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determine whether my problem is with the catalytic converter?

 
Don Knight's Avatar
  • Answered by:Don Knight
  • ASE Certified Technician
  • Positive Feedback: 100.0 %
  • Accepted Answers: 60
Verified Expert
in Pontiac

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Thank you for the good info it was msot helpful.
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Thank you so much for your help. I know nothing about cars and his advice was...
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I put answers in at 3am and he responded to me. Thanx
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thanks Don it was a spark plug faulty
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Customer Question

Can you help to determine whether my problem is with the catalytic converter?

 

Country: United States
Make: Pontiac
Model: Grand Prix GT
Year: 2001
Engine: 3800

Already Tried:
Nothing . . . was going to rent a tester (little hand held code computer, but wasn't sure if it would show the real issue).

Submitted: 332 days and 10 hours ago.
Category: Pontiac
Value: $27
Status: CLOSED
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Expert:  Don Knight replied 332 days and 10 hours ago.

I am not sure what you mean by your question.If you are having a running problem and think it may be related to the cat or do you have a check engine light on?

Customer replied 332 days and 10 hours ago.

I am asking where you believe I should start with my evaluation. I believe it is the converter, but are there other things I should consider before I remove it?

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Expert:  Don Knight replied 332 days and 10 hours ago.

If the check engine light is on with a P0420 or P0430 code meaning the cat efficiency is defective you need to see if the rear oxygen sensor is responding to an increase when you increase the engine rpm's.If the sensor is not moving then that could be your problem.If the sensor moves then the cat is not working.You can also test the cat with a temperature gun.The cat should pick up heat if it is working.Which means the inlet and exit on the cat should be at least 20 degrees different if the cat is working.Please let me know if you need more assistance,Don

Customer replied 332 days and 10 hours ago.

If I replace the catalytic converter is it likely that I should replace these sensors as well?

 

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Expert:  Don Knight replied 332 days and 10 hours ago.

If the sensors are moving then I would not replace them.

Customer replied 332 days and 9 hours ago.

If this does not solve my problems, how do I return to this site to continue?

Accepted Answer

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Expert:  Don Knight replied 332 days and 9 hours ago.

Just repost and I will as you further,Don

Expert TypeASE Certified Technician
Category: Pontiac
Pos. Feedback: 100.0 %
Accepts: 60
Answered: 5/13/2012

Experience: 40+ years all makes&models

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Customer replied 332 days ago.

Replacing the cat converter with a straight pipe made the care run, but it is running rough. I am going to stop tomorrow and rent a hand held code reader. Is this the direction you think I should go?

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Expert:  Don Knight replied 331 days and 16 hours ago.

I would check for any codes in the computer and we can see just what is causing your rough running.I will be here most of today so when you get your codes just get back to me and we can go from there,Don

Customer replied 331 days and 14 hours ago.

Working today, so will be doing this after 4 p.m. ty

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Expert:  Don Knight replied 331 days and 14 hours ago.

I will not be here after 3 CDT but I will get back to you in the morning,Don

Customer replied 331 days and 13 hours ago.

If I have time on my lunch I will run the codes and email you right away.

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Expert:  Don Knight replied 331 days and 13 hours ago.

I will be here when you need,Don

 
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