⚠️ Important Notice: Beware of Counterfeit Mini Catalizador Products
We have recently received numerous complaints from users, experiencing serious vehicle malfunctions and damage after purchasing Mini Catalizador products from unauthorized channels. To ensure your safety and rights, please make your purchase only through official channels: our products are sold exclusively on www.minicatalizador.com and through authorized distributors. Please look for the laser-engraved logo: all genuine products carry our exclusive laser-engraved mark. Products without this logo are likely to be counterfeit. Thank you for your trust and support. — The Mini Catalizador Team
Say Goodbye to P0420 & P0430 Codes
Do you have a CEL (Check Engine Light), SES (Service Engine Soon), or MIL (Malfunction Indicator Light) on? Have you installed a test pipe, header, high-flow catalytic converter, downpipe, catless exhaust, or high-performance exhaust system?
If so, this new O2 sensor spacer CEL fixer (mini catalizador) will be perfect for you, capable of eliminating those annoying P0420 and P0430 codes!
Why is the CEL (Check Engine Light) on?
We know that 99.9% of P0420 and P0430 fault codes are usually related to catalytic converter efficiency issues, which can be caused by factors such as sensor malfunctions or exhaust system damage. This often involves the rear oxygen sensor (post-catalytic converter sensor), which is typically referred to as 'Sensor 2' and is part of the 'heated sensor circuit.'
In both factory and modified exhaust systems, the rear oxygen sensor detects changes in exhaust composition, such as incomplete combustion, which can lead to a drop in catalytic converter efficiency. If the sensor detects an imbalance between the upstream (pre-cat) and downstream (post-cat) sensor readings, the ECU may trigger a fault code. In some cases, the vehicle may enter 'limp mode' (safe mode) to protect the engine, particularly when the imbalance exceeds the expected limits for standard factory exhaust systems.
New O2 sensor spacer
The Mini Catalizador is a new high-performance stainless steel oxygen sensor extension adapter, different from traditional oxygen sensor extension adapters. It integrates a mini catalytic converter with 400 cells, meeting European 5 standards. This product is designed to solve the engine check light (CEL) issues caused by high-flow catalytic converters (HIFLOW Cat) or catless exhaust systems. Its core function is to change the position of the oxygen sensor, preventing it from being directly exposed to the exhaust flow, while the built-in mini catalytic converter operates similarly to a traditional catalytic converter, converting harmful exhaust gases into harmless substances. This effectively "tricks" the ECU into thinking the catalytic converter is still functioning properly, allowing the ECU to run the engine normally and unlock additional horsepower.
Key Features
Built-in mini catalytic converter
Uses principles similar to traditional catalytic converters, with an internal ceramic honeycomb structure coated with platinum, palladium, and rhodium, to catalyze the conversion of harmful exhaust gases, reduce emissions, and optimize engine performance.
Compatibility
Suitable for all vehicles with an M18 x 1.5mm oxygen sensor interface, covering over 99% of models on the market. Please check the O2 sensor thread size before installation to ensure a match.
Wide applicability
Suitable for various exhaust systems, including high-flow catalytic converters, test pipes, turbocharged, non-turbocharged, modified exhaust systems, etc.
Working Principle
In OBD-II vehicles (1996 and later), the ECU uses two oxygen sensors for diagnostic purposes. The first oxygen sensor is located before the catalytic converter and is responsible for air/fuel adjustment, which is critical for the vehicle's normal operation.
The second oxygen sensor is located after the catalytic converter. Its role is to ensure that a properly functioning catalytic converter is present in the exhaust system. It detects the difference in exhaust gases between the first and second oxygen sensors. If it detects the same exhaust signal, the ECU knows that the catalytic converter may be damaged or missing.
The Mini Catalizador works similarly to traditional full-size catalytic converters by using an internal three-way catalytic honeycomb element to oxidize and convert exhaust gases. Harmful gases such as nitrogen oxides, unburned hydrocarbons, and CO are converted into harmless water and carbon dioxide, while nitrogen oxides are converted into nitrogen and oxygen. This process effectively solves oxygen sensor fault light issues (such as P0420, P0430 error codes) caused by exhaust system modifications or catalytic converter removal, with a success rate of 99.5%.
In many modified exhaust systems, the rear oxygen sensor (located after the catalytic converter) may detect abnormal exhaust flow and temperature due to the absence of an OEM catalytic converter or the use of a high-flow catalytic converter. This can cause the ECU to enter fault mode and activate the check engine light (CEL). By installing the Mini Catalizador on the rear oxygen sensor, it moves the sensor out of direct exhaust flow, ensuring it can still read some exhaust gases while simulating the normal operation of a catalytic converter. This tricks the ECU into sensing resistance in the exhaust, effectively resolving the CEL issue.
Installation & Use
Simple Threaded Installation
Connect the threaded end to the existing rear oxygen sensor, then install the assembly into the O2 sensor port. Installation typically takes less than 10 minutes, and the unit can be removed afterward.
Check that all parts are intact and the top cover is securely fastened. A loose cover could fall off.
How Many Units Do You Need?
Typically one unit for a system with one rear O2 sensor.
Typically one per rear O2 sensor on two-bank systems.
V6 and V8 layouts vary. Confirm your vehicle’s rear O2 sensor configuration before selecting the quantity.
Usage Scenarios
The Mini Catalizador is mainly used in modified high-performance exhaust systems, whether turbocharged or non-turbocharged, and can be used in vehicles with engine displacements from 1.6L to 6.3L. Common applicable models include, but are not limited to:
- BMW: 3, 5, 7 Series, M3, M5, Z4, M4, etc.
- Audi: A3, A4, A5, S3, S4, S5, RS4, TT, TTS, etc.
- Toyota: Camry, Scion xA, xB, tC, etc.
- Nissan: 350Z, G35, G37, 300ZX, etc.
- Honda: Accord, Civic, S2000, Integra, etc.
- Chevrolet, Ford, GMC, and other American brands, as well as other modified vehicles.
Product Details
- Material: T-304 Stainless Steel.
- Working Temperature: Can withstand temperatures up to 620°C.
- Models: Available in five angle types (straight, 45°, 45° Pro, 90°, and 90° Pro). The choice of model depends on the available space for the O2 sensor position and the desired performance level. If the exhaust system has narrow or hard-to-reach spaces, the 45°, 45° Pro, 90°, or 90° Pro models may be more suitable, with the Pro versions offering enhanced effectiveness on more sensitive vehicles.
- Installation: Easy installation, no welding or electrical modification required.
- Applicable Models: Suitable for most vehicles with M18 x 1.5mm O2 threaded interfaces.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT MINI CATALIZADOR®
Choosing the right Mini Catalizador® is simple. Just follow these 3 steps:
CHECK YOUR O2 SENSOR THREAD
Mini Catalizador® O2 sensor spacers use a universal M18 × 1.5 thread and are designed for most vehicles with a threaded downstream (post-cat) O2 sensor.
The spacer must be installed on the downstream/post-cat O2 sensor, not the upstream/pre-cat O2 sensor.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT ANGLE
Choose the angle based on the available space around your downstream O2 sensor:
- Straight (180°)
- Best when there is plenty of space around the O2 sensor.
- 45°
- A good choice when moderate clearance is needed.
- 45° Pro
- Same 45° angle, but with a larger internal catalytic core for stronger performance.
- 90°
- Ideal for tight spaces and our most popular option.
- 90° Pro
- Same 90° angle, but with a larger internal catalytic core for stronger performance.
Not sure which angle to choose? The 90° version is usually the easiest choice when space is limited.
CHOOSE THE CORRECT QUANTITY
The number of Mini Catalizador® spacers you need depends on the number of downstream/post-cat O2 sensors on your vehicle.
Install 1 spacer for each downstream/post-cat O2 sensor.
COMMON EXAMPLES:
- Many 4-cylinder vehicles typically have 1 downstream O2 sensor → 1 spacer.
- Many V6/V8 vehicles have 2 downstream O2 sensors, usually one for each bank → 2 spacers.
WHAT ABOUT P0420 OR P0430?
P0420 and P0430 are catalytic-efficiency-related trouble codes. They can help identify which bank is reporting the issue, but the code alone does not determine how many spacers you need.
The safest way to choose the quantity is to count the downstream/post-cat O2 sensors on your vehicle.
- P0420 → Bank 1 Catalytic Efficiency Below Threshold
- P0430 → Bank 2 Catalytic Efficiency Below Threshold
If your vehicle has both P0420 and P0430 and has 2 downstream O2 sensors, you will typically need 2 spacers — one for each downstream O2 sensor.
QUICK GUIDE
- Thread:
- M18 × 1.5
- Installation Position:
- Downstream / Post-Cat O2 Sensor
- Quantity:
- 1 spacer per downstream O2 sensor
- Angle:
- Choose based on available clearance
Not sure which angle? → 90° is the most popular choice for tight spaces.
Disclaimer
Although the Mini Catalizador is effective in eliminating CEL (Check Engine Light) and resolving P0420, P0430 error codes in most modified exhaust systems, sometimes the CEL warning may be triggered by oxygen sensor issues, such as an overly sensitive sensor.
In these cases, even after installing the O2 CEL FIX, the CEL may remain on and may trigger additional error codes.
Therefore, while our CEL eliminator is effective in most cases for issues caused by oxygen sensors, the specific results may vary depending on exhaust system layout, ECU tuning, and vehicle modifications.