I drive a 2004 acura tl with an automatic transmission. my check engine light keeps coming on and the acura dealer says that its an in-efficient catalytic converter code, they say i need to replace the last one before the exhaust. $442 for one converter and 285 labor, ouch ! i cant find any aftermarket ones online and local muffler shops say i half to use a factory replacement. has this happened to anyone else and does anyone know of any place i can get a converter that will fit besides the acura dealer?

 

Check your warranty. Usually emission components, and especially cats, have a longer warranty than the drivetrain. At 5 years old, I would expect that the cats would still be covered.

 

I wish that would be the case, but Acura told me the cats had a warranty until 80,000 miles and my car has 83,000 miles on it. Just my luck!

 

If it was me, I'd ask the dealer to check with the Acura zone service rep to see if they will pick up part of the cost. Cats shouldn't be crapping out at 83k. Push to have Acura pick up the parts cost and you'll pay the labor.

You will score additional points toward getting this done if you:
- You were the original purchaser of the car (bought new, not used)
- Have maintained the car per the maintenance schedule
- Have had the car maintained at the dealer
- Have purchased multiple Acuras

Obviously you point out that the cats should last longer and this have given you a very bad taste for Acura and its support of its products.

Good luck!

Edited by: jg atl