Has anyone heard of problems with aftermarket catalytic converters?
Hello! I was wondering if someone could give me advice about what to do with my car. I have a 2000 Corolla with about 98k miles on it. The check engine light went on so I bought an OBD II reader and checked out what the code is and it said P0420. I brought it to the mechanic and he said it is the catalytic converter and is going to cost $1350 parts and labor to replace. He said that normally you could get non-manufacturer parts but in this case he had 2 people come back within six months after replacing the cat with a non-manufacturer catalytic converter and it had to be replaced again. He said since he had those bad experiences with non-manufacturer parts, he would only put in a Toyota brand cat and that would cost me $1350. He said if I want an aftermarket part I have to go elsewhere. Has anyone else heard of problems using non-manufacturer parts when replacing the catalytic converter? I don't want to replace it once only to have to replace it again in a couple of months. Is $1350 a normal price for replacing the cat? What should I do? Any advice would be appreciated.
The Toyota OEM cat is going to pretty expensive. You might be able to get one from an online retailer for much less than $1350 - but it will be more than most aftermarket cats.
Aftermarket catalytic converters lifespans will depend on who made them and their quality. I have seen some aftermarket cats last 100K miles no problem, I've also seem them die at less than 10K mile or less.
What I would be more concerned about is the P0420 code. That only indicates that the downstream O2 sensor is reading a voltage that "looks" like the upstream O2 sensor - i.e., the catalytic converter "appears" to be bad. I'd say in 9/10 of those codes - the catalytic converter is fine - it is the O2 sensor that is not reading correctly. The mechanic should have backprobed the sensor and verified the ouput on an o-scope. Possible that the upstream (pre cat) or downstream (after cat) are lazy - meaning they are still working, just not as well as they should. Being "lazy" instead of outright failing, also causes them NOT to set a CEL for a bad O2 sensor.
If your car tends to consume a bit of oil - might also be worthwhile to check into that issue. Many of the additives in motor oil and supplemental motor oil additives, tend to kill catalytic converters very quickly. Many manufacturers have started to remove those additives to extend catalytic converter lifespan, but it turns out that those same additives are very good at protecting the engine.
Aftermarket catalytic converters lifespans will depend on who made them and their quality. I have seen some aftermarket cats last 100K miles no problem, I've also seem them die at less than 10K mile or less.
What I would be more concerned about is the P0420 code. That only indicates that the downstream O2 sensor is reading a voltage that "looks" like the upstream O2 sensor - i.e., the catalytic converter "appears" to be bad. I'd say in 9/10 of those codes - the catalytic converter is fine - it is the O2 sensor that is not reading correctly. The mechanic should have backprobed the sensor and verified the ouput on an o-scope. Possible that the upstream (pre cat) or downstream (after cat) are lazy - meaning they are still working, just not as well as they should. Being "lazy" instead of outright failing, also causes them NOT to set a CEL for a bad O2 sensor.
I called the Toyota dealer today. They said it would cost $1400-1600. He also warned me that this model of Toyota doesn't take well to aftermarket parts too. So now I have two independent sources telling me not to go with aftermarket. Of course, they both may have a reason why it benefits them to tell me that.
As far as what P0420 means, I brought it to a mechanic and he told me it was the cat. I don't know exactly what he did but should I not trust him? I guess my only solution is to bring it to another mechanic and see what he says. Any other ideas or suggestions?
You mechanic is right. The dealer is saying that to scare you so you won't be tempted to take your business elsewhere. You can get as many opinions as you like, shop around for the best deal, I'm sure that there are plenty of honest ones out there.
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Originally Posted by TURBO Das Automagazin
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You mechanic is right. The dealer is saying that to scare you so you won't be tempted to take your business elsewhere. You can get as many opinions as you like, shop around for the best deal, I'm sure that there are plenty of honest ones out there.
I guess my point was that the mechanic *also* said that he would not change the cat without going with a Toyota part because in his experience they go bad really fast. But he could have been saying that to prevent me from going elsewhere too I guess. It sounds like others have had no problems with magnaflow.
Magnaflow is an established reputable brand with a great track record, but OEM is always a no-brainer.
I guess it depends on your budget and how long you plan on driving your car.
I don't plan on keeping the car more than another 2 years. I would like to spend as little as possible but also don't want to have to replace the cat again within that timeframe.
i bought a eastern cat and it's fine (wish i would have bought a magnaflow) it wasn't direct bolt on like they said i had to get it welded in certain spots or it would have had leaks.
And i also have a 00 corolla so i think the dealer maybe just trying to get ur money
Wheel you could ask that mechanic if he could check the o2 sensor like fish explained. He'd likely be willing to do it. I think he was telling the truth in preventing problems for both of you. If he refused and insisted you needed a cat converter then I'd be willing to say he was trying to do you wrong but so far I dont see it. I'd try him again before the dealer any day. My dealer quoted $1800 to replace mine. I walked.
Btw the magnaflow sounds like a good option if no one thinks you'll have to replace it in two years judging from their experiences with them.
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