I have a 97 Acura CL. The catalytic converter is an emission control device found in the exhaust system. They replaced something in electronic board and the noise isn’t there right now but am concerned I have a bigger issue coming up with cat. If your car runs/idles good and the check engine light is not on, then it's safe to assume that your catalytic converter isn't being negatively affected any more than normal. Sometimes it’s better to stick with your current car when you know its history instead of buying something with a whole new set of unknown problems. The short answer is yes. How quick should I worry about getting this fixed before it causes anything else to go bad? Noticing a loud noise when driving. What happens when catalytic converter goes bad? 2. It is filled with a chemical catalyst, usually a platinum and palladium mixture, and helps to convert the vehicle’s emissions into non-harmful gasses. Here are 6 common symptoms letting you know your catalytic converter is clogged or bad. Did you mean code P0420? Agreed, the mechanic is looking to rip you off hard! The best thing to do is retrieve the trouble codes from the car using a diagnostic scan tool. © Before you send your car to the shop or decide to replace a potentially good converter, the following series of tests will help you troubleshoot the unit using some special but inexpensive tools. A clogged catalytic converter is different from a cat that is worn out or damaged chemically, although they may present some of the same symptoms. Finally, physical damage to the cat can occur. He reset code and told me to drive to see if comes on again. When you have a blockage in your catalytic converter, the lower airflow can cause your car to burn more fuel than it needs. The result is a non-functioning cat. If you return it, do you get your money back that you paid to purchase the vehicle? This will tell which part of the exhaust system is affected. This can be because the catalytic converter is bad or the sensor is defective. I usually recommend the cheapest fix first where in this case would be to try using a good cleaner. Thank you for catching this. Infiniti Q60 - Exhaust and Emission System - Woodland Hills, California. My brother (a former mechanic) hooked up his scanner and it came up as being O2 sensor, EVAP leak, (both have already been replaced/repaired), or catalytic converter. Usually, a faulty catalytic converter will produce one of 5 symptoms that alert the driver that replacement may be required. One of the first symptoms commonly associated with a bad or failing catalytic converter is a reduction in engine performance. Here’s a good video explaining the process:  If there is damage to the catalytic converter including pieces of the honeycomb breaking off inside, it’s simply not fee-sable to attempt any type of repair even though you’ll find people online saying otherwise. I’d look for a new mechanic that has more experience with this. The powertrain control module is programmed to go into a fail safe mode whenever there is a major failure in the transmission or engine. The dealership is surely at fault here, as they should not allow a vehicle in that condition to leave in customer hands. This is what relays exhaust gas changes to the vehicle's computer. As mentioned earlier, most catalytic converters will last the lifetime of a vehicle. But combined with one of the signs above, it may be a good indicator. Taking your car into a … If you have a problem with your catalytic converter, you will almost certainly fail an emissions test. Drive the car on a highway and drive at a speed limit for two miles. Chris came early, was quick and efficient. P2099 essentially means your car is running rich as detected by the O2 sensor. 2010 Accord engine light went on a month ago. As a result, these gases will be built up, causing high pressure on the engine, and therefore, the engine will start stalling and making it hard to start. Gasoline contains a small amount of sulfur which converts to hydrogen sulfide during the combustion process. While you have one of the more expensive vehicles to replace cat converters on, $5,400 seems about $2k too high. The good: The plate is not difficult to install, looks good, and my smog inspector told me doing a smog check should not be a problem with the Cat Security plate. For the price, Oxicat is worth a shot in my mind. Cat converter cleaners were born to serve your exhaust system. Unburnt fuel left in the exhaust by the bad catalytic converter produces the odor, and may even cause dark exhaust smoke. The driver will then know something is wrong, although they won’t know exactly what the problem is because the light can mean a lot of different things. To reduce your chances of having a clogged catalytic converter, try driving your vehicle on the highway every now and then for around 10 to 15 minutes. Since you need to add the contents of RID … Shocking CCTV footage has revealed the moment a group of masked thieves stole a catalytic converter from a parked car along a residential street in just one minute. Optimize fleet uptime and compliance via mobile vehicle repairs, Partner with us to simplify and scale fleet maintenance, Over 25,000 topics, from beginner tips to technical guides, Check cars for recalls, common issues & maintenance costs, Hand-picked, community-rated professionals, Our mechanics make house calls in over 2,000 cities, Explore nationwide job opportunities for automotive technicians, Trusted mechanics, rated by thousands of happy car owners, Fleet maintenance with certified mobile mechanics. Depending on your vehicle, diagnostics will be done through either the OBD2 port on your car (cars made in 1996 or newer) or with a hose connected to the end of your tailpipe that directly measures levels of toxic gases (cars made before 1996). So far over the past couple years we’ve changed the O2 sensor, MAF twice, fixed an EVAP vacuum leak, and it is still coding. What are the... What What the P0259 code means The powertrain control module (PCM) has recognized a discrepancy in the signal voltage that is supplied to the electronic fuel control actuator and the signal returned from the fuel metering control sensor. Code set po420 They found that to be the cause of the engine light coming on. It could be a bad O2 sensor which would be about $200-500 to replace. Also, the exhaust system will release smells like rotten eggs or burnt sulfur. Check Engine Light Comes On. The rattle may be more obvious when starting the vehicle and will worsen over time. 2019 Hyundai Elantra. First introduced in the 1970s, the catalytic converter quickly became standard issue equipment on most vehicles.. Today, federal and state laws require its presence on nearly all vehicles. If you keep it, you’ve already had a mechanic inspect the Jeep and (hopefully) most of the major issues fixed. Some price aggregate sites show catalytic converter replacement costs as high as $2,000 or even $3,000 in some modern vehicles. The O2 sensors are separate from the cat. When this happens, the catalytic converter reaches a temperature that’s too high and actually begins to melt the internals of the cat or break apart the honeycomb material. Either fault can negatively affect engine performance and cause a reduction in power and acceleration as well as fuel economy. Unfortunately, it’s time to find a new mechanic. Worst case, exhaust flow is completely blocked and backpressure builds back up to the engine which can cause overheating and other problems. Cost to replace catalytic converter. When this sensor is not working correctly, incorrect or misdiagnosed air/fuel mixtures are relayed to the vehicle's computer causing incorrect changes... Get a fair & transparent quote instantly before booking. Push down the brake pedal to reduce the speed. He came out to work on my car even when he knew the rain was about to pour down. Not replacing a broken oxygen sensor can eventually lead to a busted catalytic convertor, which can cost upwards of $2,000. Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST. I’m not very familiar with diesel engines. This blockage can then cause the car to stall and even prevent you from starting your car back up. A bad or failing catalytic converter can also cause an illuminated Check Engine Light. I had just put gas in the car , I use the same gas station every time I fill up. This will create the necessary heat inside the cat to effectively burn off these hydrocarbon deposits so your cat is running as efficiently as possible. Your engine depends on good exhaust flow to operate at peak power. Hi Joyce, there’s no way to know what the malfunction was from without getting the code scanned. The oxygen sensor and air-fuel ratio sensor in modern vehicles monitor the efficiency of the catalytic converter by tracking the gas levels in the exhaust. On occasion one would break off before I realized it was stuck. Is it possible the truck was intentionally tuned to roll coal before you took ownership? Being told catalytic converters is expanding. This happened about 6 months ago and I don’t know if it was the same code or not. Personally, I would not buy from them again. Does that sound about right? The noise will often be the loudest when starting the car. These toxic gases almost single handedly ended the classic muscle car era in the 70’s and are responsible for much of the smog found in large cities. Was fortunate to have him be the one to show up. Thank you Pedro! They also replaced a dirty cabin air filter and they replaced an oil pan gasket. Without knowing the exact check engine light it’s hard to say, but generally catalytic converter codes are safe to drive on as long as there’s nothing obstructing the catalytic converter; a blocked catalytic converter could catch fire and is very dangerous! The long answer is, ''Not directly, but the effects the burning oil has on engine performance can effect the catalytic converter.'' I ended up taking it to my local mechanic and they found 2 transmission leaks (it was down 3 quarts) and bad front brakes and a rusted front rotor (among other things so it shouldn’t have had a new inspection sticker on it) the CODE was PO430 and PO730.. they added transmission fluid and I requested a print out of the codes and needed repairs for the dealership as I had a 30 day warranty.. the dealership fixed everything on the list (I paid my regular mechanic again to prove those things were fixed) and then within a week the same issues were happening again with the engine light coming back on and the weird glitch feeling at times with acceleration which was less noticeable than before. Final Words. While rusted bolts/nuts on a catalytic converter are some of the most difficult to remove, it does not take several hours. Unfortunately, they’re just giving you an excuse for not having it done. Synthetic Blend vs. Full Synthetic (Motor Oil Comparison)Â, P0013 Code (Symptoms, Causes, and How to Fix), 6 Symptoms of a Bad Tie Rod End (and Replacement Cost), 6 Symptoms of a Bad PCM (and Replacement Cost). On average, expect to pay anywhere between $500 and $2,200 to replace a catalytic converter in newer cars. Exhaust and Emission System Inspection Cost, The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. P0420 and P0430 are two common fault codes that indicate a catalytic converter failure. P2317 P2317 code definition Ignition coil F secondary circuit What the P2317 code means This trouble code indicates that the powertrain control module has detected an abnormal reference voltage from the one of the engine’s ignition coils. can you recommend a good catalytic converter for me? They are asking $1,387.45 to replace converter. Here is a more detailed list of the 8 most common symptoms of a bad catalytic converter. Located within your exhaust system of the car, your catalytic converter works to lower the overall dangerous emissions of the vehicle by invigorating a chemical process in the emissions. Toyota Tundra - Car is not starting - Corona, California. Fast, free online quotes for your car repair. Almost all problems with a catalytic converter are because of an engine issue. If a catalytic converter becomes old or damaged internally from excessively rich fuel mixtures, the catalyst coated honeycomb meshes on the inside of the converter can collapse or break apart, causing a rattle. It’s possible the oil leak and excess oil consumption caused the fault code from the O2 sensor in the first place. Does this sound reasonable for the cause to be caused by a faulty catalitic converter? How much to replace a cat converter and a thermostat on a 07 Nissan Max SL? Looking for a good online repair manual? The octane rating of gas should have nothing to do with it. Very professional and honest. what do you think is wrong, i had the car 2005 pontiac grand prix 3.8 tested and it says that the oxygen sensors for the catalytic converter its the problem, are the oxygen sensors needs be replace with the cat or is just the sensors and how many sensors are they talking bout. Need to fix this to get the emission test completed. It doesn’t: it turns carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons INTO carbon dioxide. Can I try to just replace o2 sensor or should I get cat replaced? The problem may actually be a bad O2 sensor or even a catalytic converter that’s starting to clog up. In many cases the vehicle will run with increased emissions and/or reduced efficiency, and it won’t pass an emissions test until the problem is addressed. Modern vehicles contain oxygen sensors which are able to monitor the catalytic converter’s efficiency by checking the exhaust’s gas levels. Rattling noises from under the vehicle are another symptom of a bad or failing catalytic converter. Total cost of a catalytic converter replacement in these older cars will run you about $175 to $750. It takes a seasoned and experienced mechanic to resolve the problem without further damage. You can still drive the vehicle but you’ll need to get it taken care of before your next emissions test (if your area requires it). And can I still drive my car without replacing it or getting it fixed I plan on going on a 6 hour trip soon will it cause my car any problems if I don’t get it fixed before I go on my trip? They had it 2 days. My engine light is on. I’ll try to help you weigh the pros and cons of returning the Jeep versus keeping it. The mechanic is recommending a new catalytic converter because the car is idling too high and accelerates without your foot on the pedal? It depends. Only you will know if it’s worth it to keep the car. I think it’s wise to check the O2 sensors first, since they’re much cheaper to replace than the catalytic converter. I took it to auto parts store and they put it on the scanner. Gasoline engine cars built before 1981 and most diesel engines (any year) have two-way catalytic converters. You may try replacing it since it’s a fairly cheap repair (especially if you can do it yourself). Most parts of the Unites States require your vehicle to pass a smog test every few years to make sure your car is properly burning fuel and not expelling dangerous gases into the atmosphere. I’ve put almost $800 into getting this car ready to pass an emissions test so I can renew my license plate (which expired in November of 2018). Check Engine Light—There are lots of problems that can cause a check engine light, but many of them are related to your emission control system, which includes that catalytic converter. As a 24yr BMW mechanic I had my fair share of nuts and bolts that would not come off. Nuts and bolts in the exhaust system are notorious for being seized or rusted, especially on semi-old vehicles such as your Acura (I know, it’s crazy 1997 was so long ago). If the cat is indeed failing you will need to have it replaced at that point to restore your vehicle's low emission status and overall performance. However, like almost any other part of your vehicle, over time, your catalytic converter can fail. And how much will it cost to replace a catalytic converter? When failing, you may notice a sulfuric, rotten egg-like smell coming from the exhaust. Now the car backfired and won’t stay running because it’s idling so rough . Coolant Leaks. When the flow is restricted due to a clogged converter, you’ll notice a lack of power when accelerating, going up a hill, or towing a heavy load. Hello my check engine light just recently showed up I went to auto zone to see what was the problem and they said it was the catalytic converter. One of the most common symptoms of a clogged catalytic converter is a lack of power from the engine, particularly when you try to accelerate such as when you need to pass another vehicle quickly. How to Clean a Catalytic Converter (2 Methods), 8 Best Catalytic Converter Cleaners (for Clogged Cats), 5 Symptoms of a Bad Torque Converter (and Replacement Cost), 4 Symptoms of a Bad Oil Control Valve (and VVT Solenoid), P0122 Code (Symptoms, Causes, and How to Fix), 11 Best Automotive Scan Tools (for Home and Professional Use), Conventional vs. Catalytic converter symptoms are often similar to other more straightforward issues. The first line of the article says the cat converter removes carbon dioxide. I can’t afford to put much more money into this car and I still owe too much on it (bought it two years ago) to trade it in for something else. Did everything he could to track down a emissions code, after all recommended to replace a bad PCM. The engine light came on so I took it to my dealer’s shop that I have been using for years. Your catalytic converter is responsible for turning those hazardous toxins into harmless gases, and if it breaks you could potentially fail emissions testing or experience engine damage. A bad catalytic converter can be difficult to diagnose. When the cat is bad, the conversion doesn’t take place so some of the unburnt gases containing the smelly hydrogen sulfide exit your exhaust. You’ll want to replace the cat as soon as possible as those chunks of dislodged material can actually make their way further down the exhaust system and into the muffler. Does oxicat cleaner work on a partial clogged catalytic converter in a 325i bmw 2004. Hello my check engine light went on and I would get a stinky smell through the vent when driving the car sometimes. Catalytic Converter Replacement. I have a 2011 QX56 Infiniti. While it’s likely you will never need to repair or replace yours, sometimes they fail. My check engine light, skid, cruise control lights came on. Very honest and reliable. So I took it in and was told that 2 of my 4 catalytic converters were bad. He wants you to replace it so be can put a aftermarket not approved non OEM new convertor. In other words: not all bad catalytic converters are clogged catalytic converters. Otherwise this car is in great shape. Its job is to filter out or “convert” the harmful gases (nitric oxide, carbon monoxide, and unburned hydrocarbons) a vehicle produces before they enter the atmosphere. But the investigation can be well worth it. It depends on the root cause. The code was p0420. I have a 2008 Buick allure with 86,210 kilos. Recently took my car to a dealership to get my exhaust manifold fixed (had a crack) total around 500. It is most often caused by excess fuel entering the exhaust system due to an incorrect air/fuel mixture, bad spark plugs, incorrect engine timing, failed oxygen sensor, or other issues where fuel leaves the engine’s combustion chamber unburned. If these sensors detect the exhaust gases are not being catalyzed properly for whatever reason, the “Check Engine Light” will come on. On some older vehicles, a flashing check engine light will be your tipoff to catalytic converter overheating, and it shouldn't be ignored. I got very good and creative in persuading most to come off. On the other hand, running the transmission 3 quarts low is kind of a big deal and leads me to believe that the vehicle wasn’t cared for by its previous owner. A bad or failing catalytic converter can also cause an illuminated Check Engine Light. Does this sound right. The most popular service booked by readers of this article is Exhaust and Emission System Inspection. My experience? 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