V8 Vantage advice needed

[Mushroom12]

Hullo,

I sold my Rapide not too long ago and miss having an Aston, so I'm off to look at a white 2010 Vantage 4.7.

It looks ok, and drives ok, but the emissions service error message is on and when I used a cheapy code reader I get the following codes

Confirmed
P0420 - Catalyst system efficience below threshold bank 1

Pending
P2195 - O2 sensor signal biast/stuck lean bank 1 sensor 1
P2197 - O2 sensor signal biast/stuck lean bank 2 sensor 1

The specalist who's been servicing the car said this is common and he can fix it with 'software', but I'm after a second opinion from the collective mind of PH.

There's also a tick from the engine bay which I want to get a second opinion on...make sure it's not tappets or something worse...

Cheers

[alabbasi]

It's pretty common. I get it every so often and the code clears by itself

[Nigel_O]

Can’t help with the engine tick, but the emissions warning is common. Mine does it if I short-shift from a heavy throttle when it isn’t warmed up properly. I’m guessing it’s too much un-burned fuel hitting one of the lambda sensors.

I just clear the code with a code reader and it’s fine until the next time…

[abh]

Some engines are just noisier than others. You need to have a closer inspection of whether the noise is from on top and under a rocker cover or from underneath where it might be a noisy oil scavenge pump chain or more worryingly bearings. Either way, if in doubt an inspection by your local independent would be good. At this age, you need to be looking closely underneath at the state of the subframe. And of course paint issues on mirror arms and doors around locks and lower edges.

[john ryan]

A 'slow response' codecan be safely cleared, and is quite common. A 'stuck lean' code is more serious - clearing it may remove the message, but will not fix the fault. Proper diagnostic investigation is required, though the fault maybe an easy fix related to an air or vacuum leak, or such as a faulty MAF.

[bogie]

Ive had various O2 sensor codes over the years on my first Vantage and would clear them down with OBDII reader and see if the same ones re-occurred. I ended up replacing 3 out of 4 O2 sensors and it was fine after that. The sensors are not very expensive and any local garage fitting exhausts etc could replace for hour or two labour.

[Mushroom12]

Cheers guys, I'm going in with some caution expecially with the ticking. Sounds like my S2000 did before a valve adjustment...

[macdeb]

Hmm, difficult to say what ticking is without hearing it. But, my own experience with ticking at the top area and could be heard near wheel arch was a valve guide, engine out. The previous engine (long story) was more of a rattle lower down when warm and that was big ends because of scavenge pump apparently. Could be heard when car was delivered from a main dealer I was unlucky (conned). Then again exhaust gaskets can sound similar ticking. Good luck, keep us posted.