Hello all. I realize that there is a fair amount of information on this issue already, but I wanted a very specific answer to my question, so I apologize in advance for any repeated information....

I went to the dealership about a month ago, because my CEL was on (I have a 2001 SE auto). It was on twice before, but went out after a few days. I stopped in for a routine oil change and had them check on the CEL (which I knew would cost me a hundred bucks, but I trusted that they were get their diagnosis right the FIRST time). After performing the oil change, the service guy tells me that the code means that my catalytic converter is going bad, and they would gladly fix it for $1100. Yeah....

As far as I know, the symptoms of a bad cat are generally bad spark plugs (mine are basically brand new, just got them done in october, along with a brand new air filter), sluggish acceleration, a rough idle, poor gas mileage, etc. My car is getting pretty poor gas mileage right now, but besides that, it works fine. The car idles smoothly, starts right up, and accelerates without a hitch, no power loss. I'm wondering what else it could be, my car seems to be fine overall. Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

Did they tell you the fault code.....that would help? With no apparent issues except for the poor gas mileage, my guess would be a failing front O2 sensor (one of the two). Jeez.......for 1100 bucks, what did they want to replace........a precat (or both of them)?

 

which code was it? go to autozone, they check the code for free instead of spending all that extra cash at the dealership.

 

If you diagnosis it at a dealership, they will verify that your cats are bad (jacks your car up and looks at it). autozone just checks the code.

 

I went back a week later and asked for the code, and they didnt record it for whatever reason. I think I need to talk to a mechanic directly, instead of a service manager. I would like to know what they actually physically did to inspect the car, not just plug it into a computer.

 

The service manager is jerking you around. The precats/cats on these cars rarely fail. When they supply you with the code ask them to show you in the FSM the "probable causes" for that fault code. Not one of the O2 sensor fault codes has a "probable cause" as being the precat/cat itself. As you yourself mentioned, it's more likely related to an engine operation issue.