04 Volkswagen Beetle Code P041116795 P042016804

I've been having some problems with my 04 Volkswagen Beetle (2.0L) with about 120K miles on it.

My original problem was that I was throwing a catalytic converter code, so I replaced the bad converter with a universal converter. Within a few days the new converter had already been burned up and the light came back on. At that point I did a tune up (plugs and wires) and replaced the cat again (with the same one under warranty).

Now I'm stuck in the same situation but worse. I'm throwing the following codes

P041116795Secondary Air Injection System Incorrect Flow Detected
P042016804Catalyst System, Bank1 Efficiency Below Threshold

I figured that the cat has been burned up again, but why do I keep burning up these brand new converters over and over again. And as far as the air injection code, I'm kind of in the dark on that one. Is that related the the converter codes that I keep having, or could that be a separate issue all together?

I've been trying to get this figured out for a month now and I've got just about nowhere. I have had a few other car savvy friends look at it as well and they are clueless too.

Any pointers in the right direction would be great
Thanks for the help
I really doubt you took out a brand new cat that fast. You likely either have another issue or those universal cats just aren't sufficient capacity for that vehicle which happens a lot.


I burned through two brand new cats that fast. I'm using cherry bomb cats that are made to be compatible with that car.
Those aftermarket cats are likely the problem. You need to use the OEM converter.


Thats what I was thinking about the cats. My next step was to try a direct fit. But what are your thoughts on "P041116795Secondary Air Injection System Incorrect Flow Detected". This code didn't come up until after I started doing repairs
That could also be due to the cats as the PCM monitors that through changes in the 0/2 readings. Fix the cat problem first.
Just being a "direct fit" won't necessarily solve your problem. Aftermarket cats just won't work in some situations.


I'll give it a shot and see what happens. I'll post and let you know. Thank you for the help