new Problem.... exhaust

[Twinturbo2800]

hey guys, i put my catback on about a week ago... and the other day my Service engine soon light went on..... im pretty sure im running really rich, it smells like gas pretty bad somtimes.. i thought it was just cuase i hollowed the cat out..

only thing i can think of is a leak maybe?? i didnt have a 2.5" gasket for the Cat connecting to the catback.


my brake light is also always f'n on... and i sounds like i need to replace my brake pads...


any ideas?? oil was just changed 2 days ago.

 

[Twinturbo2800]

if any1 has any idea, it would save me a trip to dealership

 

[eclipse13]

The brake light sounds like either a short in the wire or a messed up switch somewhere.

The hollowed cat can make the CEL come on because it will confuse the O2 sensor right after the cat. The o2 sensor reads the unburned fuel in the air that isnt being cleaned by the cat.

 

[oldman]

If your profile is updated, I would suggest the following which could cause rich conditions.

1. Exhaust leak before 02 housing, bad o2 sensor. Any leaks after the o2 will not affect how rich the car runs.

2. If you're venting, recirculate.

3. Perform a boost leak test.

If your car profile isn't updated please do so or tell us what has been done lately. Good luck.

 

[toojung2die]

The only way to know for sure is to pull the CEL code. Can you get it to an auto parts store and have them check it? It's a free service. The CEL may not be related to your new catback. "If anything can go wrong it will" and that has been true for my DSM more so than any car I've ever owned. I'ved had CEL's for everything from vacuum hoses blown off by boost to bad sensors. It could be as simple as a loose gas cap. My scan tool has replaced my dwell/tach as the most important diagnostic tool in my toolbox.

As for your brake light, first make sure your brake fluid level in the reservoir is correct. Worn pads will lower the fluid level. If they're worn replace 'em.

 

[Twinturbo2800]

my profile was updated
brakes are ok now, i put some fluid in and light went off =)

im guessing maybe a leak, since we used a 3" gasket on a 2.5 pipe. didint really fit up well.

 

[CanadianTSi]

Exhaust leaks after the Turbo don't matter.

Since you hollowed out your cat your 2nd o2 sensor is probably sending a cose saying that your cat isn't working....if thats the case there's nothing to worry about as this affects nothing.