o2 sensor inside catlytic converter
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o2 sensor inside catlytic converter
Hi,
I am the original owner of a 1999 Civic SI with 187k. The check engine came on recently, and I was told it was for an oxygen sensor. I took it to the shop and they said it was inside the catalytic converter, and that I needed to replace the entire catalytic converter which could cost $700 dollars if it is the rear or $900 if it is the front. I could have mixed those two figures up. Does anyone know if this is correct? Do I really need to replace the whole catalytic converter? If so, is there a good place to get a salvage or less expensive one?
I am the original owner of a 1999 Civic SI with 187k. The check engine came on recently, and I was told it was for an oxygen sensor. I took it to the shop and they said it was inside the catalytic converter, and that I needed to replace the entire catalytic converter which could cost $700 dollars if it is the rear or $900 if it is the front. I could have mixed those two figures up. Does anyone know if this is correct? Do I really need to replace the whole catalytic converter? If so, is there a good place to get a salvage or less expensive one?
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
Joined: Dec 2011
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From: Midwest. Aiming about mid-chest
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Re: o2 sensor inside catlytic converter
Let's start with solid data.
Post the code number.
Go to AutoZone and get the code read if you have to.
Don't post the parts list they want to sell you.
Just the Pxxxx code number.
Post the code number.
Go to AutoZone and get the code read if you have to.
Don't post the parts list they want to sell you.
Just the Pxxxx code number.
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 32,017
Likes: 256
From: Midwest. Aiming about mid-chest
Rep Power: 518 Re: o2 sensor inside catlytic converter
It needs the cat, not the Oxygen sensor. 99% sure.......
But exhaust leaks can cause a false cat code.
If there are no leaks between the engine and to a couple feet past the cat, and the computer has good control of the fuel delivery, then it most likely needs a cat.
Heck, at that mileage it probably needs a cat no matter what.
Cat is item #4 here, if I got the car correct:
http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/...5=EXHAUST+PIPE
Gaskets and hardware are extra, to do the job right.
I'm sure you can find cheaper parts, but as always, you get what you pay for.
The sensor can be reused IF it comes out of the cat without damaging the threads. I'd make sure it will unscrew before I make the estimate for the cat job, so I can include it if necessary so there are no surprises during the job.
Many people will tell you to replace the O2 sensor(s), but it is the cat that is bad, not the sensors. (99% sure, 1% unsure. There are many other codes that address the O2 sensors themselves.)
You will spend $100-$600 on sensors, only to find out the cheapos don't work right, they can't be returned, and it STILL needs a cat.......and now you don't have any loot left.
HTH
But exhaust leaks can cause a false cat code.
If there are no leaks between the engine and to a couple feet past the cat, and the computer has good control of the fuel delivery, then it most likely needs a cat.
Heck, at that mileage it probably needs a cat no matter what.
Cat is item #4 here, if I got the car correct:
http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/...5=EXHAUST+PIPE
Gaskets and hardware are extra, to do the job right.
I'm sure you can find cheaper parts, but as always, you get what you pay for.
The sensor can be reused IF it comes out of the cat without damaging the threads. I'd make sure it will unscrew before I make the estimate for the cat job, so I can include it if necessary so there are no surprises during the job.
Many people will tell you to replace the O2 sensor(s), but it is the cat that is bad, not the sensors. (99% sure, 1% unsure. There are many other codes that address the O2 sensors themselves.)
You will spend $100-$600 on sensors, only to find out the cheapos don't work right, they can't be returned, and it STILL needs a cat.......and now you don't have any loot left.
HTH
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 32,017
Likes: 256
From: Midwest. Aiming about mid-chest
Rep Power: 518 Re: o2 sensor inside catlytic converter
Make sure all of the ignition stuff is in good shape too.
Misfires can kill a cat in a hurry, no matter how new it is.
Misfires can kill a cat in a hurry, no matter how new it is.
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