catalytic converter

[mikecontos]

Hey all. Ive got a 99 rodeo. Im having accelleration problems, especially foing up hills.
Dealer says I need a new catalytic converter (and was kind eneough to recommend I take it elswhwere to get it done for much cheaper) and two rear O2 sensors.
My mechanic buddy says that I should do the cat first, as it may bring the O2 sensors into line. MY QUESTION: Is that true? can a faulty catalytuic converter cause loss of power and make O2 sensor misbehave? (okay, thats two questions!)
Thanks, Mike

[amigo-2k]

how many miles do you have on them?

[megavolt121]

I dont know if a new Cat will fix it or not, but I dont see why you dont try that. Worse comes to worse, you have to change the O2 sensors later. If you can use a socket wrench, it'll take like 5 minutes(and ~$5 for the sensor socket) to replace each O2 sensor yourself, for way less than what any mechanic would charge you.

[amigo-2k]

and I think there are 2 cats under there too?

[rodeo02]

Mike, do you have the 3.2L or 2.2L engine in your 1999? if you have the 3.2L V6, you will have two catalytic converters & four oxygen sensors. Do you have a check engine light? What codes are you getting? Your downstream O2 sensors will most likely set a code if your catalytic converter(s) are not working.
G/luck
Joel

[Cat Fuzz]

I guess I'll answer his question

Yes, a bad cat can cause power loss and O2 sensor malfunction.

[mikecontos]

Originally Posted by Cat Fuzz

I guess I'll answer his question

Yes, a bad cat can cause power loss and O2 sensor malfunction.

Yep, that took care of it. Oh my god, that car is runing sop well now! I dont think it was ever running at full pwer in the year that Ive owned it, and now, it kicks the boooty! Dont need O2 sensors either. Thanks for all of the input, I apreciate it.