Car question

[tw]

Originally Posted by Clodfobble

... and if they tell me I need new catalytic converters, I'll just tell them no and start figuring out how to wreck the thing for an insurance payout.

If you need new converters, then an engine defect caused premature converter failure.

I mentioned two oxygen sensors. One before the converter and one after. Many cars do not use a sensor after the converter. But all must have the sensor before. Why would an engine problem cause its computer to detect those errors? A first sensor is giving bad numbers. Engine responds with a bad fuel to air ratio. Then a sensor after the converter reads bad numbers.

You don't know what to replace. This is just one likely suggestion. A likely suspect is one oxygen sensor causing bad numbers or improper engine operation. I see no reason to jump to a bad catalytic converter conclusion. Follow the evidence before fixing anything. The above scenario describes one possible reason for those codes.