Q: Check Engine Light on, catalytic converter and O2 sensors need changing - $3000

asked by on November 17, 2016

Really? is it possible that only O2 sensor need change? Can I use after market parts and save a bunch of money ? I only drive about 8000 miles a year and will not put any more than 15-20k miles on it before I get new car? How long can I drive it like this?

My car has 121000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Check Engine Light is on Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote
Catalytic Converter Replacement $288.41 - $1959.69 Get a Quote

Hi there:

If you’re Check Engine Light is coming on and somebody diagnosed this as a problem with your O2 sensors or the catalytic converter emissions system, it’s highly possible that the trouble part are the front or back bank O2 sensors. Most O2 sensors are OEM however there are aftermarket equivalents available in some cases. The best way to know for certain as to what you need to replace is to have a professional mobile mechanic, like one from YourMechanic, complete a Check Engine Light inspection, so they can pinpoint the source of the issue. If the catalytic converter is found to have been faulty, replacing the sensors won’t help.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Check engine light on a lot
Hello Jacqueline! Thank you for writing in with this question. This problem could be related to a bad gas cap o-ring, or something more involved like an evaporative emissions system leak, or canister purge solenoid problem. Since the Check Engine...
How do I fast-forward or rewind?
Fast-forwarding or rewinding through a track is very easy. Press and hold the SEEK button with the forward-facing arrows to fast-forward, and press and hold the SEEK button with the rearward-facing arrows to rewind. When you release these buttons, the...
Car overheating for some reason.
Hi there, there are several reasons as to why a car can overheat in traffic. Some of the things you mentioned are important context clues that may help rule some things out. The white smoke you mentioned NOT seeing is...
AC compressor not coming on
Your compressor is most likely not coming on due to your air conditioning system being low on refrigerant. When this happens the computer does not let the compressor activate to prevent damage. The refrigerant slowly leaks out over time and...
Advice on changing automatic transmission fluid on an Infinity G35
If it has a dipstick on it, then yes, you can just drop the pan, do all that stuff and fill it up and put the dipstick. A lot of them don't have dipsticks so make sure it has a...
clicking popping sound when turning sharp left
Hello there. Is your Jeep four-wheel-drive? A clicking or popping noise can come from a CV joint with a torn grease boot. The boot (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/cv-boot-replacement) develops a tear or leak and the grease will leak over time until the joint...
What other year carburetors will work for 93 Suzuki GSXR600
Hello. The GSXR 600 carbs were the same during 1992-1993, but changed after that between 1994-1996. I would recommend looking into purchasing carburetor rebuild kits to get your bike back on the road. If this is not an option and...
I'm trying to find out what is wrong with my car
Based on the symptoms you described it seems as if your fan clutch (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/fan-clutch-replacement) or water pump (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/water-pump-replacement) may be having an issue. I would recommend having your cooling system pressure tested by a qualified professional to determine the exact...
Alternator fault- battery not charging (2009 Audi A4 2.0T)
It's possible the alternator itself is faulty, however, there is circuity and control devices that should be ruled out as well. Alternator output can be easily tested directly to rule the alternator in or out. Also, note that for the...

Related articles

P0083 OBD-II Trouble Code: Intake Valve Control Solenoid Circuit High (Bank 2)
P0083 P0083 code definition P0083 is a general OBD-II code indicating a issue with bank 2 intake valve control solenoid. This code may be seen with P0081 and P0082. The vehicle also has a bank 1 valve control solenoid. What...
P2296 OBD-II Trouble Code: Fuel Press Regulator 2 Control Circuit High
P2296 P2296 code definition Fuel Press Regulator 2 Control Circuit High What the P2296 code means P2296 is an OBD-II code for the engine control module (ECM) detecting the number 2 fuel pressure regulator control circuit is high indicating a...
P002A OBD-II Trouble Code: "B" Camshaft Profile Control Circuit/Open
Diagnostic Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC): P002A What the P002A code means Engines operate by way of a system of moving parts that open the intake valves (for allowing gas into the cylinders) and exhaust valves (which carry the vapors away)....