About James Adams Expertise Can answer most questions in automotive repairs.
Experience Have over 10 years experience repairing all types of cars.
Education/Credentials ASE certified in brakes and engine repair.
Have extensively trained through available schools in automotive electronics and recieved certificate of completion with honors.
Past/Present clients Always looking to lend a helping hand.
Have too many past and current clients to list.
Expert: James Adams Date: 10/20/2006 Subject: catalitic converter
Question I have a 1999 Acura CL 3.0 and my check engine light is on for the second time. It says Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold both times. So i take it that i need a new catalitic convertor. The local auto mechnic who i have delt with for years and he never ripped me off wants me to pay $411. I called an exhaust and detailing serive place and they want $142 ($92 for the cat and $50 for installation. I just want to know if i really need a new catalitic converter and if i do, do you think that $142 is to cheap and maybe not safe(possibly ripping me off). Do you think that since the exhaust place are more experienced with exhuast systems that is why they are charging so much less. Thanks alot for the help.
Answer I believe your mechanic would have to spend more time and probably would have to order the converter through the dealership costing a lot more.
I would tend to favor a exhaust repair specialist just for the reason they deal with these problems more often.
The reason they are lower is because they can buy at a larger volume giving the savings to you.
I am sure you will feel comfortable with them as long as they give you some type of warranty.
I havent heard of a catalyst below thresh-hold, there might be something else going on here. Such as so much gas going through the cataltytic converter it isn't able to treat the raw gas going through it.
Have you checked the spark plugs or possibly the EGR being stuck open. You sound like you have a good mechanic and I know he will understand if you tell him to check these things before you take it to the exhaust place.
