Don't mean to sound like a teenager here, but OMG I just found that what I thought was an emerging transmission problem is actually my catalytic converter and hence the issue becoming worse the hotter the car became. This is worse news than my expected minor tranny problem. (2003 S60 base)

Is it reasonable that the converter has gone after 66,000 miles?

I thought they were supposed to have a good service life of 100,000 miles.
I've only had the car for 9-10 months and used "good" gas.

Anyway... I don't suppose an aftermarket part is out there and/or recommended?

I had a quote for $1100 for the OEM part alone.

Suggestions (that don't involve a gun)?

Thanks in advance.

~Derek

 

After looking into this a bit further, I found that a federal law requires certain emission parts, catalytic converter included among them, to be good for 8 years/80,000 miles.

Does anybody (especially any techs) here know how this law works or the peculiarities. I doubt it is as simple as it appears, but the car has been properly maintained and the Cat-Con is failing at 66,000.

Again I have an 2003 S60 2.4 with 66k.

Best,

D

 

I can't believe it's failing after only 66k miles. What led u to believe that the cat is bad. Any DTC that popped out? Call Volvo and inquire about the warranty on emission
systems. A friend told me Lexus guarantees it's emission sys. for 8 yrs/100k miles w/c
ever comes first. Replaced my 00 corolla w/ aftermarket cat and spent $350 out the door. That included the diagnosis, parts and install. Could have cost over $1k at dealership.So b4 u do anything else, research.

 

They should cover it, I do not know if they will ask to see maintenance you have done to it or not. It should of had spark plugs at 60k. I have seen them go around this time, but some of them had problems with misfire and injectors, maybe not so much 04's.

 

Thanks,

I found the portion of the warranty that says federal emissions and defect warranty period includes: ..."specified major components for which the coverage is eight (8) years or 80,000 miles which ever comes first. These major components include only the three-way catalytic converter (TWC), engine control Module and the onboard diagnostic system (OBD)”.... “The warranty begins on the date of the vehicle is sold/delivered to the first retail purchaser or put into service, whichever occurs first. Any remaining portion of the warranty is fully transferable to subsequent owners free-of-charge.

1-
I think this means that I ought to have a claim, but do you know if the dealers typically go into this kicking or screaming? I am concerned about having a possible drawn out fight as I know this type of thing will be costly for them.

2-
Will the following be an impediment?
I had the 60k maintenance (with spark-plug replacement) done at 63k. I’ve had it only 10 months (since about 58k) or so and at the time of purchase the dealer provided a rather long list of fixes and replacements made prior to resale.

Again... any advice on this will be much appreciated.

~D

 

This is real simple. Get dealer quote in writing. Then ask your helpful, friendly service manager why its not covered under emissions warranty. He will not be able to provide a simple answer that makes sense. Then, contact Volvo itself with a short summary of events. Ask them in writing why its not covered under emissions warranty. They can either lie or tell the truth. You'll be happy. Does your OWNERS MANUAL say plugs need replacement at 60K? If you don't know, you've already surrendered. If you get no satisfaction, write to EPA enforcement.

In the interim, get some cheap aftermarket catalyst if you positively need a catalyst.

My guess is that Volvo pays its dealers less than retail to replace cats. And if you don't ask, you'll never get a free warranty replacement.

 

Malaka,

I bought the car used from a Subaru dealership, not a Volvo dealer. So I am not sure my use of dealer was clear or entirely sure what you mean. Did you mean get a quote from the dealer/seller about the work they did prior to purchase, or rather ask the Volvo dealership to quote a Catalytic Con repair prior to my springing the warranty issue?
I've never had to deal with a dealer etc... before purchasing this car, so my suspicious nature leaves cautious and expecting the worst.

Thanks again for your help...

Derek