My vehicle engine light was on and I took the van to the dealer. The computer stated that it was the catalytic converter (D1, Bank 1). However, I had to change the battery and the engine light turned off. I drove the van for about 300 miles over a week and the engine light returned. The dealer again stated that it was the catalytic converter. I didn’t drive the van for about 3 weeks, but when I turned the engine on again the light was off. I think I’ll change the O2 sensors and spark plugs to see if that fixes the issue before addressing the catalytic converter.
Worth a try, might work. & no harm done; but it seems an unlikely long-term solution to the c-converter problem the dealership say you have.
As you observed, the engine light may well go out if the battery is disconnected; but that doesn’t fool the car’s computer, which will simply restart the cat-performance monitor with the new battery. I expect you know what will happen if it fails again. If the cat is original to the car, I expect you’ll soon be returning to the dealership for a replacement cat. If you have a budget issue, suggest to price-out the same job at some of the local independent shops, some $$-saving may be possible compared to the dealership. This sort of job usually wouldn’t require a dealership.
On a 14-15yo vehicle, I would check out some exhaust shops, they can often do the repairs as cheap or cheaper than some independents… Basically call around for general pricing, but know, that depending on the rust, any broken bolts/studs, condition of the rest of the exhaust system, the price will change…
What are the code(s)?? and how many miles are on it…
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