Catalytic Converter for 2001 S60 NON-Turbo

witsue · Post by **witsue** » 01 Jun 2009, 15:27

I'm also in MA, and trying to get an inspection sticker, but can't seem to get the CEL fixed. Took to Autozone, codes 440 & 422. They recommend new gas cap, that did not work, though the cap did seem defective. I took it to a volvo mechanic, and he replaced an evap hose, still the cel came back on. The inspection shows O2 sensor ready, O2 sensor heater monitor ready, would this mean the O2 sensors are OK? The quick answer a dealr gave me was new catalytic converter, and a very expensive quote, is there any sure way to tell if the converter is bad? Car runs fine, no problems at all, up hill, no misfires, idles great, really can't afford new CC, and out of time for failed inpection sticker.

cclee76 · Post by **cclee76** » 08 Jun 2009, 14:36

Well, here's a little update. A while back my mechanic reset the codes and the CEL light never came back on, until.... we literally left for a long trip down south and maybe about 40 miles into our trip when we stopped to fill up for gas, the light came on, of course!! Went to an AutoZone and same codes were coming up about EVAP leak, and some others that I had been told before. Just continued on the trip and ignored it like we have before. Oh, and maybe a week before that, a message came up saying fuel cap loose. I always make sure it is tight, but checked it anyway. It was tight, but I inspected the fuel cap and did notice some cracks in the rubber, so I assumed it wasnt functioning as it should and bought a fuel cap at AutoZone. That message never came back up. This was right before our long trip. I thought maybe the fuel cap I bought from Auto Zone wasnt as good as the genuine Volvo one and maybe that caused the light to come back on during the trip? Any input on that or does it not matter? I was trying to save spending $35 for a new Volvo fuel cap and opted for the $8 Auto Zone one.
Anyway, the Volvo broke down for my husband on Friday. He experienced a loss of power, then the car stalled and wouldnt stay started. Had it repaired today and mechanic replace the Mass Airflow Sensor! Luckily it wasnt very expensive to fix. When I asked him he said it wouldnt have anything to do with my CEL light problems. Is this true?
If I do happen to need an O2 sensor, would it have had anything to do with the MAF sensor going out? It wouldnt mess up the MAF sensor if it is bad would it?? The car does have 123,000 miles on it, so I expect things to go out at this point I guess, but I just dread what's next!

2001 Volvo S60

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 08 Jun 2009, 15:07

The EVAP leak codes and what happened with the MAF is not related- rest assured. However, there has been some discussion here? or at least on some other boards about a MAF going bad having an effect on the 02 sensors...especially the front one as the car's ECU (computer) adjusts air/fuel mixture according to what the MAF is telling it (among other things) and then the 02 has to read that information too...if it's too high it could stress the 02 sensor and cause earlier failure (they all go at some point before 200K miles). Anyway, long story short, I would just keep driving it as long as gas mileage is good and you get no more codes. If the gas mileage is suffering little by little, this is often a sign of that front sensor starting to go (the one before the Catalytic converter) and so in the long run, it's best to replace it than to spend more in gas as well as harm the environment. That said, about your other issue- I just wouldn't trust any AutoZone part on your Volvo- YES! get a Volvo cap for your gas inlet... Call Don or Jamie at Darel Waltrip Volvo in Tennessee (google or they may be listed in the parts vendor section of this forum). Just let them know you're on MVS- they will sell you that cap for probably half of what you'll pay for it at your dealer. Good luck and let us know how things go.

cclee76 · Post by **cclee76** » 08 Jun 2009, 15:33

Thanks for the info MadeInJapan. I rely on these forums for any info that might help me out. I have not noticed any problems with bad gas mileage- it seems to be good. My mechanic must have reset the the CEL today, so I will see if the light comes back on. I just hate to replace something that may not need replacing if it might be something else. I read so much on here about situations like that, lol. My mechanic said the O2 sensor would cost me $280 parts and labor. Is that reasonable? Or is it something my husband might be able to replace himself and save the cost of labor?
I wish I had known about getting the gas cap at Darrel Waltrip while I was down in TN a couple of weeks ago! Oh well, I wonder if they would ship it if it is significantly cheaper. I will call them and see what the deal is. Thanks for the info!

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 08 Jun 2009, 17:59

They do ship and that's where the savings comes in...as long as you're not from TN (like me) and have to pay our crazy sales tax. The 02 sensor price of piece and labor is not way out of the ordinary. It could be a simple of difficult job depending on whether or not it is really seized up in the exhaust bung. You also need a special tool. If it's not seized up (many are), then the tool isn't outrageous and it's a matter of just undoing the old and putting the new in and pushing the connector into place. Ask Jamie or Don about that part too- it's going to be much cheaper from them if you really need it. I would get the tool to remove it (02 socket) at any auto parts store for a substantial savings over the dealer, or probably even Waltrip.
Good luck and let us know what you find out and what you do.

solo1 · Post by **solo1** » 22 Sep 2009, 19:49

very ez just did my 96 850 and yes it was on there but a little heat and a 22mm hand wranch and she just out of shoes ,,, the harder she's in there the more heat you give her ,,,,,and no not the wife the 02

Catalytic Converter for 2001 S60 NON-Turbo

Re: Catalytic Converter for 2001 S60 NON-Turbo