It has been on the dash for a while and I've ignored it, mostly. First I replaced the catalytic converter at a local shop since the idiots at the dealership were charging 1200 or so. The local muffler shop charged 250 after I used a coupon from the paper.
Few months later the light is back again. I did the heads and oil pan gasket and while crawling under there did the o2 sensors and the gaskets for the downpipes and the intake manifold, hoping to seal any possible leaks in the system.
Again, went out for a bit. More frustration so I go through everything again and replace the PCV valve. Went out for a little while and is back again. Completely and utterly frustrated I gave up and sacrificed a few MPGs because I was done with the **** code. Even used Seafoam through the intake system to clear any crap out. (Had my mechanic friend do it for me since I didn't trust myself. I'll rip out the engine but won't use snake oil on the car, figures)
Now I figure it's time to put this crap to rest and I probably got screwed. The car went in for something else at the dealership and the guy asked where we got the aftermarket cat because it's undersized. He said lots of people come in with undersized cats from aftermarket shops that put too small of ones on and they burn out fast.
So... again, stealership is out. Now they're trying to tell me 1500 is reasonable. The part is listed at 1429, gaskets cost 160, diagnostics is 180 plus another 70 in labor but yay me, they're giving me a break and calling it 1440 out the door. Bull. Found a direct fit bolt-in California legal catalytic converter for 350 bucks. Considering I blew 250 last time I'm hesitant.
Catco, anyone? I'm thinking buy that, jack the car up bam, slap that in and spend 180 on gaskets and not buy a 1400 dollar oem cat. I just want to know if I buy aftermarket my catalytic converter will last more that 10,000 miles. So is catco reliable? Stupid me I didn't question what brand they stuck in last time.
Few months later the light is back again. I did the heads and oil pan gasket and while crawling under there did the o2 sensors and the gaskets for the downpipes and the intake manifold, hoping to seal any possible leaks in the system.
Again, went out for a bit. More frustration so I go through everything again and replace the PCV valve. Went out for a little while and is back again. Completely and utterly frustrated I gave up and sacrificed a few MPGs because I was done with the **** code. Even used Seafoam through the intake system to clear any crap out. (Had my mechanic friend do it for me since I didn't trust myself. I'll rip out the engine but won't use snake oil on the car, figures)
Now I figure it's time to put this crap to rest and I probably got screwed. The car went in for something else at the dealership and the guy asked where we got the aftermarket cat because it's undersized. He said lots of people come in with undersized cats from aftermarket shops that put too small of ones on and they burn out fast.
So... again, stealership is out. Now they're trying to tell me 1500 is reasonable. The part is listed at 1429, gaskets cost 160, diagnostics is 180 plus another 70 in labor but yay me, they're giving me a break and calling it 1440 out the door. Bull. Found a direct fit bolt-in California legal catalytic converter for 350 bucks. Considering I blew 250 last time I'm hesitant.
Catco, anyone? I'm thinking buy that, jack the car up bam, slap that in and spend 180 on gaskets and not buy a 1400 dollar oem cat. I just want to know if I buy aftermarket my catalytic converter will last more that 10,000 miles. So is catco reliable? Stupid me I didn't question what brand they stuck in last time.