'99 dodge 1/2 ton 318 ck light came on, says my catalitic elec. below threshold bank 1,, any help on what it.t

Question

on what that means and what part it is talking bout, thanks for ANY help.........

Answer 1

The codes you got were PROBABLY P0420 or P0421, or P0430 or P0431, which relates to the catalytic converter's efficiency in doing its job.
You can do one of two things;
1) Replace Both of the oxygen sensors behind the catalytic converters, NOT the sensors in front of the converters. If the sensors were the problem, "Bingo", you repaired your pick-up.
But there is a good chance that the sensors are good, and doing what they are supposed to do,namely tattle on the catalytic converter when it doesn't do a good job anymore.
2) You can replace the catalytic converters.
3) Replace both the oxygen sensors and the converters.
Spent a lot of money.
Take the pic-up to a licensed smog test and repair facility and pay for diagnostics and an estimate of repair.
There are test we can perform to identify the faulty component. You most likely don't have the equipment or the training to perform those tests.
Most shops will offer you an answer for less than an hour's worth of shop time, or sometimes even a flat diagnostic fee.

Happy Motoring

Answer 2

Depending on your millage it usually refers to the down stream O2 sensor is falling out of spec. on that bank ( side of engine with cylinder No. 1 )
The code is saying that catalytic converter is not doing it's job anymore.
There is an O2 sensor located before and after the Cat.
The computer checks the difference in Oxygen levels of the exhaust gas entering and leaving the converter, then compares these readings with a set of values stored in you vehicles computer.
It could be that particular converter is bad but most of the time it is the sensor itself.

Answer 3

If the converter is got rid of then the engine won't carry out as designed. Mine got here on in my 2003 chevy truck. It became out to be a twine had burned into on the exhaust equipment. look on the little wires happening to the exhaust.