GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Hey everyone,

So i recently bought a 2003 AWD pontiac vibe and it's been showing me a check engine light.

I've had it looked at by a mechanic and autozone code detector and they both said it was the catalytic converter. They tell me that the catalytic converter is too small for the car and can't work at full capacity the car needs. The mechanic said he would charge 900 dollars for a new catalytic converter that will last a long time and the dealer i bought it from (who didn't tell me about the replaced cat. converter) said i can get a universal one for around 150 that'll last half a year to a full year.

Questions:
1. Can someone tell me what the purpose of the catalytic converter is and how important it is.
2. What are the potential dangers of not having one and what could have caused them to replace the old one?
3. Is the mechanics price reasonable? Should i just go the junkyard and get me one off a salvaged car??


Thanks!

Welcome to genvibe!

bigdaddivibe wrote: I've had it looked at by a mechanic and autozone code detector and they both said it was the catalytic converter. They tell me that the catalytic converter is too small for the car and can't work at full capacity the car needs. The mechanic said he would charge 900 dollars for a new catalytic converter that will last a long time and the dealer i bought it from (who didn't tell me about the replaced cat. converter) said i can get a universal one for around 150 that'll last half a year to a full year.

Your vehicle has 2 catalytic converters: one is connected to the exhaust manifold and the other is connected to the exhaust pipe under the car on the passenger side. Does the unit look wrong? Our cat's aren't very large...

bigdaddivibe wrote:Questions:
1. Can someone tell me what the purpose of the catalytic converter is and how important it is.

The catalytic converter "is an emissions control device that converts toxic gases and pollutants in exhaust gas to less toxic pollutants..." and have been in use on US vehicles since 1975.

bigdaddivibe wrote:2. What are the potential dangers of not having one and what could have caused them to replace the old one?

It is illegal to remove or to bypass the emissions controls of a vehicle. It's also bad for the environment. Catalytic converters do not last forever. The contents can be used up over time or the housing can corrode, requiring a replacement.

bigdaddivibe wrote:3. Is the mechanics price reasonable? Should i just go the junkyard and get me one off a salvaged car??

Here's a link to an online parts site for reference- look for the "XR AWD" fitments: http://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/2003/t ... erter.html

I probably wouldn't get a used one. The mechanic's price sounds high to me...

For more specific advice, please post the codes you had read...