Check engine light help

My check engine light came on today, i got it checked at an auto parts store
the reading taken on it said that the catalyst system is working at a very low efficiency

any ideas on what i can do to fix it

i am approaching 100,000 miles, and i have 500 miles till next oil change

 

does anyone has an ideas for me?

 

The code # would help. Generally, first thing I do is clear the code and see if it comes back.

 

second time i have had it come on, cleared it the first time, came back on about 6 weeks (unsure on time, maybe 3) later
same thing was read
i dont have a code number, but i can get one

 

if the same code comes back, odds are something is definately amiss. WhipperSnapper is probably right with a Cat problem.

 

cat?
sorry, i dont know enough about engines and what not (i am slowly learning, figuring things out myself)

i have been told there is a decent chance my injectors are clogged and that is setting it off
any chance that could be it?

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catalytic_converter

Part of your emission control system.

Problem with these emmision control systems is that sometimes the problem is hard to pin point with just a single code, you could hope it's just dirty injectors, but I doubt it.

 

i have had the same guy (that told me it was probably my injectors) tell me that the catalytic converter is just fine, said not to let anyone tell me otherwise

though, i dont know the guy so i have no idea
is there a way for me to get it checked?

also, i have put additive into my gas that is supposed to clean the injectors and what not
i have sea foam that i can use too (most likely next tank)

 

The easiest thing to do first is a visual check of things. Visually inspect the exhaust system for leaks, check the catalytic converter for dents, holes, severe discoloration, and check for a rattle inside. Then check the wiring to your O2 sensors. There's a chance you have a bad O2 sensor.

 

ok, Judging by what i know, i really doubt it it is the catalytic converter since it is telling me the Catalyst system for the Fuel system, and not for the exhaust system. but hey, i may be wrong, if i am, please correct me

 

Gas cap tight?

 

What is the actual code number?

 

100k, o2 sensor?

 

is it P0420 Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)

 

if i remember correctly (i may be wrong), that is what it is, though i am not sure about the code

 

P420 means the o2 sensors before and after the catalytic converter are reading similar. This means one of 3 three things:

Before sensor bad,
After sensor bad,
catalytic converter bad.

To the OP, first request was for the code number. You come here asking for advice, the sumarily dismiss it because you know better even though you didn't even know what a catalytic converter was.

If it's P420 (and wasn't the OP that posted this), it's more than likely either O2 sensors, or the convertor. Feel free to dismiss this as you already have. At 100K, I'd be willing to place a wager on a bad o2 sensor.

 

i haven't heard it referred to as cat
i know what a catalytic converter is

i will be getting it checked when i get oil changed (after i get truck back from body shop)