2002 'not a recall' letter?

I received a letter in the mail today from GM that said 2002 5.7L equipped Firebirds may have premature converter failures on the left or right side. It stated there is no recall, but if the converter fails they will replace it at no cost to the customer. They have also extended the factory warranty to cover the converters for 120,000 miles or 10 years.

If anyone is interested, the number for Pontiac Customer Assistance is 1-800-620-7668. They also have a reimbursement number 1-800-204-0261 for anyone who has had theirs replaced already.

I'm eliminating mine, but thought this information might help someone...

I got the same letter yesterday, I know my cat is bad and have to take it in. 61000 miles, I plan on keeping my car so nice to know I have another 5 years and 60000 miles to go on it =)

I just got this in the mail today and came on to either post a thread or check to see if anyone else got it. Exept I have an 01, which means nothing I know.

It's an emmissions component and the emmissions system is supposed to warrantied for the lifetime of the vehicle.
At least that what I was told.

I have had both of my cats replaced for free before this came out. Must be a real problem.

I had my right cat replaced about 6 months ago. No charge. I got the same letter yesterday.

Ditto. I recieved the same letter. Mine left cat went out with only 16K miles!!! Then 5 months later they replaced the engine. I still love it though

Is everyone that gets the letter the origanal owner or is every f-body owner getting them?:yup:

Im pretty sure they are only mailed to the original owner. But Im willing to bet if you had a problem they would fix it for free. Also, the letter states that if you have already had a cat replaced, you can be reimbursed for the cost. But they will only reimburse up to the amount that a GM service center would charge. But then again I highly doubt anyone will be paying an independent shop more than what a dealership would charge. There is a form on the back of the letter that has to be filled out and mailed to claim a reimbursement.

im not the original owner of mine and i got one yesterday also.

How do you tell if the cats are bad?

Mine threw a code

So does the check engine light come on or something? Or do I need to take the car in to the dealer to have them hook it up to a diagnostic computer for the code to be seen?

Got mine today on my 2000.

I got an SES light, it was still under warranty at the time so I took it in and they said it was the cat and replaced it. If yours hasnt gone out yet it likely will, its just a matter of time.

cats are not lifetime warranty. Usually there 5 years 100k miles IIRC.

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Originally Posted by Atmosfear

Im pretty sure they are only mailed to the original owner. But Im willing to bet if you had a problem they would fix it for free. Also, the letter states that if you have already had a cat replaced, you can be reimbursed for the cost. But they will only reimburse up to the amount that a GM service center would charge. But then again I highly doubt anyone will be paying an independent shop more than what a dealership would charge. There is a form on the back of the letter that has to be filled out and mailed to claim a reimbursement.

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my cat wa soo bad that speedinc had to put in ab off road pipe.
i sent in the paperwork, lets see if i get money back:yup:

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Originally Posted by jag42420

I received a letter in the mail today from GM that said 2002 5.7L equipped Firebirds may have premature converter failures on the left or right side. It stated there is no recall, but if the converter fails they will replace it at no cost to the customer. They have also extended the factory warranty to cover the converters for 120,000 miles or 10 years.

If anyone is interested, the number for Pontiac Customer Assistance is 1-800-620-7668. They also have a reimbursement number 1-800-204-0261 for anyone who has had theirs replaced already.

I'm eliminating mine, but thought this information might help someone...

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Thanks abunch jag that"s good to know!!!!!!!!!!:yup:

I removed my cats and I just got the same letter today. Guess I don't have to worry about it.

i also got this letter about 2 days ago but i had my cats replaced under a factory 8 year 80,000 mile warrenty about 7-8 months back.

Hmm....everyone getting this letter except me?

I don't know exactly how they're sending them out. I bought my WS6 used from a GM dealer. It had been through their GM whatever point inspection and was 'certified'. They had my address from the dealership. I'm sure they send out the ones they have addresses for, and don't go out of their way for anyone.

Got a letter too, had to take 5 mins to remember what a cat was.:seesaw:

I got this letter yesterday, and I'am the third owner. I seem to remember, when I purchased the car last year, in amongst all the paperwork was a form to notify GM that I was the new owner, so recall notices or things like this would get to the right people.

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Originally Posted by NvyBluMtlc02WS6

Hmm....everyone getting this letter except me?

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I didn't get that letter either, I am the 2nd owner(private party deal)...no problems yet....should I contact the dealer?

i got one too and i am the 3erd owner.....i am just wondering if they will make good if you already replaced yours out of your own pocket?

I'm the 4th owner and got one...but i registered with pontiac after i bought it to make sure i got anything like that... My pass side was replaced under emissions warranty several months ago before the letter. And there was no SES light, but a loud 'banging' noise upon start up and soon after powder coming from the exhaust pipes.

Yeah I'm not the original owner and I got the letter just yesterday stating that this problem was affecting some 2000 year models. But it seems like this problem spans from 2000-2002 from what I've read on this thread.

It depends on your Vin number--not all cars are getting them

I got the letter Dec. 9th. Nice to see them extend the coverage for the cat. convertors. I already had them replaced bc the PCM set the efficiency codes for both sides, under the 7 year/80k Fed. waranty. Emission parts warranties are not a lifetime warranty. The PCM and the cat conv. are 7 yr/80k, other emission parts are less.

Glad they waited almost 7 years to fix the problem, especially after a lot of us have replaced them with headers and such. Why couldn't they do something about the window motors or headlight motors?

The headlights and windows are not safety related, which is the only legal thing auto makers have to recall something over. Emissions are required by law to meet certain standards for a period of time, obviously the converters in question did not. GM is like every other corporation, and would not spend an extra penny unless they had to do so. (A more responsible corporation would fix common flaws with their products, like the headlight and window issues.)

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Originally Posted by bevenue

Is everyone that gets the letter the origanal owner or is every f-body owner getting them?:yup:

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Im not the original owner of my 01 ws6, but I recieved a letter. I have also had my oil changed at the pontiac dealership in town at least twice. I guess you have to get "registered" at the your dealership in order to get one.

Never mind...got mine today! How do you know if you have a problem?

I got one today also. Im also not the original owner. I have had 3 T.A. 2-2000 and 1-2001 and have had problem with the cats on all three. But, I have them cut off now no worries.

Jimmy

If they still know who owns it then it will go to the current owner. I have a 2000 WS6 and am the 3rd owner and received the letter

I got mine yesterday (2nd owner). Anyone have any other way to tell if the CC is bad other than a code?

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Originally Posted by Emily

Never mind...got mine today! How do you know if you have a problem?

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If your not seeing the Service Engine light, another way to know if they are bad would be if you notice that your engine has lost some or a lot of power, or your gas mileage has dropped recently. These problems could show up because of partially plugged convertors. Now, just because you might have noticed these problems does not gaurantee the fix is the convertor(s), the gas mileage problem could be as simple a fix as a lighter right foot! Also, low power could be a restricted fuel filter or weak fuel pump.
:attn:

i got the letter last week. was kinda ironic because this summer mine started throwin codes that said the cat was bad (45,000). i didnt get it replaced yet, but i figured on doin it this spring (but was thinkin of just eliminating them). i dunno, i guess ill just take it to the dealer then and have them replace it?

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Originally Posted by smokeyburnouts

i got the letter last week. was kinda ironic because this summer mine started throwin codes that said the cat was bad (45,000). i didnt get it replaced yet, but i figured on doin it this spring (but was thinkin of just eliminating them). i dunno, i guess ill just take it to the dealer then and have them replace it?

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Get them replaced free first, then save them. Next, with your tax $$$ this Spring, get LT and ORY and get rear O2 sims or a tune and have the tuner delete the rear O2 codes. In case you ever have to put the stock stuff back on. That is what I did.

Just got my letter yesterday. For those who are curious, here's the actual wording of the letter:

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As the owner of a 2002 model year Pontiac Firebird your satisfaction with our product is very important to us.

This letter is intended to make you aware that some 2002 model year Pontiac Firebird vehicles, equipped with a 5.7L V8 engine, may have a failure of the left or right catalytic converter.

This is not a recall. Do not take your vehicle to your Pontiac dealer as a result of this letter unless you believe that your vehicle has the condition described above.

What We Have Done: General Motors is providing owners with additional protection for the right and left catalytic converters. If this condition occurs on your 2002 Pontiac Firebird within 10 years of te date your vehicle was originally placed in service or 120,000 miles (193,000 km), whichever comes first, the condition will be repaired for you at no charge.

What You Should Do: Repairs and adjustments qualifying under this special coverage must be performed by a General Motors dealer. You may want to call the service department at your dealer to find out how long they will need to have your vehicle so that you may schedule an appointment at a time that is convenient for you. This will also allow your dealer to order parts if they are not already in stock. Keep this letter with your other important glove box literature for future reference.

Reimbursement: The enclosed form explains what reimbursement is available and how to request reimbursement if you have paid for the special coverage condition.

If you have any questions or need any assistance, just contact your dealer or the Pontiac Customer Assistance Center between the hours of 8:00AM and 11:00PM, EST, Monday through Friday. They can be reached at 1.800.620.7668 (TTY 1.800.833.7668).

We are sorry for any inconvenience you may experience; however we have taken this action in the interest of your continued satisfaction with our products.

Scott Lawson
General Director
Customer and Relationship Services

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My cats are doing fine so far, but I'm gonna stick this in the glove compartment like he suggests, in case they start to go bad next spring/summer.

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Originally Posted by Too Fast

Get them replaced free first, then save them. Next, with your tax $$$ this Spring, get LT and ORY and get rear O2 sims or a tune and have the tuner delete the rear O2 codes. In case you ever have to put the stock stuff back on. That is what I did.

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ya, sounds like a good idea to me..ill probly go that route. thanks

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Originally Posted by feet739

Thanks abunch jag that"s good to know!!!!!!!!!!:yup:

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Got mine on the 9th:nana:

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Originally Posted by Too Fast

If your not seeing the Service Engine light, another way to know if they are bad would be if you notice that your engine has lost some or a lot of power, or your gas mileage has dropped recently. These problems could show up because of partially plugged convertors. Now, just because you might have noticed these problems does not gaurantee the fix is the convertor(s), the gas mileage problem could be as simple a fix as a lighter right foot! Also, low power could be a restricted fuel filter or weak fuel pump.
:attn:

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My car runs fine...

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Originally Posted by bevenue

Is everyone that gets the letter the origanal owner or is every f-body owner getting them?:yup:

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I know I'm late, but I am NOT an original owner & received the letter... not sure how they knew... maybe when you get your tags & registration...

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Originally Posted by KellyeD2006

I know I'm late, but I am NOT an original owner & received the letter... not sure how they knew... maybe when you get your tags & registration...

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Dunno. Bought my car new in NC, moved back to FL after a couple years. Got the letter at my new address, thinking it might be because I visited the local dealer here ONCE a couple years ago, or because it was originally financed through GMAC and changed my address through them? Paid off in early '05.

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Originally Posted by 9T8W66

It's an emmissions component and the emmissions system is supposed to warrantied for the lifetime of the vehicle.
At least that what I was told.

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:uzi: To whoever told you that..................there is nothing on the car that has a lifetime warranty.

I'm not the original owner of my WS6 and I received the letter. What are some of the symptoms of the cat(s) having problems?

SES code, poor performance (power loss), higher engine temp, bad exhaust odor...

so this is only for 2002 models?

Does the ses light have to come on or can they bang on it and here it is clogged up to be replaced?

i wonder if they would do this on a 1999 camaro. seems weird that it just stated the firebird model.

My letter was specifically for 01/02 Firebirds. I'm not sure what all years/models are affected. I'd recommend contacting a local GM dealer for specifics to anyone interested in free cats.

I believe 10yr/120K extension is only the '00-'02 cars.

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Originally Posted by b.lee

so this is only for 2002 models?

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This I know also included the 2001with the LS1 engines. The Pontiac dealer pulled up my VIN number and told me that the previous owner had it done for free. If you are not the original owners of the vehicle and did not get a notice the Pontiac service department will let you everything service wise that was done on your vehicles by a GM dealer.

I had my last WS6 converter replaced for free when I told em it went out. my car had 30,000 miles on it at the time. they replaced it with no questions asked and it didn't cost me a penny.

im not the original owner im the second owner of my 2001 T/A. am i going to to be getting one? because i got my car at 20,000 miles and im guessing that i might be due uo for my cats to be replaced. so if they do go bad i just contact the GM dealership?

I was the third owner and I never received a letter i just told em about it and they still replaced the converter. Hope this helps...

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Originally Posted by whiteLS1TA

im not the original owner im the second owner of my 2001 T/A. am i going to to be getting one? because i got my car at 20,000 miles and im guessing that i might be due uo for my cats to be replaced. so if they do go bad i just contact the GM dealership?

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You're covered whether you get a letter or not. I posted the number in post #1 of this thread, but any GM service shop will take care of you if you have a problem.

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Originally Posted by jag42420

You're covered whether you get a letter or not. I posted the number in post #1 of this thread, but any GM service shop will take care of you if you have a problem.

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oh alright cool man thanks. ima have the GM dealership look at my cats for me.

i gutted my cats a long time ago and put o2 sims and wide bands on the front so i dont have to wrry about them going out

Has anyone actually gotten reimbursement from GM if they already had their cats replaced before the letter came out? If so, how much did you get back? All of it, or some of it?

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Originally Posted by 0utLawTransAm

i gutted my cats a long time ago and put o2 sims and wide bands on the front so i dont have to wrry about them going out

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How do u do that?

i have a y2k and had the drivers side cat replaced somewhere between 65- 70,000 miles...and it was freeeee!!! haha, if i need new ones , i think ill just spend some extra cash on magnaflow cats...wish i didnt live in california though, cause then i would just take those damn things off!:devil:

wonder if this applies to the camaros also

hi,

I am living in Europe (Netherlands) and, i have a 2001 3.8V6 Camaro.
is this a problem for the V6 too, or just the V8 ?

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Originally Posted by pv-camaro

hi,

I am living in Europe (Netherlands) and, i have a 2001 3.8V6 Camaro.
is this a problem for the V6 too, or just the V8 ?

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hail to the netherlands and vikings! haha :rockon:...i had a 99 v6 bird at one point, doesnt seem to be a real issue with the v6's...you only have one cat anyway, so its half the cost to replace one, as opposed to us people with v8's who have 2 cat's...does the netherlands have smog laws? if not, just take the damn thing off, they run better without them imo...:devil:

mine went bad as soon as I drove it off the dealership, so I went with an ORY.....:yum:

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Originally Posted by godless-phoenix

i have a y2k and had the drivers side cat replaced somewhere between 65- 70,000 miles...and it was freeeee!!! haha, if i need new ones , i think ill just spend some extra cash on magnaflow cats...wish i didnt live in california though, cause then i would just take those damn things off!:devil:

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Just bought our 2000 "Sports Appearance" package, V-6. One of the cats was already replaced under The Recall Letter to the original owner, who we bought the car from. Now have another, and we'll replace it with a used one, unless we can do something temporary to the car. We will sell the motor/trans/wiring/computer system, but want it running great so that someone can see how great it runs. It has 40,000 +/- miles since the motor/trans rebuild, and he also had a new fuel pump installed at the same time.

We'll list this for sale as soon as we get the cat fixed. We can drive the car around town, and it runs great, then you start to feel the power drop off. The same thing happend to our '95 Dodge Ram 1500 V-8 a few years ago, and it is the same identical problem.

We're installing the HI Performance Motor/Trans/Canton Accusump/Accel 300+ Digital Ignition setup from our '69 Pro-Touring/Pro-Street/Land Speed Race car we sold as a "Roller" to Bob (GRIB) Gribble, owner of MuscleMotorsports in Huntersville, NC.

MAXX (aka Richard) and Judy
MAXX2RACING

:beer::beer::beer::beer::beer::beer:

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Originally Posted by MAXX2

Just bought our 2000 Formula, V-6...

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Typo?? you meant V8, correct?

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Originally Posted by scooley

wonder if this applies to the camaros also

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It does - all LS1 f-bodies in the years specified (too lazy to look it up).

I had mine done at 35k miles last year. The stealer wouldn't do both, only the one that was causing the SES light. Some number of weeks later I was back for the other one - SES light for the other side. Silly dealer.

Jim

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Originally Posted by MAXX2

It's a V-6.

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Then its NOT a Formula...its just a Firebird.

Federal law 10 yrs or 100 thousand mile any owner of the car is covered

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Originally Posted by TA421

Federal law 10 yrs or 100 thousand mile any owner of the car is covered

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The original owner who we purchased the car from, had the cat changed under that time frame, and we also found the TSB on it. And, as noted in an earlier post on this thread, it's not a Formula. The guy had all of the extras added he could order, including the exterior front/side add-ons, and that makes it look different than the Base Coupe.

We have it on the lift, and cut off the cat yesterday afternoon. We'll add a section of exhaust pipe, that way, the Oxygen Sensor will still be in the loop. The Oxygen Sensor was really loaded up with 'Crap', so we cleaned it with Copper Cleaner, a trick we used on our '69 El Camino race car.

MAXX

:coffee::coffee::coffee:

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Originally Posted by TA421

Federal law 10 yrs or 100 thousand mile any owner of the car is covered

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Its actually 8 years/80,000 miles. The GM special policy extended that to 10 years/120,000 miles

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Originally Posted by MAXX2

The original owner who we purchased the car from, had the cat changed under that time frame, and we also found the TSB on it. And, as noted in an earlier post on this thread, it's not a Formula. The guy had all of the extras added he could order, including the exterior front/side add-ons, and that makes it look different than the Base Coupe.

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Yeah they call that the "Sport Appearance" package I think. Formula's came with V8s. The GM special policy TSB is for V8 converters only

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Originally Posted by Cutlass

Its actually 8 years/80,000 miles. The GM special policy extended that to 10 years/120,000 miles

Yeah they call that the "Sport Appearance" package I think. Formula's came with V8s. The GM special policy TSB is for V8 converters only

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"Sport Appearance" package sounds about right??? We couldn't believe how nice the owner kept the car. Even the interior looks like it came from the factory, but there were no seat covers over the seats. Did these interiors handle the in-out of the driver without wear???

We'll post the buildup on the car as we install the cage and the motor/trans package from the El Camino.

MAXX
MAXX2RACING

:coffee::coffee::coffee:

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Originally Posted by MAXX2

"Sport Appearance" package sounds about right??? We couldn't believe how nice the owner kept the car. Even the interior looks like it came from the factory, but there were no seat covers over the seats. Did these interiors handle the in-out of the driver without wear???

We'll post the buildup on the car as we install the cage and the motor/trans package from the El Camino.

MAXX
MAXX2RACING

:coffee::coffee::coffee:

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yeah one of my neighbors down the road has a "Sport Appearance" V6 Firebird.

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Originally Posted by MAXX2

The original owner who we purchased the car from, had the cat changed under that time frame, and we also found the TSB on it. And, as noted in an earlier post on this thread, it's not a Formula. The guy had all of the extras added he could order, including the exterior front/side add-ons, and that makes it look different than the Base Coupe.

We have it on the lift, and cut off the cat yesterday afternoon. We'll add a section of exhaust pipe, that way, the Oxygen Sensor will still be in the loop. The Oxygen Sensor was really loaded up with 'Crap', so we cleaned it with Copper Cleaner, a trick we used on our '69 El Camino race car.

MAXX

:coffee::coffee::coffee:

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OK. Cut the cat out yesterday as stated, and still don't have the 20" section piece from our friend here in town. It's a 3" to 2-1/4" section.

Started the car this morning, and it runs absolutely great, even with the section out, which means the oxygen sensor behind the cat doesn't work either. As you all know, there are two (2) additional oxygen sensors, one (1) on each bank in the exhaust nearer the motor itself.

After a good warmup, the oil pressure stayed at 60 lbs, and the "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" light didn't come on like it did when the cat was still on the car. The RPM's will hit just over 4,600, so is that the Rev Limiter kicking in, or the oxygen sensor affecting something??? Don't know the top Rev Limit of these V-6 models. The motor has 40,000 since the rebuild, and as stated, the cat was replaced once while owned by the original owner.

Please note that we have driven the car around town a couple of times with the cat still in the car, and after a few minutes, the motor would start to cut out/miss, and the "Service Engine Soon" light always stayed on.

Any info greatly appreciated.

MAXX (aka Richard) and Judy
MAXX2RACING

:burnout::burnout::burnout::burnout::burnout::

so let me get this staright. i can call a gm dealer and have them run my vin and tell me if they were replaced. if not, i have to wait till i have a problem before they will do anything? i never got the letter but i am also the second owner.

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Originally Posted by psycho steve

so let me get this staright. i can call a gm dealer and have them run my vin and tell me if they were replaced. if not, i have to wait till i have a problem before they will do anything? i never got the letter but i am also the second owner.

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Yes and yes.

My left one went bad without any drama - SES light came on. The right one came apart and sounded like a box of rocks. Then later lit the SES light.

Jim

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Originally Posted by turbojimmy

Yes and yes.

My left one went bad without any drama - SES light came on. The right one came apart and sounded like a box of rocks. Then later lit the SES light.

Jim

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Don't forget this 'Trick' on your Oxygen Sensors---

The Oxygen Sensor was really loaded up with 'Crap', so we cleaned it with Copper Cleaner, a trick we learned from a Race Car Engine Builder, and used this trick on our '69 El Camino race car. It really works, and we're absolutely sure many have paid for 'New' sensors, and they, that being the repair shops (???), just cleaned them and charged for a new one(???).

As to the Rev Limiter, does anyone know when it kicks in on a V-6???

MAXX
MAXX2RACING

:burnout::cool2::approved::firedevil::happy::rl:

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Originally Posted by MAXX2

and we're absolutely sure many have paid for 'New' sensors, and they, that being the repair shops (???), just cleaned them and charged for a new one(???).

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Doubt it

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Originally Posted by Cutlass

Doubt it

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'He', that being the Race Car Builder, worked at a Southern CA dealership for years, and they were told to do this by the Boss/Supervisor, and of course, the mechanic received his 'Piece Work' rate for installing a new Oxygen Sensor, and spent way less time than he would have on a complete new installation. Just stating a fact, wasn't there, but this so-called "TRICK" or whatever you want to call it works, as we did this on the El Camino.


MAXX
MAXX2RACING

:ar::ar::ar::ar::ar::ar:

seems to me it would take longer to remove, clean, and reinstall an O2 sensor then just remove and reinstall a new sensor. Thats a disadvantage for the mechanic, but of course the boss or shop owner makes out better selling new parts and not installing them. Thats a strange way to run a shop though.

Back to the Rev Limiter. Does anyone know when it kicks in on a V-6???

Book shows 200 HP @ 5,200 rpm; 225 ft lb , 305 Nm @ 4,000 rpm



MAXX
MAXX2RACING

:usa::usa::usa::usa::usa::usa:

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Originally Posted by Cutlass

seems to me it would take longer to remove, clean, and reinstall an O2 sensor then just remove and reinstall a new sensor. Thats a disadvantage for the mechanic, but of course the boss or shop owner makes out better selling new parts and not installing them. Thats a strange way to run a shop though.

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Well, let's bring the 'Naysayers' up to date, and yes, most of this is just an update to what we've already posted on this thread/subject, nothing more, nothing less.

Had a great friend in Vegas, and she had trouble with her near new 2000 KIA (So what's new?).

The 'Service Engine Soon' (Or whatever light it is called on a KIA) stayed on in her KIA, and they finally told her to "Put a piece of tape over it so you can't see it". Finally, a mechanic told her these lights that stay on like this are so-called "Bad Oxygen Sensors".

NOT TRUE???

The 'Oxygen Sensor' that controlled the LM-1 Air-Fuel Ratio Monitor in the El Camino became really dirty/gummy from the exhaust. So, a race car guy told us to take the oxygen sensor out, clean it with 'Copper Cleaner', and reinstall it. Guess What??? Like new, and saved $100.00+/-.

Bought the 2000 Pontiac Firebird in Las Vegas last month, and it had a bad 'Catalytic Converter', so it didn't run right, and the 'SES' light stayed on.

Brought it home, cut out the 'CAT', installed a 22" piece of exhaust pipe, cleaned the 'Oxygen Sensor' with 'Copper Cleaner', and presto, it drives like a new car, and the 'SES' light stays off. Only had it up to 90 MPH so far yesterday, but this shows you how the repair shops "SCREW THE PUBLIC". A shop/dealership would charge 'BIG BUCKS' to install a new 'Oxygen Sensor', but all they do is clean it (???).

The car is much faster than we thought for a V-6, and with only 40,000 miles since the rebuild, it's as good as it gets(???).

AND, this shows you what a "Useless Piece Of Crap" a 'CAT' is!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Who In 'Our' Useless GOVT. decided we needed 'CATS' on these cars???? Oh, that's right, it was 'JIMMY CARTER'!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!?????????????

Now, we'll offer the motor/trans/all wiring/all computer stuff/the gas tank with the new fuel pump/the driveshaft/air bags/steering wheel, and maybe the rear end for sale in the classifieds. Was going to almost give it away $$$ wise, but not now, as it really runs like a new car.

MAXX
MAXX2RACING

:ar::zoom::cheers::wave::usa::burnout:

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Originally Posted by MAXX2

Well, let's bring the 'Naysayers' up to date, and yes, most of this is just an update to what we've already posted on this thread/subject, nothing more, nothing less.

Had a great friend in Vegas, and she had trouble with her near new 2000 KIA (So what's new?).

The 'Service Engine Soon' (Or whatever light it is called on a KIA) stayed on in her KIA, and they finally told her to "Put a piece of tape over it so you can't see it". Finally, a mechanic told her these lights that stay on like this are so-called "Bad Oxygen Sensors".

NOT TRUE???

The 'Oxygen Sensor' that controlled the LM-1 Air-Fuel Ratio Monitor in the El Camino became really dirty/gummy from the exhaust. So, a race car guy told us to take the oxygen sensor out, clean it with 'Copper Cleaner', and reinstall it. Guess What??? Like new, and saved $100.00+/-.

Bought the 2000 Pontiac Firebird in Las Vegas last month, and it had a bad 'Catalytic Converter', so it didn't run right, and the 'SES' light stayed on.

Brought it home, cut out the 'CAT', installed a 22" piece of exhaust pipe, cleaned the 'Oxygen Sensor' with 'Copper Cleaner', and presto, it drives like a new car, and the 'SES' light stays off. Only had it up to 90 MPH so far yesterday, but this shows you how the repair shops "SCREW THE PUBLIC". A shop/dealership would charge 'BIG BUCKS' to install a new 'Oxygen Sensor', but all they do is clean it (???).

The car is much faster than we thought for a V-6, and with only 40,000 miles since the rebuild, it's as good as it gets(???).

AND, this shows you what a "Useless Piece Of Crap" a 'CAT' is!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MAXX
MAXX2RACING

:ar::zoom::cheers::wave::usa::burnout:

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If you're referring to me as a naysayer, you're mistaken. I never said an O2 sensor couldn't be cleaned. I just don't think there are many (or any) shop out there "screwing the public" by cleaning O2 sensor but charging for installing a new sensor. Thats just silly.
For what its worth, if I had to choose between cleaning or replacing and O2 sensor on my car, I'd just replace it.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Cutlass

If you're referring to me as a naysayer, you're mistaken. I never said an O2 sensor couldn't be cleaned. I just don't think there are many (or any) shop out there "screwing the public" by cleaning O2 sensor but charging for installing a new sensor. Thats just silly.
For what its worth, if I had to choose between cleaning or replacing and O2 sensor on my car, I'd just replace it.

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No one, including yourself on this great site is being called a 'Naysayer'.

It's really a reference to how a dirty oxygen sensor affects a car, and really how little that means.

And, I'll repeat-----------------------

"""AND, this shows you what a "Useless Piece Of Crap" a 'CAT' is!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Who In 'Our' Useless GOVT. decided we needed 'CATS' on these cars???? Oh, that's right, it was 'JIMMY CARTER'!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!?????????????"""

Know What??? Bet we could take the car to a 'Legit' smog shop in the Reno/Sparks area, and the car would Pass Smog.

MAXX
MAXX2RACING

:zoom::zoom::zoom::zoom::zoom::zoom:

I went in three years ago for a rattling sound which ended up being the 02, but they said one of my cats was bad. Asked me if I wanted to replace one or both. I said might as well get em both. 72K

Quote:

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Originally Posted by chuckie669

I went in three years ago for a rattling sound which ended up being the 02, but they said one of my cats was bad. Asked me if I wanted to replace one or both. I said might as well get em both. 72K

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So, they replaced both 'Cats', and how many O2 Sensors??? On a V-8, there must be four (4) O2's???

Do you remember the $$$ amount, or was part of it under warranty???

MAXX
MAXX2RACING

:ar::ar::ar:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MAXX2

So, they replaced both 'Cats', and how many O2 Sensors??? On a V-8, there must be four (4) O2's???

Do you remember the $$$ amount, or was part of it under warranty???

MAXX
MAXX2RACING

:ar::ar::ar:

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hell here in vegas all you need is 50 bucks for the credit and most tuners will tune out the emissions. all they do is plug into the ecm and check codes anyways. lt's, no cats, and only 2 O2 sensors on my car. and unless the inspections turn to smog nazis like cali i will pass every time.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MAXX2

So, they replaced both 'Cats', and how many O2 Sensors??? On a V-8, there must be four (4) O2's???

Do you remember the $$$ amount, or was part of it under warranty???

MAXX
MAXX2RACING

:ar::ar::ar:

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They replaced 2 cats. Said 02 was good, but rattles. $0 under warranty. Recently replaced the rattler with vette rears after LT's

Quote:

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Originally Posted by chuckie669

They replaced 2 cats. Said 02 was good, but rattles. $0 under warranty. Recently replaced the rattler with vette rears after LT's

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Mine rattles too - it's annoying. It's more of like a ringing sound. It's external to the sensor - it's a metal ring that is crimped on the sensor. I tried repositioning the wire to stop it, but to no avail. It's not worth replacing the sensor over, though.

The cat rattle sounds completely different. It's a deeper sound and sounds exactly what you'd think chunks of ceramic substrate would sound moving around inside a metal casing.

Jim

i got mine replaced about 6 months ago for free. was right under 100k miles

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 00z28bubba

hell here in vegas all you need is 50 bucks for the credit and most tuners will tune out the emissions. all they do is plug into the ecm and check codes anyways. lt's, no cats, and only 2 O2 sensors on my car. and unless the inspections turn to smog nazis like cali i will pass every time.

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Well, we made our maiden voyage to Winkle Pontiac in Reno, which is 95 miles from here in Lovelock.

No 'Cat', cleaned O2 Sensor with copper cleaner, and------------

"Passed With Flying Colors"!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This car "Purrs Like A Kitten".

See our postings in the classifieds really soon for a great V-6 Motor/Trans/Computer/Wiring/Complete Exhaust/Radiator/Air Bags and Sensors/Maybe the rear end.

MAXX
MAXX2RACING

:burnout::burnout::burnout::burnout::burnout::burn out:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MAXX2

Well, we made our maiden voyage to Winkle Pontiac in Reno, which is 95 miles from here in Lovelock.

No 'Cat', cleaned O2 Sensor with copper cleaner, and------------

"Passed With Flying Colors"!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This car "Purrs Like A Kitten".

See our postings in the classifieds really soon for a great V-6 Motor/Trans/Computer/Wiring/Complete Exhaust/Radiator/Air Bags and Sensors/Maybe the rear end.

MAXX
MAXX2RACING

:burnout::burnout::burnout::burnout::burnout::burn out:

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Have a really, really, really 'Great' online article to prove exactly what I have said on this is 100 Percent Correct, but if I post it here, I'll be 'Infractioned' again.

So, might PM it to you if you are interested in the Truth, The Whole Truth, an Nothing But The Truth!

MAXX
MAXX2RACING

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