Catalyst - Engine Electronics warning light on dash

jamesjohn

hi, my vectra 2.2 X Reg, has this warning light on Dash.

I had the diagnostics done,

" CATALYST EFFICIENCY THRESHOLD BELOW REQUIREMENTS"

I have been advised that it is not a serious fault. If the light comes back on then the catalyst has to be changed. The quote, about 348.85 pounds !!!!

The light came on 2 months ago and disappared after a day. now it has come back and has lasted a week.

Any idea how much the job is supposed to cost, also any suggestions on garages around West Midlands...

When the light comes on dash, it consumes a lot of petrol and drives a bit rough...

Thanks..

JohnnyN

When it consumes more fuel and runs rough its because its gone into limp home mode. As for replacing the cat, have you thought about buying a Hoffmann Sport Cat downpipe? They have the Pre-Cat removed and a 200 cell sport cat and it all comes in one piece for £410 delivered. Its just a case of unbolting from the back of the manifold and unbolting from the exhaust pipe.

dunno..

jamesjohn

JohnnyN said:
When it consumes more fuel and runs rough its because its gone into limp home mode. As for replacing the cat, have you thought about buying a Hoffmann Sport Cat downpipe? They have the Pre-Cat removed and a 200 cell sport cat and it all comes in one piece for £410 delivered. Its just a case of unbolting from the back of the manifold and unbolting from the exhaust pipe.

dunno..

I am a bit tight on money now, so looking for a cheaper option. thaks mate. you think it safe to drive the car?

cheers

JohnnyN

When it goes into limp home mode its telling you it needs fixing, so personally I wouldn't drive the car until it can be repaired.

vocky

a standard downpipe and cat is about £150 🙂

it might be the upper lambda sensor, this controls the mixture.

we can help further if you can get the error code cheers..

jamesjohn

vocky said:
a standard downpipe and cat is about £150 🙂

it might be the upper lambda sensor, this controls the mixture.

we can help further if you can get the error code cheers..

my mate recently fixed the exhuast manifold for me. he removed the lower heat shield, covering the down pipe and forgot to put it back. he said it was not essential...do you think, this could have caused the problem? cheers

vocky

the heat shield isn't essential, but did he forget to reconnect the lambda sensors notsure.gif

jamesjohn

vocky said:
the heat shield isn't essential, but did he forget to reconnect the lambda sensors notsure.gif

i am sure, he did not have a clue about what lambada sensor is....i will check with him again...can you tell us where it could be found or what it looks likes? thanks mate... i hope its just that....cheers

JohnnyN

The lambda sensor is in the downpipe from the manifold. It is positioned just before the bend at the bottom of the bulkhead before it goes off under the car.

vocky

the rear sensor plugs in above the gearbox

the upper sensor plugs in next to the corner of the head