Rep Power: 0

the check engine light came on in my 2002 Si, and I had it read today at Advanced Auto Parts. The tech told me he was getting two messages, a camshaft timing problem and then the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. Are either of these a problem? Should I be concerned? I don't exactly have hundreds of dollars to throw at these issues should they be serious. Any feedback is welcomed, I'm still learning my way around my car. Thanks

 
Rep Power: 190

TDS fails, your car can run rich, will bog down, possibly have acceleration problems, the exhaust will foul your O2 sensors (further causing problems with the car running), then the cat will get fouled (causing it to fail). Eventually, it'll clog up and your car will have reduced mileage and start to run like garbage.

Replace the TDC sensor, then the upstream O2 sensor, then the downstream O2 sensor, then RESET the codes, then if the cat code comes back replace the cat. As it is possible that just the O2 sensors are fouled and the cat might be okay... I'd certainly replace them first and see what happens. (I'd stick with Denso, or maybe Bosch O2 sensors, nobody else.)

Also couldn't hurt to do a tune up after the O2 sensors get replaced too, if you're gonna DIY.

 
Rep Power: 811

i would say yes they are both serious problems. you will end up spending more $$ later if you wait until something else breaks.