Bad Catalytic Converter

Angelique · Post by **Angelique** » 02 Apr 2011, 17:32

We have an S60, 2003 with 106,000 miles on it. In the past 4 months we have spent quite a bit on it. We had the belts replaced when we heard a whistling type noise and it turned out to be something else (not sure what). We had to replace our radiator, and now we have been told that we have a bad catalytic converter.

Symptoms:
-dragging at high speeds, like a stutter
-decreased acceleration (horrible...I have been honked at)
-running rough

We have been told by the dealer as well as a volvo mechanic that we need a new engine seal, and bushings replaced. My husband replaced the spark plugs and did notice that one had oil on it. We do not have smoke coming from the back end nor an oil leak.

I am wondering if we replace the catalytic converter if we are then repairing the wrong item and it is actually the engine seal. I do not feel we are getting honest answers from the dealer nor the volvo mechanic. I would hate to replace the converter only then turn around and have to spend 1200 on the engine seal.

jda2000 · Post by **jda2000** » 02 Apr 2011, 17:52

Find yourself another mechanic pronto. Also get yourself a decent obdII code reader, so that you read the codes when the check engine lights comes on.
Only then you'll know what's going with the car and what needs to be replaced.

Angelique · Post by **Angelique** » 02 Apr 2011, 18:35

My husband usually goes to autozone and they read the codes for him. I do not have the codes...but on the list of issues was the catalytic converter as well as the engine seal.

ed7 · Post by **ed7** » 02 Apr 2011, 19:58

The Cat does not go bad all by itself. Other things go bad first.
Your mechanic(s) should be able to explain in a logical way why the Cat should be replaced and what may have caused it and what they'll do to correct it. What tests they performed and what were their results were should be part of the conversation.
Ed

Angelique · Post by **Angelique** » 04 Apr 2011, 14:36

Well the code P0420 so that has something to do with the exhaust from what I have read. I also read that if you have a bad converter there are other issues. Since my car is running poorly, at high speeds, lack of acceleration, I know I have a problem. Also when replacing the spark plugs one was covered in oil. So obviously I have a bad seal somewhere. One mechanic did say that our engine seal was bad ($900). Now with both O2 sensors and the converter we are tacking on another $1200.

With research I am finding that the bad seal could cause high temps which then affects the converter. Not sure if I have the order correct. With this last bit of info, the fouled spark plug I think we might have a diagnosis for why the converter went out.

Post by **priapism** » 04 Apr 2011, 16:26

Fouled plugs can cause the sluggish acceleration. A bad head gasket can indeed lead to oil on the plugs. A little oil on a plug isn't that bad, it happens. So long as the car isn't drinking oil it's not to be worried about.

Angelique · Post by **Angelique** » 04 Apr 2011, 18:09

Well a while back they told us about the engine seal (head gasket?). We changed the plugs when the car became sluggish at accelerating. That is when we noticed the fouled plugs. We had a slight leak last summer but have not had one since. My husband says he sees oil on the engine but none that leaks on the ground and we do not have to fill the oil. So it is not drinking oil. If it is not the engine seal that caused the issue with the converter...if there is indeed an issue then we are back to square one. Why is it throwing the code 420 and is the converter actually the issue? Or us it the seal. The code reads:
1. Catalytic Converter
2. Engine Misfire, or running problem.
3. Large Vacuum Leak
4. Engine Oil leakage into Exhaust Valve Guide Seals.
I can't remember if it was bank one or two!!

Post by **JRL** » 04 Apr 2011, 18:20

Will someone please explain abouot needing a new breather box for starters and you may indeed also need a new Cat
BUT...You need to NOT bring it to Autozone, now is the time to bring it to a Volvo dealer for a proper analysis

Angelique · Post by **Angelique** » 04 Apr 2011, 18:39

We did take it to the dealer as well as a reputable mechanic for Volvos. The dealer was vague and the other mechanic told us O2 sensors and converter. I want to know what caused the failure of the converter. Breather box?

Post by **priapism** » 04 Apr 2011, 23:03

I thought the misfire code would tell you which cyl had the misfire? Mine did when I had that. If it wasn't the plug it's the ignition coil. You can chase down a vacuum leak with a can of carb cleaner...squirt it along the vacuum lines and when the idle speeds up, there's your leak. Cats can be had cheaper used but there's obviously another problem there.