Chrysler Repair: Engine light with code P0432, oxygen sensors, fuse box

Question
QUESTION: I have a 2001 Chrysler 300M. It is not blowing hot air. I went through the diagnostics and got a code of 23. After going through the testing it was blowing hot air and lasted for 2 days then went cold again. Still have a code of 23.

Thanks,

Norma

ANSWER: Hi Norma,
The code says that there is a problem with the communication between the blend door (which controls the heat level) and the body computer located on the back side of the fuse box that is behind the left end of the dash.
You could try going through the testing procedure again to see if that solves it. If not, then you would want to remove the blend door actuator and check the feedback wire that runs from the actuator to pin 1 of the black plug of the body control module (red/white wire) to be sure it isn't flaky. If that check proves OK then installing a new actuator should solve the problem.
The actuator is on the underside of the housing. I can copy a couple of pages from the manual that shows you how to do it if you want to try it yourself. Just send me a 'private option' follow-up question which lists your email address (I don't see it routinely, only the allexpert site knows it).
Roland

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QUESTION: Hi Roland,
2001 Chrysler 300
I got the heater working and now I have a engine light on with a code of P0432. I looked the code up and it said 'catalyst inefficent. I could not find anything on this code. Could it be as easy as a new gas cap? I did check the gas cap and it was not loose but did not feel tight. 3 weeks ago I had both oxygen sensors replaced, and drove it until today before I got this code P0432.

Where is the best web site to get the codes?

Thanks,
Norma

ANSWER: Hi Norma,
The code says that the oxygen sensors on the left side are reading too similarly, suggesting a fault in the converter itself. If the converter was good (and the sensors too), they would have quite different readings).
There are 4 oxygen sensors on your engine, and 2 catalytic converters (left and right); there is a 'front' and a 'rear' sensor on either side of each converter. If the left rear sensor was changed 3 weeks ago but the left front sensor wasn't, then that may be the problem and you would correct it by also replacing the front sensor on that side. The problem is on the left side of the engine, and so you might also visually inspect that side's converter visually for damage which could also cause the code. There might also be a leak along the exhaust system on that side that causes the code. An internal engine problem could cause the code (excessive exhaust smoke).
If none of those apply, then the catalytic converter on the left side may be needing replacement.
Roland

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QUESTION: If any of the above are the problem can I still drive it? I am on a fixed income and can not afford this expense as it never seems to end.

Thanks,

Norma

Answer
Hi Norma,
I don't know of any problem with continuing to drive it. There might be a bit more air pollution or perhaps a little poorer gas mileage, but nothing of any concern to the engine itself. If your vehicle registration/renewal requires a smog test the light being on would need to be fixed to 'pass'.
Roland