HI! It has been determined I need a new front catalytic converter for my 2002 Xtype. The garage wants to charge 750 for this part. I have found some online for around 250, but I am not sure if the front is considered the firewall side or the radiator side converter. Can anyone help with this?
Thanks in advance!
Debbie

 

Debbie, the front side of the engine is the side nearest the radiator. This would also be referred to as the "Bank 2" side.

 

Thank you for the information Thermo. It has been 6 weeks since my car has been out of service, largely due to the fact I spent 2+ weeks in the hospital recently. I am feeling better now and need to get this part ordered so I can get her fixed and running.

 

What is wrong with the convertor that you need to replace it? What are the OBD codes? Does it rattle and make noise? Is it plugged up? Convertors will go bad but O2 sensors are the more common problem.

 

I have deleted the codes so I am not sure what they were, but I had checked them and they were related to the converter. The car did not rattle or make noise. The main symptom, aside from the engine light and codes, was a serve lack of power and the car would get very hot, even after driving a very short distance. The temp display would not go above mid point, however, the car would smell hot and you could feel the heat coming from under the hood. The mechanic said the converter was completely clogged and that if it was driven in it's current state it could cause the engine to blow.

 

I understand why you are looking for a convertor based on your mechanics advice. It would make more sense in resolving what the real problem is if we had the codes and the fuel trims. The excess heat may be coming from an over rich mixture. This would cause a lack of power since the over rich condition is created by a severe vacuum leak.
Hopefully, a new convertor will fix the problem but if it doesn't get back and let us know. The more info (codes, trims, etc.) the better.

 

Debbie, if you can, take the car for a short run (say 2 miles) up to the local auto parts store. THis should be enough to get some codes to lock in. Get them read there. Then get the car back home. From the sounds of things, the "heat" you are feeling is your cat running way to hot which would be caused by the engine running too rich. Once we see the codes, we may have an easier solution for you that will get you back on the road at 100% and not with a fix that will cause you further problems in a little bit since the actual problem will not be fixed.

 

I took the car to the garage to have them put the new converter on, then realized it was the wrong one. I sent it back and have ordered the correct part but in the meantime, I left the car at the garage since I am not driving it anyways and the new piece should be in early this week. Hopefully once the converter is replaced, my baby will run better. If not, I will pull the codes and post them to see if I can get feedback. Thank you Thermo and avern1 for your advice.