I need help / advice! I've had my 99 S80 for 6 years. Bought it with 25k miles and it now has 150k. It has been a great car but I am now faced with my first major repair.

I posted the other day that the check engine light / rattling sound from underneath the car had started recently.

Took it my dealer that up to this point I think has been great. They said I need a new catalytic converter and 2 oxygen sensors on it. They quoted me $1,500 for the converter and $1,300 for the 2 sensors ($2,800 for part + $400 labor = $3,200).

What are my options???? I am not car savvy and do not know how to do any repairs myself but is there a way that I can buy these parts online (NEW & VOLVO QUALITY) for a lot cheaper and then have someone install them???

YOUR HELP IS MUCH APPRECIATED!

Adam

 

That dealer price is way too high. I would have a local shop install new sensors first. See if that helps before the expense of the catalytic unit. These repairs can be easily done by a local shop. I wouldn't suggest that you perform these jobs as you'll have to work under the car on your back. That alone increases the difficult level IMO ! !

 

If it is rattling from the cats they have already broke apart internally and will need to be replaced. You might be able to get the parts cheaper but be careful what you buy.

 

Thanks for the advice guys.

Is it typical to replace the O2 sensors when you replace the catalytic converter? I've read on volvo forums of people replacing their catalytic converter at a muffler shop. That probably isn't a wise idea???

 

The S80 is a harder one to do. some S80's have 2 cats and others have 4 cats.

Also the front O2 sensors commonly fail.

 

I can find the catalytic converter on www.alloemvolvoparts.com for $678.95 (regular list price is $1,477.73. The dealership quoted me $1,500 for this part.

I can find Bosch O2 sensors for $169.80 (front) and $153.81 (rear). So, I can find all of these parts for roughly $1,000 and the dealership quoted me $2,800.

What are your thoughts??? Are Bosch O2 sensors OKAY to use??????

THANKS AGAIN FOR EVERYONE'S HELP!

 

I would only use Bosch sensors. Volvo's only like Bosch sensors.
If the cats look like yours then I would go for it. But remember if it is aftermarket they tend to make the exhaust a little louder.

 

Thanks Tech.

Any idea what "brand" the original volvo catalytic converter is?? I've been trying to do some research but I can't seem to find it.

The converter I found is a DEC brand.....any idea on the quality of that brand??

Thanks again.

 

I do not know who makes the OEM one sorry.
Never heard of the brand from above either. If you can post the direct link to the one you found so I can take a look at it and tell you if it looks OEM.

 

There isn't a picture on the website http://catalog.alloemvolvoparts.com/ but I was thinking it was an OEM part since the website says that is what is sells....

 

It might be OEM then.

 

I have had good luck with DEC converters. You could also try Full line exhaust in Atlanta GA. You need to go with direct fit converters and will need to know if your car is California emissioned or not. If they say you need 2 oxygen sensors, are they both on the same bank (side), both front , or both down stream (after the converters)? If they are on the same bank you might only need the converter assembly for that side.

 

I can find DEC and Davico converters for around $600 online and 2 Bosch O2 sensors for $300 combined.

Now, the issue is, who do I get to install these parts??? I am assuming the dealership won't so will an independent mechanic install them? I was thinking I could either order them myself or tell them the exact parts that I want installed....

 

Usually most shops will install them. But call and ask first.

 

Swedish Engineering in Ann Arbor sells quality parts and is also a shop, they know this stuff and they're good.
If you live in MI.
http://swedishengineering.com/
ED7

 

Mine is a S80 T6 2004 and yesterday when I started it the catalytic converter sign started flashing on the dash followed with the rattling noise. i have a feeling it is a cat issue. i have had a chat with the dealer and they told it will cost me over US$3000 fixed. i'm now starting to look at other options.
How did you go mate with the after market parts.

 

What is the "catalytic converter sign" you saw?
Your cat should last a long time if you keep an eye on engine management.
The guy at the dealer probably gave you a price for what you asked for.
Do you know (fer sure) that this is the problem? Take some time and get a thorough diagnosis from a shop if you're not positive.
Ed