Just giving everybody a heads up, I'm posting this in the diagnostic section because I have seen several threads on codes for the dirty second 02 sensor, usually signifying a failed catalytic converter. I have also posted it in the ls1 section.

I have 70k on my car and have had both catalytic converters replaced, one at 40k and the other at 50k. There was some rumor that there was a bad batch of cats that were installed in 01 cars but no confirmation of it.

Just received a notice from chevrolet today admitting that there were pre-mature failures in the right and left cats.

Mine were both replaced under warranty (every car has that 8 year 8ok warranty, government mandated I think) but some people might be over that amount of mileage and have an issue.

Chevy has extended the warranty to 10 years since placed in service or 120k miles. Also, if you have had to pay for the work to be done (and at $400 a pop it's not cheap) they are offering refunds.

I got this notice because I brought it into the dealer for the cat replacement, so my name was on the list. However, I know there are several people here who have bought their car second or third hand and have never brought it to the dealership so this is for you guys.

 

Ok, I know I have seen this posted before with people having problems with the Catalytic Converter on 2000 Camaros - aka (P0420 Catalyst Efficiency below Threshold Bank x). Today I got a notice from GM admitting the problem. It is not a recall but a bulletin (bulletin 05513) that states they are extending coverage on it to 10 years or 120,000 for a replacement if needed at no charge. It is not a recall but if the condition occurs take it in.

They also says that a reimbursement is available if you have paid for repairs for this condition.

In comes my delima. Back in the summer I had this very code (P0420), thinking it was too early for the cat at 16,000 miles and too expensive, I had the O2 replaced at a local shop. Well, that didnt do it. Light came right back on. I took it to the dealer for the cat and it was covered under federal emissions for 10 years and no charge to replace cat. Problem solved for now - although wasted my own money on the O2 sensor.

Now I get this letter - and wait a minute. Shouldn't they owe me for the O2 replacement? The only reason I did it because I didnt think it was the cat and it was much cheaper, O2 go before cats in most cases. Now 6 months later they (GM) tell me they know there is problems with both the left and right cats. I am thinking since it was a new O2 sensor when the dealer put the cat on, they left my NEW O2 sensor on when they would of put a new one.

I want to file the reimbursement form for the O2 sensor ... I think I deserve it, but they may blow me off because it is not the cat itself !?

Any thoughts?! Anyone else fighting this ?


TIA

 

P0420/P0430 is a bad cat 99.9% of the time. You can ask GM, but sounds like the "local shop" should be on the hook for replacing the 02 when it wasn't the problem.

 

Has Any one gone about the refund, if you have already had the cats replaced? Will GM pay for labor and parts or just Parts? What if you bought them and replaced them yourself, would they pay for that?

 

Probably have to call them and ask, here's the number in my letter in case yours didn't include it: 1-800-630-2438 My letter also included a "Customer Reimbursement Claim Form" with another number 1-800-204-0261 for reimbursement questions.