Bad catalytic converter question

[bigwayne3000]

Just watched Scotty Killmers YouTube video on replacing catalytic converters:



Having never done this before, are ours this easy? I have a feeling they won't be but was hoping someone who may have done this already would be able to shed light on this.

Backstory: About 3 months ago my CEL came on and I had it read and it was throwing a P420 code which is a bad catalytic converter. I read that it might just be dirty so I put some CataClean in my gas tank and within 2 days it turned off after being on for close to a month. Since then, it seems to go on randomly and stays on for 2 days or so before turning off and this has happen about 3 times now. The first 2 it happen directly after using gas I don't usually use so I chaulked it up to possibly that then it turned on again 2 days ago only to turn off today. No idea wtf is going on but if I do have to replace these, will ours be this easy?

[el ess A]

I believe you have an 5 or 8 year warranty on cats? I'm not sure. You may still have emissions warranty on that if it's the cats.

Might want to check into that. Never hurts to ask.

[TooCool5]

Yes, Check with your dealer, should be covered on the emissions warranty, unless your mileage expired.

If expired, try cleaning the mass air flow sensor first, could be dirty and effecting air/fuel ratios.

[Evil-Bee-NH]

time to upgrade to hi-flo cats!

[rtcat600man]

Cats, what are those? .....LOL

They are not easy to just change out on our LLT engine.

[bigwayne3000]

Any recommendations on aftermarket cats that will still pass state emissions tests? Also, do you know the warranty mileage wise on emissions? I'm currently at around 88k I believe.

[Ventmaster]

I always thought manufacturers had to warranty the cats for 100K per EPA requirments.

Your best deal would be to find a set of take-off cats with low miles in the member classifieds if you have to replace yours.

I just picked up a set of ZL1 cats with 5K miles on them for $100.

[Evil-Bee-NH]

Originally Posted by bigwayne3000

Any recommendations on aftermarket cats that will still pass state emissions tests? Also, do you know the warranty mileage wise on emissions? I'm currently at around 88k I believe.

Solo Hi Flow is your best direct option and they cost the same as the OEM cats combined from any parts or dealership warehouse. Their are a few other options like rtcats LT OBX system but you will need a tune for the CEL if i'm not mistaken and depending on state emissions and safety inspection you could fail. Solo is basically a direct option that will give you more power probably better built and is the same as replacing with factory oem parts cost wise.

[FloridaBill]

My car was throwing P420 codes regularly and I switched from premium (93 octane) to plus (89 octane) haven't thrown a code since. It's been months now.

[Malibu T]

The fed warranty act, as it pertains to emissions, per epa.gov
(*Good info to keep handy)
"Specified major emission control components are covered for the first 8 years or 80,000 miles (whichever first occurs). The specified major emission control components only include the catalytic converters, the electronic emissions control unit or computer (ECU), and the onboard emissions diagnostic (OBD) device or computer."

Side note regarding aftermarket options: I can tell you after my recent experience... *Dealership#1 misdiagnosed my annoying resonator rattle as, a "failed passenger side Catalytic Converter", $820! Fortunately, my cat's are still covered, but this could have been a nasty [&wasted] bill for someone out of warranty. (Though cheaper than the $1500 GM & Chevy dealership#2,#3,#4 wanted to replace my defective resonator, and reinstate my voided cat-back exhaust warranty!) I'm keeping my healthy cat's for now, but replacing my Solo Axleback & rattling stock resonator with Solo's full cat-back, Mach XL, because... when all else fails it's hard to beat the quality & genuine customer service you'll get from the guys at Solo! (IMO)

[bandier]

Originally Posted by bigwayne3000

Any recommendations on aftermarket cats that will still pass state emissions tests? Also, do you know the warranty mileage wise on emissions? I'm currently at around 88k I believe.

No way, I'm at 88k too an just told by the dealer that my catalytic converter needs to be replaced. Sounds too coincidental.

Originally Posted by FloridaBill

My car was throwing P420 codes regularly and I switched from premium (93 octane) to plus (89 octane) haven't thrown a code since. It's been months now.

You down graded your gas and it made it better? Why?

[morenm01]

Engine light came on dealer said bad o2 sensor had it replaced still under warranty. Made it 30 miles engine light came on. Dealer said they contacted Detroit and advised them to change the cat. Just got it back today. Should I be concerned? car has 5000 miles on it and is about old.