Could the P0101 diagnostic trouble code on a 2002 Chevrolet S-10 with a 4.3L engine be caused by a failing catalytic converter? The code suggests an issue with the mass air flow sensor, but some users speculate it might be related to catalytic converter performance due to symptoms like engine pinging under load or during uphill driving.
I replaced my catalytic converter, but the service light went off initially. About an hour later, it came back on. I'm planning to check at AutoZone to see if the same P0101 code appears. Before heading there, the service engine light turned off again. I still hear a slight pinging when driving uphill or accelerating harder—unclear whether this is due to the catalytic converter or another issue.
You should still verify proper fuel pressure under load, as inconsistent fuel delivery can mimic symptoms associated with catalytic converter failure and may be a more accurate root cause of the P0101 code.
Yes! Installing a vacuum gauge and testing for vacuum fluctuations can help confirm whether the issue is related to intake system pressure, which may point to a failing catalytic converter or other intake-related problems.