Truck Maintenance

[ua_guy]

Obviously I don't know the full story here, but if you've got a leak before or after the cat and it's messing with the O2 sensors, that could be worth a diagnosis by a muffler shop. Could be as easy as having them weld up the leak?

[QuarterMillionMan]

If I lived one state over let's say in Arizona, I would buy this $95 catalytic converter and life would be grand. I even thought about driving to Arizona and paying to install this $99 catalytic converter but when smog test time comes around it won't pass the smog test, so much for that idea.

[myrdale]

$5000 to change the catalytic converter.

I feel your pain on that.

[QuarterMillionMan]

More precisely the sound is coming near the flange. When the engine is running I put my hand around the flange but cannot feel the exhaust leak which could be leaking from the catalytic converter itself. Hard to see but this is an OEM Mopar $4200 catalytic converter which looks high quality vs an aftermarket.

[QuarterMillionMan]

Too late now because I ordered the $899 catalytic converter. A diagnostic test at the Dodge dealership is $200 which they'd apply to the service of $5000 to change the catalytic converter. I figure just to take the bitter pill now and get it done. The after-market catalytic converter that was installed about 2 years ago seemed poor quality vs the OEM that went bad which was very high quality. The flange on the after-market catalytic converter did not seem to have a good seal and I could hear an exhaust leak vs the OEM which was nice and quiet. It sounds like when a muffler has a hole. I will take my chances with this new after-market. I wanted an OEM when 2 years ago Rock Auto had one for $2500. Today sold out. I tried Auto Zone, O'Reily's, Parts Geek, Summit, etc. My Dodge dealer has an OEM but $4000 for just the part. Installation is another $1000, such a rip off. The muffler shop charges $300 for installation.

[ua_guy]

If it were mine I'd probably want a 2nd opinion other than just reading the code saying there's an issue with the cat. The only way the computer is able to deduce that is via inputs from the O2 sensors. Obvs, those are cheapest/easiest to change out first. Cats don't really die unless they bust apart inside from physical damage, or an issue with the engine, too rich/lean or burning lots of oil or coolant.

[myrdale]

Catalytic converters are unfortunately wearable parts. I went through a couple on the Frontier, but I would have expected longer life than 2 years for yours.

I am curious why yours failed so soon. I don't know if speed bumps, or other jarring conditions can cause them to crack. Or possibly fuel / air ratios to the engine. Or maybe it was just defective from the factory.

[QuarterMillionMan]

Here we go again my check engine light is on again. The diagnostic code I got using my OBD-II diagnostic tester is PO420, catalytic converter. 2 years ago I paid about $1250 total for the catalytic converter and install. Will buy this one and have it installed for about $1250 again. I just order 2 new oxygen sensors from Rock Auto for about $50 each (upstream & downstream). The install will be about $300 at my local muffler shop. After the install I might sell this 2018 Dodge.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

Updating you all that it appears that I got lucky and the after market catalytic converter w/labor for $1200 total with taxes fixed the "check engine light" and I didn't need to pay the dealer $5000 to fix it. Never know because it could return but for now it seems to be fixed.

that's great news.

[QuarterMillionMan]

Updating you all that it appears that I got lucky and the after market catalytic converter w/labor for $1200 total with taxes fixed the "check engine light" and I didn't need to pay the dealer $5000 to fix it. Never know because it could return but for now it seems to be fixed.

[ua_guy]

The last time I drove a GM-branded vehicle, the seats were uncomfortable. It’s no wonder they've had problems - the quality of the cars they produce is lacking.

Right through my heart, James!! Haha

I’ve had good luck with GM trucks, but that’s their bread and butter.

[james.hendrickson]

FWIW, at least in the Rust Belt, it makes sense to undercoat your vehicle. I do this every year and my mechanic says his guys are always amazed when my truck is on the lift. If you're considering this, avoid the "hard" undercoatings you get from Ziebart and instead opt for one that is lanolin based.

I joke that GM doesn't skimp on the quality of their check engine light. Those things can stay on for YEARS without burning out. Now if they can only apply that quality to the rest of the vehicle!

The last time I drove a GM-branded vehicle, the seats were uncomfortable. Its no wonder they've had problems - the quality of the cars they produce is lacking.

[JoeP]

FWIW, at least in the Rust Belt, it makes sense to undercoat your vehicle. I do this every year and my mechanic says his guys are always amazed when my truck is on the lift. If you're considering this, avoid the "hard" undercoatings you get from Ziebart and instead opt for one that is lanolin based.

I joke that GM doesn't skimp on the quality of their check engine light. Those things can stay on for YEARS without burning out. Now if they can only apply that quality to the rest of the vehicle!

[QuarterMillionMan]

The EV folks are laughing at all us ICE folks having to deal with all this extra maintenance.

[QuarterMillionMan]

Ua-guy is right that all sorts of services are offered such as radiator flush, transmission oil changes, differential oil changes, other fluids, etc. They displayed the prices but I should have taken pics of it as well, shucks.