Check engine and traction control light

I recently had to hit my brakes pretty hard and the tires skidded slightly and then my check engine and traction control lights came on and is throwing a catalyst function code is coming up. Any idea what's going on?

 

It may just be a coincidence that the CEL came on soon after you hit the brakes. Those lights all usually come on in conjunction with each other because when there is an engine fault, the ECM sends a code to the ABS/TRAC/VSC computer telling it to stand down, and this code is C1201, unless there are additional things going on with the ABS. Now we need to know which catalyst is below threshold. With yours being a 2010, the catalyst may still be covered under 8 year/80k emissions warranty.

 

the code thats popping up is a p0240

 

I'm assuming you mean P0420, and your truck only has 1 bank. There is a good possibility that the catalyst is weak. The other possibilities are a leak in the exhaust pipe, or faulty A/F or o2 sensors. If you are under 80k miles, and it needs a cat, it should be free replacement due to federally mandated emissions warranty.

 

you sure it is p0240 ?

P0240 Turbocharger Boost Sensor B Circuit Range/Performance



if it is p0420, then

a) most likely, the o2 sensor itself is on it's way out. they have a finite life anyway,
or it's clean air sample port is dirty or has been underwater....

b) less likely, the cat is on it's way out. but cats last far longer than o2 sensors, generally

 

Also, how custom is your exhaust? Any possibilities of leakage?

 

Yeah p0420 and there is a small leak but not anywhere near an oxygen sensor and the cat is only 3 months old

 

p0420 sniffs the results of the cats, and that is it's only function

fuel and engine control comes from the front sensor before
the first cats
---
anyhow

I will bet that the o2 sensor itself is toast. need the exact same denso part number
for best results (aftermarket sensors are a crap shoot, might still throw a code)

so...

if no air/exhaust leaks between the first sensor, the cats, and this o2 sensor,
I'd bet it is the sensor itself, 150 bucks give or take

 

P0101 is the code. Looks to be MAF related. There is hesitation on acceleration as well so definitely adds up. Should I hit it with some contact cleaner and see if it fixes it? Or replace the harness entirely? thanks

 

I'd clean it first just to confirm it is bad.
Would suck to buy a new one if that's not the problem.

 

Can I use contact cleaner ?

 

MAF specific cleaner for the MAF. Contact cleaner for the O2 connector.