So, this means it's time to install a new catalytic converter, right? Is there any other likely (and cheaper) options? Might it just need to be removed and cleaned? Is that a thing?

The car is an 07 Malibu with the 2.2 liter. The CC seems to be integrated into the exhaust manifold, im sure making everything more difficult and more expensive, further complicated by living in this socialist quagmire. I can't even find a supposed legal cat online, period.

Ugh.

quote:

So, this means it's time to install a new catalytic converter, right?

At 10 years old, probably, but be sure there aren't, for example, software updates available. It also wouldn't hurt, and is cheap, to run a cleaner like Seafoam or BG through both the gas and the intake system.

P0420 is converter efficiency correct? It is possible you have an O2 sensor problem but unfortunately most of the P0420's I have seen on older vehicles have turned out to be the cat.

If I am correct, it basically means your pre cat O2 and your post cat O2 readings are too similar. So the computer says the cat is not working correctly.

I'll try the seafoam...

Anybody ever dropped the exhaust manifold in this car? Access doesn't look so bad...

Well, this is depressing. $1100 for the part. That's probably half the value of the car.

Get you a no foul spark plug adapter, drill the center out to 1/2", screw into down stream sensor's socket, screw sensor into adapter.

Problem solved.

I've put 200,000 on my Frontier like this.

quote:

Originally posted by Mars_Attacks:
Get you a no foul spark plug adapter, drill the center out to 1/2", screw into down stream sensor's socket, screw sensor into adapter.

Problem solved.

I've put 200,000 on my Frontier like this.

I saw that on YouTube.. I don't know that it would pass the visual inspection.

They don't even look for them here.

Well, they have no idea what to even look for. They look for it being removed.