QuestionQUESTION: Hi, our "03 CRV EX 4WD Auto had the complete exhaust replaced, 20 months ago including the catalytic converter, I think the O2 sensors were not. The check engine light is on and the diagnostic says the converter needs replaced, the past repairs are not under warranty so I want to get the right one for this model. Many online stores claim to have the exact OEM part although the brand names differ so how can I find out the OEM brand that is correct for this vehicle. It has to last more than 20 months (seems way to short for a $1400 part) so I would prefer to go with the recommended converter.
Any help would be much appreciated, thanks.
ANSWER: This all sounds a little peculiar. First, the catalytic converter is required by law to last for 5 years or 50,000 miles. Replacement converters are also required by law to last for 50,000 miles. Those "past repairs" are under warranty up until 50,000 miles, whether the mechanic/shop wants to honor the warranty or not. The fine, a federal crime, for non-compliance is $10,000. There are all sorts of regulations governing the sale and installation of catalytic converters, which is why you aren't allowed to buy a used one. Even if you installed the replacement yourself, the converter is under warranty. However, you did have to mail in the card that came with the new one. Shops that replace converters are required to send in the card for you, and tag the old converter with a tag that comes in the box with the new one. They are then required to store the old converter for, I believe, six months (although it may only be 90 days, I'm not sure). If the government is suspicious of the circumstances surrounding the removal of the converter, they will come to the shop and examine the old one. If he can't produce it, that $10,000 fine comes into play. So, if you've been dealing with a legitimate shop, they need to solve this problem for you. If not, then you still have recourse with the folks that sold it to you. The diagnostic saying that the converter is bad, by the way, may be mistaken. The computer calculates the performance of the converter based on the relative readings from an upstream and downstream oxygen sensor. If either of those sensors is damaged, the computer could be fooled into thinking that the converter is bad.
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QUESTION: Thanks, the O2 sensors were replaced, both upstream and downstream after the first diagnostic test, the check engine light came on again after a couple of weeks and the diagnostic said Catalyst system efficiency below threshold (bank 1) The exhaust and converter was replaced due to damages from an accident (although there was no damage to the exhaust, just a slight rattle from a broken mounting bracket) This was an insurance claim and the insurance company says they guarantee all repair and parts for the life of ownership but the body shop say it's not covered. The car was checked at a Honda dealer this week and their findings from the diagnostic is that the converter needs replaced to the tune of $1600. Obviously I do not want to pay that every 20 months so will take it up with the insurance company. I would however like to know the exact brand name of the converter that is supposed to be in there as I suspect the body shop may have used a cheapo and charged for a good one. Worst case scenario is I will buy a replacement online and do the work myself but I'd rather not have to do this if possible.
Any further suggestions, thanks.
Answer Given the cheapskate attitudes of most body shops, I'm sure that they used an aftermarket converter if one was available. They should be able to furnish that information to either you or the insurance company. They may think that the fact that they were doing a collision repair renders them immune from the emission regs, but they're wrong if they do. If this back-and-forth between the insurance company and the body shop drags out, contact the EPA. They have an enforcement division that loves to sock it to shops that don't follow regs. Your state probably has an emissions enforcement division, as well. Usually it works through the department of motor vehicles or the State Police. I'd be tempted to call everybody. Make sure you have some documentation, write down all the details that you remember so that you tell the same story to each enforcement division. Your state insurance commissioner could also be brought in if the insurance company is screwing you around. Call all of the parties every day and threaten them with legal action. If you have a lawyer on retainer, get him to write a letter to the shop and the insurance company. Send it registered mail. A couple of days of hard-ass should get your issue resolved.
