I have 2001 Buick Regal, 3.8L V-6. I'm getting a code that tells me low catalyst efficiency. My trusted mechanic tells me it's time to replace the catalytic converter. One made specifically for that car is about $225 plus labor costs. A universal one is about $70 plus installation at a muffler shop. Because my mechanical expertise is non computerized and non-sensorized, is there any reason why the universal converter will not work with my car and allow the service engine light to stay out. I do have to pass emissions testing.
I don't think it will harm the engine not having the factory one, but the O2 sensors might not read the same amount of oxygen with universal converters. Maybe they have to break in to take the MIL off, I don't know really.
You have the new universal converter installed and the Chk eng light is still on after clearing the codes and running a complete drive cycle??? Bad O2 sensor comes to mind.They are fragile and could have been damaged during the converter replacement,or you had a bad downstream sensor from the get go and may not have needed the converter.Probably a bad O2 sensor... Terry,have your mechanic check and be sure the O2 sensors are operating within spec.A lazy O2 sensor could cause your problem.Chances are its the converter.A universal one for your application should work just fine.European cars are more sensitive to converter changes than domestic ones(better mamagement systems)good luck.Wait a minute!!!! Its an 01??? that converter is still under factory warrantee(federal mandate) unless you are out by mileage.if you are over 80,ooo mi?? Not sure each manufacturer is different(some go to 100k).Check with a new car dealer and find out for sure before you spend any money.It may be a freebie.
Uh, I ain't replaced the converter, yet. That is why I was asking the question before I did. Sounds like you are saying a universal converter will work fine. Dat it?
I just went through this with my '02 Taurus, Terry. My 24V DOHC V6 has 3 of the *%$@# cat converters. 2 of mine were clogged. 1 off the manifold clogged/came apart and clogged up the 3rd that both banks run through. The mechanic then ran through my bank! $1,157! And he used a universal one to replace culprit #3-the larger converter in the middle of the car. Want to hear the bad news? He didn't replace converter #1 coming off the manifold-he gutted it and relocated the O2 sensor(confused the computer he called it). If I had replaced that %*#@ piece I was looking at another $600 for that part. I had an air leak on the bad upper converter that had burned through due to heat. He welded up the holes and put it back on. The $$ problem is the engine/cradle has to be dropped to do that job. No check engine lights, and my exhaust is running through a converter-so I am okay. Ford!! Sorry, I had to rant a bit. Good luck on yours. Previous post is apparently correct. 8 yr. 80K mile warranty on converters from what I heard. I doubled the mileage so I was SOL! (So out of luck) Seth
My moms cougar had the same issue..... My brother works@ ford I got the 2 frt manifolds w/converters for 265.00 each.....I bought an aftermarket direct fit for the rear converter for 120.00.....I replaced all the oxygen sensors......the largest reason for converters to fail is worn out O2 sensors......they may still "work" but not effeciently. It slowly degrades the converter substrate causing repeat failures.....and yes Seth the dohc cougar and tauras are alike you must drop the sub frame out.......Silly engineers