Catalytic Converter is gone?

Question

My car had a check engine light go on, error 420. The mechanic reset it for me, but told me to come back if it went off again. It did, and he is telling me the cat has fallen apart and could clog my engine. He's claiming it costs 300 for a new cat, and 700 for one from the dealer. Should I get the cat changed plus the O2 filter as he reccomended? The car itself is probably only worth about 3000 max, and the total job is gonna cost about 700-800.

Answer 1

The year and make would be my deciding factor. Having said that, the $700 bill is, in my opinion, a minor repair. If you're keeping the car, get it fixed.

Answer 2

First be absolutely sure your cat is the problem.

This is what I would do. If you live in a sate that doesn't have auto inspections then you have some options. Remove that cat all together. Replace with a regular piece of pipe. That's it! There may be a catch though. If you have an O2 SENSOR (not filter as you stated--there is no such thing by the way) after the cat, then you will get a permanent check engine light because the sensor is going to read that the cat is not doing it's job (it's gone now). If you can live with that then you're good to go. The only problem with this method of repair is that it is technically illegal. Your cat is part of your emmission control system and is required by law to be functional. If your mechanic doesn't care then you shouldn't care.

If you wanna fix it by the book, then shop around for a new catalytic converter for your vehicle. (keep in mind that some vehicles have multiple cats--my 02 mustang had 4) Some repair shops will overcharge you for it to make an extra profit which is why I buy my own parts. You might even be able to find one on ebay. Take your new cat to the shop and have it replaced. The labor shouldn't be more than 100 bucks I'd guess. You may want to replace the 02 sensor(s) at this time. Those sensors cost anywhere from 30 to 120 dollars depending on the vehicle. Have your check engine code erased and you should be in business.

I hope this helps. Contact me if you have any more questions.

Answer 3

P0420. catalyst efficiency below threshold. replace the cat with a good quality one. cheap aftermarket ones won't last and you'll be back in the same spot you are now. remove it and install a straight pipe? good luck finding a shop to do that. chances of getting caught are slim but they are still there. the fine would put most shops out of business. do it yourself? who did you last piss off badly. the fine to you would be much less severe but still keep it in the back of your mind. removing a catalytic converter is a violation of federal vehicle emissions law. driving with a bad cat or a gutted one allows your car to pollute excessively. O2 sensors don't need to be changed just because your cat wore out but it is a good idea to replace the front one. the rear one is the one that determines if the cat is operating efficiently by determining if it is storing oxygen. the O2 sensors look for an oxygen difference between the front and rear to determine how well the cat is working. you just have to figure is it in my best interest to have a car that is spewing excessive emissions. your call. your choice. just remember to look over your shoulder if you fix it the wrong way.

Answer 4

The I think he means it will choke the exhaust, clogging the engine. Anyway, you don't have to get an OEM (Dealer) unit. I got one for my '86 Pontiac Parisienne for $80 at Advance Auto Parts. (Obviously your car may require something slightly different.)

O2 sensors run $35 for the old single wire, to $75 for the newer four wire (with heater). He will mark these up, as he is in business, plus install time.

My estimate, plus reasonable markup: Cat 140 + O2 90 + 2 hours 130 = $360ish

Answer 5

Ripoff... generic aftermarket cats are about $150. Go to an honest muffler shop and get another estimate.

Cat converters are a common "ripoff" item, as nobody understands them or what they should cost. Some special converters with special flanges/fittings cost more, but you should shop around.

I had a total custom exhaust done for my dodge truck. Converter, O2 sensor, flowmaster muffler, pipes, all for $400. I used a generic 3" high-flow converter.

Answer 6

If you dont have emmission laws in your state I say just find someone with a torch and cut the ***** out and replace it with a straight pipe if its only worth $3000. Like the other guy said a "shade tree" mechanic might do this for you.

Answer 7

Go to a good exhaust shop, they will let you know when they have the old one off whether the broken up bits are in the muffler which will cause the power loss that you were told about.

Answer 8

In the old days, you could find a mechanic who could either remove the converter or gut it so it still looks like you had one. It is much more difficult now, do you know of any shade tree mechanics from old school ways?