possibly need to replace cat converter.

[Semidevil]

so I have a 2002 nissan altima, 2.5, 4 cyl.

I was just told that I am needing to replace my front and rear cat converter. total cost is over $1,000.

the mechanic then asked me if I"m burning oil. I told him yes. A couple times, I have found my dipstick to be completely dry.

He then told me that cars have something called a 'variable timing cam,' and if it is malfunctioning, it could leak a lot of oil to the cat converter, causing damage to it. He said that he thinks Nissan recalled it, but not sure.

Question:
Is what he is saying correct?
How do I check if there in fact was a recall on this variable timing cam?
If so, can I get nissan to replace my cat converters?

thanks

 

[akubi]

looks like you are right: http://www.carsurvey.org/viewcomments_review_84045.html

no idea what nissan's gonna do but good luck...

 

[JulesMaximus]

Good luck with that. Nissan replaced the cats on my '03 Maxima almost 2 years ago under warranty with nearly 60,000 miles on the car. Check what the warranty is on your emission systems, they may be covered, but on a car that is 6+ years old they may not be.

 

[Demo24]

Warrenty for the cats are longer than the drivetrain warrenty. They don't advertise this as its regulated and they dislike it. This is 8yrs or 80,0000 miles. So if your under 80k then you get that replacement for free.

 

[kalrith]

I looked up recalls for your car here and didn't see this specific recall. You should be able to call the dealership and give them your VIN # to see if there are any recalls on your car. Hopefully you can get this fixed under warranty.

 

[halik]

Originally posted by: Semidevil
so I have a 2002 nissan altima, 2.5, 4 cyl.

I was just told that I am needing to replace my front and rear cat converter. total cost is over $1,000.

the mechanic then asked me if I"m burning oil. I told him yes. A couple times, I have found my dipstick to be completely dry.

He then told me that cars have something called a 'variable timing cam,' and if it is malfunctioning, it could leak a lot of oil to the cat converter, causing damage to it. He said that he thinks Nissan recalled it, but not sure.

Question:
Is what he is saying correct?
How do I check if there in fact was a recall on this variable timing cam?
If so, can I get nissan to replace my cat converters?

thanks

Cats have 8 years / 100K mile federal warranty. They have to replacement for free

edit:

80K I was close

 

[Semidevil]

okay, so i'm still researching this to find the most cost effective method.

what about if I take out the cat converter, and just replace it with a steel pipe? Can I do that to save money?

 

[jlee]

Originally posted by: Semidevil
okay, so i'm still researching this to find the most cost effective method.

what about if I take out the cat converter, and just replace it with a steel pipe? Can I do that to save money?

It's not exactly legal.

 

[MovingTarget]

Originally posted by: JLee

Originally posted by: Semidevil
okay, so i'm still researching this to find the most cost effective method.

what about if I take out the cat converter, and just replace it with a steel pipe? Can I do that to save money?

It's not exactly legal.

No, but many get away with it in states that have no emissions testing.

 

[bruceb]

He is in NH and they do emissions and OBD II testing there. So removing the Cat won't work as far as getting his inspections done.