GM-GMC: 98 gmc sonoma, cutlass ciera, gmc sonoma

Question
I read your answer to a 98 sonoma question and wanted to give you some info as well as ask a question. I have been through 3 transmissions in my sonoma in 4 mos.Luckly all were warrantied except the first.Then I recieve an official gmc recall letter on my catalytic converter.Your service engine soon light should come on first(not always)then you should notice a ticking sound and your vehicle will run and shift sluggish. The recall letter says this and that they will install a newer and better converter free.The deal is that they have sent this letter out and do NOT have the part to fix.I have been waiting for 2 mos and no converter yet. I have hired an atty and am trying to force GMC to admit the faulty converter can cause tranny problems.This should not be an isolated incident and I hope you can give me more info or at least your opinion.  

Answer
Christine,

Keep pushing the lemon law aspect of this matter.  GM has a long history of resisting recalls and blaming consumers for poor engineering.

A catalytic converter that does not work properly will cause excessive backpressure on the engine.  This raisies the temperature that the engine operates at and can damage it.  I took a 1982 Cutlass Ciera apart, back in the mid-1980s, that had a bad converter on it.  The motor oil was baked onto the cylinder heads to the point where it had to be removed with a hammer and chisel.  I know this because I removed the baked-on oil.

I do not feel sorry for GM.  They have a worldwide presence and make more money than many countries.  They can do things correctly, or make things right for their customers, but they choose not to (unless they are forced to).

I wish you the best in your case against them.