New catalytic converter installed?

Tiny
KATJEN1965
  • MEMBER
  • 2013 CHEVROLET SONIC
  • 1.8L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 126,000 MILES
I got a new catalytic converter about a year and a half ago. My check engine light is now on and the diagnostic I had done is reading a dirty catalytic converter. I was wondering should a new 02 sensor be installed along with the new catalytic converter? Is it standard procedure?
Sunday, February 5th, 2023 AT 1:09 PM

12 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

Replacement of the sensor isn't standard. If the sensor is good, it gets reused.

I have a question. I've never seen a code for a dirty converter. What code did you get? Also, I have seen codes specific to the converter operating below the threshold (P0420).

Let me know if that is what you got.

Take care,

Joe
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Sunday, February 5th, 2023 AT 5:13 PM
Tiny
KATJEN1965
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Okay, so, my son is the one who got the diagnostic done for me and I just asked him, and he said it just came up as an error code on the cat, not necessarily a dirty cat. So, I’ll go to my mechanic today and have him get it sorted. Thank you so much for your help!
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Monday, February 6th, 2023 AT 7:11 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

Thanks for the update. Let me know what code is found so I can better help.

Take care,

Joe
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Monday, February 6th, 2023 AT 8:39 PM
Tiny
KATJEN1965
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Hi Joe. So, when I took my car to the shop, I told them I thought it was the 02 sensor that was the problem, so they put it up on the rack and came to find there was no catalytic converter there. The shop I took it to took out the cat and straight piped my car. They charged me $1,500.00 for a new one. I am basically screwed now, especially since my registration expires tomorrow, and I can’t smog it. I don’t know what to do. I think a lawyer, or something is what I need now. If you have any advice that would be great. I am just a single woman who without much money and they did this to me. I could not be more stressed out. :(
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Friday, February 17th, 2023 AT 8:42 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

That is horrible. Have you been in contact with the people that did the work? Also, was the catalytic converter allegedly replaced at a small shop or a dealership?

Do me a favor. Take a couple of how the straight pipe was installed and upload it for me to see. I will try to figure out how we can get it taken care of with a universal converter that is much less expensive, and I'll explain how to do it yourself. Maybe your son will help as well.

Let me know.

Joe
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Friday, February 17th, 2023 AT 8:07 PM
Tiny
KATJEN1965
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Hi Joe, I have not been in contact with the shop that did this, it was not a dealership. I wanted to go the day I found out what they did but my son advised me to take a few days, do some research, then take it from there. I will attach a photo of the straight pipe work and a pic of the invoice. The shop I took it to had a look at the invoice and said it should have a part number? My registration expired yesterday, but I was able to get a 10 day move permit from the DMV, so it buys me some time before I figure out my next steps. Thank you so much for your help so far. I am so angry and sad.
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Sunday, February 19th, 2023 AT 10:28 AM
Tiny
KATJEN1965
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  • 7 POSTS
I should have said the shop I took it to who discovered what happened, if that wasn't clear.
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Sunday, February 19th, 2023 AT 10:29 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

Wow! I would be livid! Did they charge $1,170.00 for the converter that doesn't even exist?

You know, I am questioning if they did it. The check engine light should have turned on almost immediately. If it took a year, that doesn't make sense.

I'm not sure, but it is possible that it was stolen, and someone did that, so it wasn't noticeable right away. I'm near Pittsburgh, and I can't tell you how many people have had them stolen.

However, it appears to be welded in place. Ugh! I wish I was there to see it.

Let me know if there is anything I can do to help.

Joe
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Sunday, February 19th, 2023 AT 10:35 PM
Tiny
KATJEN1965
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
I’m pretty sure if someone stole it, they wouldn’t have time, or the tools, to weld on a pipe. They would have to lift my car and no way they had time to do that without someone seeing them. Do you think the mechanic at the shop could rig it so the engine light wouldn’t turn on for long enough for them to be able to deny stealing it?
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Monday, February 20th, 2023 AT 6:58 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

I agree about the welding. I thought it was but wasn't 100% sure looking at the pic. As far as the light is concerned, I'm not sure how they would have bypassed that to be off this long.

When you took it in this time, did the shop let you know what codes were stored?

Joe
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Monday, February 20th, 2023 AT 4:36 PM
Tiny
KATJEN1965
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Hi Joe! I’m at work so this will be a quick message, I’ll get you details when I can. My son and I took my car to the place that stole my cat, and they are busted! Liars and thieves is what that are. So I’m going to another shop to replace my cat and I’m going after the other guys some how. I have many options but my main goal is to make them pay. Yay!
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Tuesday, February 21st, 2023 AT 7:07 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Sounds good and thanks for the update.

You take care and if I can help, let me know.

Joe
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Tuesday, February 21st, 2023 AT 8:42 PM

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