Help going crazy!

**cmccarty22** · 09-12-2013

My 02 Grand Prix (66,456 miles) need a new cat I went the cheap way and got a cat put on about 500 miles the SES light came on the code was a bad cat. So I took it to the dealership and got the right cat put on. About 300 miles the SES light came back on the code was a bad cat. Took It to the dealer they replaced the cat free of charge. About 100 miles the SES light came back on. Took back to the dealer and they told me the computer in now bad. They want 800 bucks to fix the computer could it be something else?

thanks

**dsmuts** · 09-12-2013

It's not the computer just put a spark plug non fouler in with the rear o2 and you'll be fine.

**231FUN** · 09-12-2013

Yup... dealership=stealership

**REDCRAPGP** · 09-12-2013

Lmao it's a $7 fix. Do what Dsmuts suggested..google sparkplug non fouler! Dealerships are all about the $$$$ even if it involves get over on somebody.

**Slick2500** · 09-12-2013

Even if you leave it you wont have any issues.

**gtpeddie** · 09-12-2013

It probably never had a bad cat lol the dealer will just replace whatever there scanners code says, If they cant plug there scanner into it they wont work on it. When you walk into a dealer they try and get atleast $500 out of you no matter what. Not all the time is the dealer always right

**nik12937** · 09-12-2013

Spark plug trick is the way to go.

You need two spark plug non foulers (sold in pairs at auto stores), and a 1/2" drill bit capable of drilling through metal.

Drill the center of one non fouler out, which will allow you to screw your o2 sensor into it. Then take that non fouler + o2 assembly you just made and screw it into the unmodified non fouler. Screw that whole thing back into the spot for the o2 sensor, plug it back in, and you're set.

It pulls the o2 out of the exhaust stream to limit how much exhaust the o2 sensor sees, tricking your car into thinking your cat is working more efficiently than it really is.

Originally Posted by gtpeddie

It probably never had a bad cat lol the dealer will just replace whatever there scanners code says, If they cant plug there scanner into it they wont work on it. When you walk into a dealer they try and get atleast $500 out of you no matter what. Not all the time is the dealer always right

Having spoken to a few guys who've been in both technician and management positions at dealerships, I can say that this is unfortunately most true in GM dealerships more than any else. A good example would be the fact that very few dealerships resurface rotors anymore if they get warped, it's cheap and easy to just replace with new ones. But again, a lot of GM dealerships will resurface until the rotor is too thin to do so, just to save a few dollars here and there. Sad, I'm a strong supporter of certain GM divisions, but I can't always say in proud.
End of rant.

**cmccarty22** · 09-13-2013

Thanks for the information. I was going nuts! I just couldn't afford to put more money into this car.

Thanks once again

**cmccarty22** · 09-13-2013

Quick question is the 02 sensor near the cat?

**dsmuts** · 09-13-2013

Just behind the cat

**cmccarty22** · 09-13-2013

Thanks. Just went out and got everything I need. I hope this will work my card needs to get inspected in a week.

thanks or all the help

**nik12937** · 09-13-2013

I also meant to say, if you don't have a box end wrench that fits the o2 sensor, make sure you get a quality online sensor socket. I made the mistake of buying a cheapo from Advance Auto. The walls weren't thick enough and/or the slot for the wires was too large, because when I tried to remove my old o2 to use in my new downpipe, the socket flexed too much and wound up rounding off my o2 sensor.

NAPA carries a nice one, I just can't recall the brand. Good luck!

**cmccarty22** · 09-13-2013

How in the world do you get it out I have a 22m box wrench and it will not fit in the space where the sensors is at it sits down in a little valley of pipes. I bought the socket the socket will not fit it hits the car when trying to slide it on the top.

**dsmuts** · 09-13-2013

You might have to drop the exhaust

**cmccarty22** · 09-13-2013

Ok went and borrowed a 3rd o2 socket this one fits but now I can not get he o2 sensor to move. Once this car passes inspection I think I am going to star looking for a new car.

This car only has 66k and the repairs are starting to become a big hassle.

**cmccarty22** · 10-13-2013

Ok now the car is throwing code PO 137 I give up

Thanks. Chris

**Scottydoggs** · 10-13-2013

check that the wires didn't lay on the manifold and melt.

**cmccarty22** · 10-14-2013

I replaced the 02 sensor I hope this works

Thanks

**cmccarty22** · 10-14-2013

Took it to get inspect and it failed! Of course
they said the computers are not ready. I drove almost 200 miles over the weekend how many miles do I need to drive before the computer resets?

thanks

chris

**Scottydoggs** · 10-14-2013

200 miles should have made it ready, how many times did you turn off and re start the car in those 200 miles? all highway or local stop and park stuff?

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