I have a 2000 Volvo S40 and recently the check engine light came on. I took it to an independent volvo repair shop and they said the code was PO420 and that had to do with the catalytic converter. They couldn't fix that so they sent me to a California AAA smog repair place. They said two codes came up and the coolant temp sensor needed to be replaced. I had them do that and they charged $198 alone for the sensor part and later I found out the dealer sells it for $63. They also charged $120 in labor. Then they said the catalytic converter might be bad but advised to try and have the injecters and intake cleaned to see if that would clear up the problem. That would cost $300-400 and couldn't guarantee it would fix it.
I called to complain to the manager about the cost of the sensor and also told him I was going to have the dealer check out the catalytic converter. He said to drop by their shop first and have then run the code so the dealer wouldn't charge me for it.
Do you think they are trying to hide something? Also, how much does a catalytic converter cost from the dealer if it does need to be replaced?

Thanks in advance!!!!

 

They are trying to cover their A**.

Make sure you have paperwork with the code on it.
Try to get $$ out of them for having the Dealer looking at it.


If you need a Cat. It is like $1200.00 to 1500.00 for the Part. Then 1 to 2 hours Labor.

The coolant temp sensor Bad will make the car run really rich throwing a Cat Converter code as well as the sensor code.

I would try running the car and see if the code comes back.

 

Thanks much for the good advice and quick reply!!! The light did come back on after a few days so it doesn't look good. The car is running rough but if I have to wait a few weeks is it ok to drive it?

 

It might hurt it.
You could also have a bad spark plug or coil if it is running rough.

 

Thanks again for the help. I will let you know how it turns out. Otherwise I really like the car although I had the fuel pump fail twice after I first bought it in 2002 but that was covered by the warranty.