Agreed, the mechanic is looking to rip you off hard! Without it, the vehicle may produce excessive emissions harmful to both humans and the environment. On occasion one would break off before I realized it was stuck. That’s a tough one. Hi I have a 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. Was fortunate to have him be the one to show up. You may try replacing it since it’s a fairly cheap repair (especially if you can do it yourself). Sounds like they ended up not having too much trouble with them. At a high temperature that a catalytic converter is designed to function at (about 800 degrees F), a chemical reaction occurs where the end result are safer elements that come out of your muffler such as oxygen, water, and carbon dioxide. If you take your car to a parts store, they should be able to scan it for free. Worst case, exhaust flow is completely blocked and backpressure builds back up to the engine which can cause overheating and other problems. It may not even be one as they rarely fail. If your engine is misfiring or if you see a warning code for a bad oxygen sensor, it’s a good idea to take care of the problem before it can lead to catalytic converter failure. 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. If parts of the honeycomb material inside the catalytic converter break apart due to excessive heat or damage, you will likely notice a rattling sound coming from under your vehicle while idling or driving. They are asking $1,387.45 to replace converter. Keeping your exhaust, emissions and combustion systems in good shape will minimize the risk of your catalytic converter failing before its time. The short answer is yes. Code set po420 They found that to be the cause of the engine light coming on. Every late-model car that runs on gasoline has a catalytic converter. Recently took my car to a dealership to get my exhaust manifold fixed (had a crack) total around 500. The engine light came on so I took it to my dealer’s shop that I have been using for years. I believe your car has 2 sensors but you can contact your local GMC dealership to confirm. Lol. The best thing to do is retrieve the trouble codes from the car using a diagnostic scan tool. Since the design is fairly simple, replacement costs are usually cheaper. 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’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). In the auto business since 1973 – yikes, i’m old?? 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. I’d look for a new mechanic that has more experience with this. I was also under the impression that without that sensor, the ECU is unable to operate, essentially breaking the engine by rendering it unable to … 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! A catalytic converter is a device that cuts down on the amount of hydrocarbon emissions from your vehicle's exhaust, helping your car to pass the emissions test. Is it possible the truck was intentionally tuned to roll coal before you took ownership? Related to the poor acceleration symptom above, when you don’t have proper exhaust flow, you are forced to step on the gas pedal more since acceleration is affected. My check Engine light just came on my 2006 Acura TL its the cat (P0420 )About how much is the average cost of repair? It’s positioned between the exhaust manifold and the muffler. naomi. 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. Though not common, rocks, road debris, or potholes can all damage or crack the outside shell of a cat or the hangers that support it. Taking your car into a … Our certified mobile mechanics perform over 600 services, including diagnostics, brakes, oil changes, scheduled mileage maintenances, and will come to you with all necessary parts and tools. I think it’s wise to check the O2 sensors first, since they’re much cheaper to replace than the catalytic converter. Just came on again. A catalytic converter can lose its efficiency without being clogged. A catalytic converter is an exhaust emission control device that reduces toxic gases and pollutants in exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine into less-toxic pollutants by catalyzing a redox reaction (an oxidation and a reduction reaction). 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. If your vehicle’s catalytic converter is failing or has gone bad, the “Check Engine Light” will illuminate on the dashboard. 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. As mentioned earlier, most catalytic converters will last the lifetime of a vehicle. 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. While you have one of the more expensive vehicles to replace cat converters on, $5,400 seems about $2k too high. Another option is using sodium hydroxide. 2021 overall the Jeep inside and out looks perfect and it has 110k miles… please give me advice as I don’t want to be that girl that makes dumb decisions. Coolant Leaks. Hi, I have a 2500HD Duramax truck. I was told by a muffler shop that it would take an hour to an hour and a half to replace exhaust and catalytic converter. Some price aggregate sites show catalytic converter replacement costs as high as $2,000 or even $3,000 in some modern vehicles. The second mechanic may have told you not to worry about the catalytic converter knowing the car is still safe to drive despite the fault it detected, especially if you live in an area that doesn’t do emissions testing. When carbon buildup within the honeycomb design gets to be too much or when the internals start to melt due to excess heat from unburned fuel, a partial blockage inside the catalytic converter takes place. Unfortunately, it’s time to find a new mechanic. Made with ♥ in Silicon Valley. Fast, free online quotes for your car repair. If you suspect that your catalytic converter may be having a problem, have the vehicle inspected by a professional technician to determine if the car will need a catalytic converter replacement. P2099 essentially means your car is running rich as detected by the O2 sensor. Toyota Tundra - Car is not starting - Corona, California. If this is allowed to go on long enough, these carbon deposits will clog the catalytic converter so it can’t do its job. The catalytic converter is built into the vehicle’s exhaust system, and as a result, can affect the performance of the engine if it develops any problems. 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. Apart from that he explained all the steps he took to fix what was wrong with my car. Most cars on the road today have one catalytic converter but many with dual exhausts have two (one unit for each set of pipes). do all 3 need replaced? The catalytic converter is one of the most important emissions components found in modern vehicles. 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? A variety of other issues can activate the Check Engine Light, so it is recommended to have the vehicle scanned for trouble codes to be certain of the issue. If you smell something that seems like rotten eggs, it’s a tell tale sign of a failed catalytic converter. Hi I have a surbu Forest 2010. While this is often the culprit, things like plug wires, spark plugs , fuel adjustment—and lots more—can be a much less expensive solution. An alternative and much strong method of cleaning a catalytic converter is to remove the cat and soak it in a solution of citric acid for 6-8 hours. Yes, bolts in the exhaust system are notorious for getting stuck or rusted but every mechanic knows how to deal with them even if it means snapping, grinding, or torching them off. 2. Almost all problems with a catalytic converter are because of an engine issue. It depends on the root cause. Modern vehicles contain oxygen sensors which are able to monitor the catalytic converter’s efficiency by checking the exhaust’s gas levels. Total cost of a catalytic converter replacement in these older cars will run you about $175 to $750. In other words: not all bad catalytic converters are clogged catalytic converters. 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. This is what relays exhaust gas changes to the vehicle's computer. Catalytic converter symptoms are often similar to other more straightforward issues. Only you will know if it’s worth it to keep the car. The dealership is surely at fault here, as they should not allow a vehicle in that condition to leave in customer hands. Can a catalytic converter be repaired? Some higher end vehicles now have two cats in-line which further reduces harmful emissions gases. However, like almost any other part of your vehicle, over time, your catalytic converter can fail. But if you have to face a fully plugged catalytic, keep driving your car is the thing you have to avoid. Gasoline contains a small amount of sulfur which converts to hydrogen sulfide during the combustion process. Most bad catalytic converter symptoms do not affect the function of your vehicle. A trouble code will be stored in the car’s computer if it has a faulty catalytic converter. Ouch. Once the problem has been diagnosed, you will be provided with an upfront quote for the recommended fix and receive $20.00 off as a credit towards the repair. It is a metal canister installed in the exhaust system. A clogged catalytic converter fix is a necessary maintenance procedure to perform if you need your vehicle to function smoothly at its optimal capacity and so in this post, we are all about everything clogged catalytic converter symptoms so you can know when to start sorting for a solution to prevent major damage. On average, expect to pay anywhere between $500 and $2,200 to replace a catalytic converter in newer cars. 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. While it’s likely you will never need to repair or replace yours, sometimes they fail. It’s NOT the same as returning dishes to Target. Gasoline Engines – Before 1981 (and Diesel Engines), https://cartreatments.com/best-catalytic-converter-cleaner/. Some states in the U.S. require a diagnostic check of the engine’s computer to pass an emissions test. I am just about to trade in car for new one and I have to deal with this. Returning the Jeep would give you the chance to find a vehicle in better condition. Otherwise this car is in great shape. I remember there being a known problem causing the catalytic converter failure but can’t remember which years were affected. 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. Repairs covered by 12-month/12,000-mile warranty. Unburnt fuel left in the exhaust by the bad catalytic converter produces the odor, and may even cause dark exhaust smoke. A properly working catalytic converter will convert hydrogen sulfide into odorless sulfur dioxide. The mechanic is recommending a new catalytic converter because the car is idling too high and accelerates without your foot on the pedal? P3400 OBD-II Trouble Code: Cylinder Deactivation System Bank 1, P0223 OBD-II Trouble Code: Throttle/pedal position switch/sensor B circuit high output, P0392 OBD-II Trouble Code: Camshaft Position Sensor "B" Circuit Low (Bank 2), B1997 OBD-II Trouble Code: Passenger Side Side-Mount Air Bag Circuit Short to Ground, P2317 OBD-II Trouble Code: Ignition Coil F Secondary Circuit, P0259 OBD-II Trouble Code: Injection Pump Fuel Metering Control "B". If these sensors detect the exhaust gases are not being catalyzed properly for whatever reason, the “Check Engine Light” will come on. It took 35 to 40 minutes. 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. I had just put gas in the car , I use the same gas station every time I fill up. In this situation, the "check engine" light will not come on to indicate catalytic converter failure, because all is well. Modern vehicles contain oxygen sensors which are able to monitor the catalytic converter’s efficiency by checking the exhaust’s gas levels. Does this sound right. Seafoam may have helped also. When you have a blockage in your catalytic converter, the lower airflow can cause your car to burn more fuel than it needs. Should this pop up, the car will fail the test. Driving with low catalyst efficiency will usually just increase emissions, but may also reduce fuel economy depending on the root cause. Your engine depends on good exhaust flow to operate at peak power. One of the first symptoms commonly associated with a bad or failing catalytic converter is a reduction in engine performance. As a 24yr BMW mechanic I had my fair share of nuts and bolts that would not come off. A catalytic converter that’s working like it’s supposed to, converts the smelly sulfide into odorless sulfur dioxide. Without knowing the exact code that was scanned it’s hard to say if replacing the O2 sensor will resolve the issue. Cat converter cleaners were born to serve your exhaust system. In some countries, it is illegal to drive a car with a damaged catalytic converter since smog from your car will cause many bad impacts on the environment. You own the Jeep and the seller has an obligation to complete any of the repairs to the extend of the contract language. Is it worth dumping $1800.00 into?? In my area, you will actually fail smog if there’s any check engine light, no matter the cause. It depends on what bolt(‘s) are not coming off and where it is/they are located. How Long Does an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve Last. One of the most common reasons for failing an emissions test is a bad catalytic converter. My engine light is on. 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