Warning about vehicle condition and catalytic converters
If you are about to replace a faulty catalytic converter please make sure that your vehicle has not caused the problem in the first instance.
Faulty pre cat lambda sensor
A faulty pre cat lambda sensor will often cause the car to run with a rich fuel mixture, causing high hydrocarbon levels. This hydro carbon can choke up the core in the catalytic converter rendering it useless. Replacement catalytic converters will also be destroyed by this problem and will not be covered under warranty.
Overfuelling
This is caused by a fault with the vehicle, possibly with the injection system or by bump starting. Neat fuel ends up in the catalytic converter. This will ignite, melting the fragile catalytic converter core, rendering it useless.
General advice
If your vehicle is using too much fuel, has running problems or has a hydro carbon level above 55 parts per million (ppm), get it thoroughly checked before fitting a new catalytic converter. A new Catalytic converter should see out its guarantee period with ease and will generally have a life of at least six years. If any of the problems outlined above exist the new part will last a matter of weeks !
