Cat Converter Issue--Safe to Drive?

Shawna · Apr 29th, 2005, 08:47 PM

10 hours from home and my "check engine soon" light comes on. Diagnostics said it was the cat. converter. The light went off for a day, but now it's back on. The guy that checked it said I would probably be okay to go back home, but that it needed to be checked. Dealer said don't push it with a 10 hour drive. Is this something serious that needs to be fixed before I hit the road? Thanks for input!!

Spddracer · May 1st, 2005, 09:08 PM

So long as it is not flashing you should be fine.

am3rican · May 2nd, 2005, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shawna

10 hours from home and my "check engine soon" light comes on. Diagnostics said it was the cat. converter. The light went off for a day, but now it's back on. The guy that checked it said I would probably be okay to go back home, but that it needed to be checked. Dealer said don't push it with a 10 hour drive. Is this something serious that needs to be fixed before I hit the road? Thanks for input!!

it shouldnt be a problem because it isnt flashing. but on your 10 hour trip you'll probably notice considerably poor gas mileage

Shawna · May 7th, 2005, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by am3rican

it shouldnt be a problem because it isnt flashing. but on your 10 hour trip you'll probably notice considerably poor gas mileage

Thanks for that. You were absolutely right. I'll bet I'm not getting 10 MPG now. Problem is the check engine light went off, so it will probably be like pulling teeth to get the dealer to fix it....

am3rican · May 8th, 2005, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shawna

Thanks for that. You were absolutely right. I'll bet I'm not getting 10 MPG now. Problem is the check engine light went off, so it will probably be like pulling teeth to get the dealer to fix it....

At this point its not an issue of who will pay for it. I'm absolutely certain that the dealer should cover the repair under warranty. If they try to get you to pay, then refuse. But as for the light turning off, it will come back on. Always does. Mine came back on 3 times before the dealer would acknowledge an issue. by then I got Nissan Consumer Affairs involved. Whatever they said to the dealer, it was fixed the same day, free of charge. Go to the dealer and explain the situation to them. They will know the proper course of action. Plus, im not too sure what code was pulled when the dealer read the light, but it might just be that you need your ECM reprogrammed, which again is free of charge. Im curious as to what will happen, so give me an update.

O by the way, don't put this off. Generally issues like this cause a lot of wear and tear on your engine simply because it is burning much hotter from the added gasoline combustion.