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Info about catalytic converter

K

kmag320

New member
Hi there everyone. I am a new member to the site although I have been reading for awhile. I am not even sure if I am posting this message in the proper spot so any help from others is appreciated. I have a 2001 Grand Prix (obviously, lol) with the 3.8L. I just brought it to the dealer to get the catalytic converter looked at cause my service engine light is on. He told me that the cat is indeed clogged and needs to be replaced. As soon as I mentioned that its under warranty he said that it is not the original cat and that it is not covered. Since I bought this car used I am unsure if the cat is original or not and would like to know how i can find out if it is indeed the original one.
 


Welcome. It seems only the GM converters from 01-02 GP's with the 3.8 seem to clog, and Id have a hard time believing that any aftermarket converter would clog. Ask him how he knows yours is aftermarket, and let him know that the cat warranty is extended to 10 years, 120,000 miles, regardless of owner. If all else fails, take it to another GM dealership. I just had mine changed out last week because my cat was clogged, and the car wouldnt go over 15mph. The previous owner thought it was the trans that was bad haha.
 
Thanks for your help. I just picked up the car. He said that the number on the cat didn't match an original one and thats how they knew. He also said my service engine light is on because the throttle body is not working properly in addition to the cat. So after $115 diagnostic to find the 2 codes of what is wrong I still do not have it fixed since this whole situation with the cat sounced very suspect. I guess I am going to have to go under it and see if I can tell if it is an aftermarket. I would just hate to bring it to another dealer for them to charge me and tell me again that the cat is aftermarket.
 
Worst comes to worst just order a cat online and take it to an exhaust shop and get it changed there.

What are your symptoms that you suspect its the cat? I mean, a SES light doesnt automatically mean the cat is bad...
 


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