The check engine light recently came on with 92k miles. The battery was also dead so I replaced it. And the check engine light disappeared. Next time i started it, the check engine re-appeared.

Brought it into my mechanic and he told me I needed a new catalytic converter and at least 1 O2 sensor and possibly a Mass Airflow Meter.

I thought the Check Engine light codes would tell me EXACTLY what I need?

Anyways called a few places and the cheapest i found a direct fit catalytic converter is $600 and the O2 Sensors are $55 each.

I also found a few muffler places who say they can install a universal catalytic converter for $120 if its just one or $240 if I need both.

Is there really a major difference between the universal and the direct fit ones?

Also what do you guys think about me getting the O2 Sensors first and see if that fixes that problem. If not then go ahead and get the catalytic coverter installed?

Any suggestions? Thanks for all the help!
er

 

to help you i need the engine fault code (p0420 ect)

 

Is the CEL still on? Go by Autozone and have the codes read for free. Write them down and get back to us.

There are other alternatives that are better for the cat replacements...

 

Universal fit O2 sensors are a bad way to go. They do not come with the plug and you have to cut the wires and sodder them together which leaves them open to water egress if not done right.
But I would get these guys the codes before you go replacing anything. It is probally something simple like a bad plug wire. (80% of CEL on Rovers is bad plugs and wires)

 

Do not buy any parts till you go to your local auto parts store and have the codes read, write down the 4 digit fault code numbers and get back to uis with them.

 

Ok I only got 1 code this time. P0130
P0130 means there is something wrong with the O2 sensor BEFORE the catylitc converter. More than likely a bad sensor.


But last time i got a few codes. Should i clear it and drive it for a while and see what comes up again?

 

The codes won't always tell you EXACTLY what's wrong. There are component failure modes that can result in codes being thrown from other sensors which are reading values outside thier tolerance. For example, a bad mass airflow sensor can show up as a lean code on one or more cylinder banks.

In your case, I seriously doubt the catalyst is bad. They generally last a LONG time on fuel injected vehicles. I've never had to replace one. Much more likely that the O2 sensor(s) are starting to wear out at 92K. Might as well replace all 4. Buy the OEM fit ones (not the universals) from your favorite source and take them to Meineke to be installed if you don't feel like crawling undeneath the truck.

If you get more codes later on then we can help you deal with those.

Cheers,
Dave

 

Ok pulled some new codes today


P0130
P0171
P1171


Any ideas?

 

At your mileage, the O2 sensors are due, and it seems the one on your drivers side front is fouling things up. YOu are getting a fault fo that sensor, a too lean on that bank, and a lean code for both banks. I would start with 4 new O2 sensors. www.roverparts .com has decent prices.

 

Both banks are running too lean based on 171 and 1171. What sort of air filter are you using?
Looks like there are 2 things going on, 02 sensors and maybe a MAF. Will need to watch it a little more. How is the engine running?