New here--just bought a 2004 sedan yesterday. Need Catalityc Converter info

[LeakyBoot]

New owner of sedan with 78K. I bought it with CK Engine light on and owners said it's been on a year with a 190 code---converter problem. His shop said could fix for $200 by removing and cleaning or "something" He was unsure. I see a new unit cost upwards of $300 so were not go ing to replace for the $200. I didn't know you could do anything to a converter as far a service???? He said car ran fine so he just ignored the light. I might just buy a new converter and put it on myself as I was suprised to see how easy it is to get to. Anyone had something like this??? Thanks

LB

[thehunterooo]

Welcome, was the timing belt service ever done? If you do not know, I would strongly recommend asking the previous owners if they did or not. I would go to a local auto parts store or buy a scan gauge and remove the code to see if it comes back. If it does, replacing the cat would be the best option, cleaning it would be a waste of time and money (could be a sensor as well). Nothing as major compared to a timing belt breaking though.

[petrified.rabbit]

it could just be the secondary o2, not the cat.

A cat either "burns out" and ends up hollow, or clogs.
Most cats that burn out have more miles than you, and if it was clogged it wouldnt run well.

[LeakyBoot]

New belt not long ago. As said--if converter was plugged it would not run well. Runs fine. What kind of code checker can I get that will work pretty good and work on alot of different brands of vehicles? I don't want to spend a fortune. We have mostly Fords. This is my only GM other than diesel rigs.

The tailpipe outlet is more black inside. Not sooty, but just black. I'm used to seeing nothing in the tailpipes of the Fords. Just bare metal that looks like nothing ever came out of it. But the car gets good mileage so not using excessive fuel. Thanks, LB

[petrified.rabbit]

what kind of computer do you have?