Catalytic converter efficiency

[rkvons]

I have this 1998 Montana with the 3.4 and the wife reported to me that the Check Engine Light recently came on. So I got it scanned and it is P0420. Also, coincidentally, she said that the fuel gauge is stuck on full. I don't think they are related, unless she just got some really bad gas. If the P0420 is reporting a real issue, is my only option to replace the converter? I have been thinking about replacing the fuel level sending unit for some time now, because it's been predominantly on the full side and sort of behaves like a 1/4 tank gauge. I've been doing a little research and have read that the OEM cat converter is really the only way to go. What do you folks think?

[spike88]

I did some surfing and it sounds like replacing your van's CAT-CON is the only "long term" solution. For details, surf: http://www.aa1car.com/library/p0420_dtc.htm

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[mhall02]

Just replaced the cat on my '99 Montana, had the P0420 pop up off and on over the last two years, but this was the year for emissions test. Had to bite the bullet. After two weeks the SES light has remained off and passed the emissions test. I think it fixed the issue (since the light ususally came back on within days). Now at 190,000 mile mark. Had a Catco universal fit installed and welded in place at Minike for ~$230.

Never had any problems with the fuel guage to date.

[JabbaTHutt]

My 2003 montana had a fuel guage problem, seems there is a connector under the drivers side about even with the door post that was full of water is is corroded cleaning it up cured the problem.

[rkvons]

Originally Posted by JabbaTHutt

My 2003 montana had a fuel guage problem, seems there is a connector under the drivers side about even with the door post that was full of water is is corroded cleaning it up cured the problem.

I was wondering about that Jabba. I think you might be on to something, because it's working again. And it's dry here now. I was not sure where to look because I also heard there was a connector under the passenger side somewhere. I have looked at and seen this connector you are talking about and now I can't wait to get home to take a look. Thanks.

Oh, by the way. I also ordered a direct fit replacement catalytic converter today. I will see if I can put that on myself. Otherwise, Meineke is chomping at the bit.

[rkvons]

So I ordered a direct-fit OEM replacement Cat Converter off of the internet and put it on myself. The connection to the engine was pretty straightforward, but the rear connect was too rusted out to do. I drove it over to meineke and they welded a new rear flange on it and connected it up for me. So the DTC did not go off. I took it over to Advance to have the guy zero it out and he said it was "pending", meaning it will go out by itself. It's been a while and it still has not gone out. How long does this process normally take? I realize another code could have shown up, but at the time the Advance guy read the codes there was only one stored. Thanks.