Catalytic Converter Lifespan and Diagnosis

[Mojo72]

I'm at 82K+ miles and am wondering when/if I need to start considering a catalytic converter replacement. What are some telltale signs?

[Caretaker]

Geez, I'm at 115,000 and I haven't given it a thought. I don't replace anything until it breaks. Tell tale signs of a clogged Cat: your car doesn't start. My advice: carry a cell phone, check your tires weekly for spikes and nails, and ENJOY YOUR RIDE; it's a Corolla!!

[zionzr2]

Quote, originally posted by Mojo72 »I'm at 82K+ miles and am wondering when/if I need to start considering a catalytic converter replacement. What are some telltale signs?drop in fuel economy. foul odor (i.e. rotten eggs) Drop in performance. are signs to be aware of.

[ColonelPanic]

What zionzr2 said plus check engine lights w/P0420's and such.None of those symptoms? Save your pennies and wait until they show up.

[Mojo72]

Sounds like I'm good to go. Thanks for ALL of the great feedback!

[alexod]

118,010 miles, the Check engine light came on. Stopped by the repair shop, grinned grimaced and they read the code for me.Getting a new Cat next week(2004 auto, FWD, mostly freeway commute driving)

[Mojo72]

That sucks. How much are they charging you?

[borquezmike]

Got the rotten egg smell at 101,000. I went ahead and replaced the whole downpipe assembly myslef for 500.00, including oxygenh sensors. Funny though Pontiac wanted 500.00 and Toyota wanted 1000.00, go figure. Stick with good gas this problem is less likely to come up.

[msu90]

Nice! Wish I had the know-how around my car to do it. How long and how difficult is it to do?

[Mojo72]

How often did you change your O2 sensor(s) before the catalytic converter went south? I've read where worn out O2 sensors can shorten the lifespan of catalytic converters.

[06pvibe]

Next time, try this site: http://www.discountconverter.c...s.cfm$245.03 and the shipping is good. Used these guys when my wife's Saturn gave it up @ 135k ($168 for the Saturn.) Or simply buy a universal and have it installed by your favorite muffler shop... but don't forget a new 02 sensor along with it.

[hskater26]

im going on my second cat within 40k miles.

[borquezmike]

In California you are required on 2002+ newer vehicles to have OEM conveters installed, no universal units are allowed. Now this may not be a issue if the smog guy doesn't look, but due to its design and location I would not suggest using an aftermaket converter. You should replace your O2 @ 100k, earlier if you drive your car hard.

[Mojo72]

My upstream O2 sensor coded P0133 about 5 times last winter at around 80K miles so I replaced it in May09 with a Bosch exact fit sensor that's seems to be getting the job done. Unless it starts coding, I'll wait until 100K before replacing the downstream sensor.