder if someone put a special tune on it? Is that even possible? Are you sure all cats are straight thru? Does the light come on at the startup test cycle?

 

[seakone]

I wonder if someone put a special tune on it? Is that even possible? Are you sure all cats are straight thru?

yes cel light does work it has been on and I see it on as I turn the key and I'm convinced and old dude has owned this Tahoe I have changed a few things and most engine parts are still oem and Tahoe was nicely kept even bulbs all still yellow, and even if the cel light wouldn't work I wouldn't pass smog I was thinking some type of tune but I highly doubt that

 

[iamdub]

yes cel light does work it has been on and I see it on as I turn the key and I'm convinced and old dude has owned this Tahoe I have changed a few things and most engine parts are still oem and Tahoe was nicely kept even bulbs all still yellow, and even if the cel light wouldn't work I wouldn't pass smog I was thinking some type of tune but I highly doubt that

It was probably tuned to "not report". The PCM will still monitor things and record fails, but you can tune it to report after X number of fails or to not report at all or to report but not illuminate the CEL. I think those are the options, anyway.

 

[Dustin Jackson]

2011 Tahoe Lt 5.3 4wd
recently bought this vehicle and come to find out all 3 catalytic converters are hollowed out I had changed all 4 oxygen sensors because I had permanent code p0430 and p0420 codes SUV runs fine and all I can even pass smog inspection no check engine light I can remote start it I'm just wondering how the hell can it pass smog and why no check engine light ?

@seakone What state you in?

 

[seakone]

@seakone What state you in?

texas

 

[Dustin Jackson]

@seakone I been thinking about doing this but I am in California, I heard over here they don't test the exhaust its all computer based these days. Is that how the Texas smog is?

 

[seakone]

@seakone I been thinking about doing this but I am in California, I heard over here they don't test the exhaust its all computer based these days. Is that how the Texas smog is?

yes they hook up OBD2 to computer and a adapter to gas tank cap if any check engine light or "evap leaks" you don't pass

 

[Doubeleive]

ca is obd port test and visual inspection only, they do not hook anything else up. as of this year they check for tunes though. mine passed with a carb approved tune.
there is no "cat delete" carb approved tune

 

[swathdiver]

2011 Tahoe Lt 5.3 4wd
recently bought this vehicle and come to find out all 3 catalytic converters are hollowed out I had changed all 4 oxygen sensors because I had permanent code p0430 and p0420 codes SUV runs fine and all I can even pass smog inspection no check engine light I can remote start it I'm just wondering how the hell can it pass smog and why no check engine light ?

For those who come along later, P0420 and P0430 are catalytic converter codes. These two don't mean your O2 sensors are bad, they have their own codes. They mean what they say they are, bad cats. The only time this posts a false positive is when there is a large exhaust leak but such is in the troubleshooting guide anyway.

As for the OPs issues, sounds like the previous owner "took care" of it.

 

[Just Fishing]

If in doubt change the y pipe with new cats.

Last i saw i could get a brand new gm y pipe for the 6.2 for under 1k, but I'm it went up since then.

 

[seakone]

For those who come along later, P0420 and P0430 are catalytic converter codes. These two don't mean your O2 sensors are bad, they have their own codes. They mean what they say they are, bad cats. The only time this posts a false positive is when there is a large exhaust leak but such is in the troubleshooting guide anyway.

As for the OPs issues, sounds like the previous owner "took care" of it.

was taken care of except the fact there was vacuum and exhaust leaks "exhaust manifold gaskets, intake manifold gaskets, exhaust pipe to cat gaskets" so I'm pretty sure instead of paying for all that work he had someone hallow the cats out maybe because they where damaged ? I fixed all leaky gaskets myself and that's how I noticed them hallowed

 

[Fless]

LOL so he had the priest come over and bless the cats, or they went to church. Holy cats!

 

[Tonyrodz]

 

[Foggy]

It's been tuned to not report/set the CEL with those codes... It's pretty common
to do this when removing the cats or in your case getting rid of their function.
If it passes what your state requires, then Drive On !!!!
No harm, no foul. You won't have to worry about them and the downstream
O2 sensors. Just enjoy !!!

 

[donjetman]

yes they hook up OBD2 to computer and a adapter to gas tank cap if any check engine light or "evap leaks" you don't pass

Not where I live in TX. Where do you live?
Here the inspection hasn't changed in 50+ yrs Check the lights, wipers, and horn, hand'em your proof of insurance, $7.50 and see ya next yr.

 

[seakone]

Not where I live in TX. Where do you live?
Here the inspection hasn't changed in 50+ yrs Check the lights, wipers, and horn, hand'em your proof of insurance, $7.50 and see ya next yr.

they see a check engine light they won't even start the inspection, Houston. I have my ways of getting one if need be but I just wanted to know how this would be lol on my car I had they looked at one of my tires had barely any thread they failed me

 

[donjetman]

they see a check engine light they won't even start the inspection, Houston. I have my ways of getting one if need be but I just wanted to know how this would be lol on my car I had they looked at one of my tires had barely any thread they failed me

Where I go (QuicKie Lube type place) they don't look inside the vehicle. You stay in your vehicle, they walk up to your window ask for POI, guide you in, ask for the mileage, etc, etc. They probably do look at tires and listen for obvious exhaust issue(s).

They inspect trailers these days like my enclosed car trailer and flunked mine once for a burnt out light.