catalytic converter

Just traded my 97 SC2 for an 02 SC2......and am wondering if it may be
exhibiting catalytic problems. There is a slight "rattle" when
ignition is turned off. It also does a lot of popping like something
is really hot.......even after only a few miles. Mechanic says
everything looks ok. The catalytic was very hot while the muffler &
pipe weren't. The '97 also had more power even with bigger tires and
145,000 miles than the '02 with 57,000 miles does. Any suggestions?
Thanks. EJ

 

I would have it checked out by another mechanic, from what you describe, it
could be a bad cat or an exhaust problem.

Dont expect a stock '02 SC to be a fast as a '97 as the older model as 'in
'01 the SC was placed on the SL chassis to increase the size of the body
ergo increasing weight. Also, the intake and manifold are restricted,
something that can be easily overcome with mods. EricSc02 on SaturnFans has
done alot to his to make it worthy of the SC name.

marx404

 

Thanks, marx404......lots of appreciation for the info. Should of
found this site while I was still looking for another Saturn. Is
'SaturnFans' another group? I would certainly like to hear what
EricSc02 has to say about increasing hp.

I will take your advice and have it checked out by another
mechanic......maybe two. First, I'll try the local Saturn dealer. Did
I read on here somewhere that the emissions warranty is either 70,000/7
or 80,000/8? Unfortunately, the 02 didn't come with an original
manual. Does anyone out there have an 02, Sc2 manual they could turn
loose of??

Thanks again marx404 for your advice.

EJ

 

Not sure where you are but Saturn/GM Canada is 5 year warranty regardless of
mileage. If it's an 02 you should be fine. I had the cat on my 98 replaced
in the summer of 03 and they didn't ask any questions about when or where I
bought the car.

 

(hot cat) It's very possible your engine is running far to rich and/or
not getting a complete burn in your combustion chamber. You are running
a risk of having a fire. Fuel delivery and the ignition system should be
looked at.

 

I'd have the O2 sensor(s) checked first. A failing/failed Oxygen sensor
can "convince" the ECU that the engine is running lean which leads to
the ECU lengthening the injector pulses and causing it to run rich.
That can substantially elevate catalytic converter temps since it now
has to deal with a lot of excess unburned fuel.

Cheers,

 

Hi Roy:

I am in Tennessee/USA.......Just spoke with the local Saturn
serviceman. His over-the-phone opinion is I'm not having cat problems,
and if I am, it's not covered. He's not aware of any
warranty.....???????????????? Don't know if that's where I should take
it or not.

Ya all come again,
EJ

 

(fire??) (hot cat) Thanks, BlaBla, for the info. It isn't a very
comforting thought, although a very valid thought. Could that cause
the rough idle, too?

EJ

 

Ritz:

Okie dokie, sounds good to me. Thanks for your advice. Wouldn't you
think that a competent serviceman would check the O2 sensors as part of
investigating the problem? My problem may be finding that competent
serviceman.

Bless you,

 

Diagnosing...Has more to do with money and time than competence.

Anything that has to do with fuel delivery. Engine coolant temp sensor
should be investigated as well.

 

Unfortunately, most of the "techs" that you'll find at a dealer these
days are just glorified parts changers. So it's unlikely they'd bother
to check the O2 sensor unless there was a relevant CEL code thrown. And
even then, they'd probably just replace the sensor and hope the problem
goes away. With an appropriate diagnostic tool, they should be able to
get real-time data on the O2/lambda sensor feedback and then get a look
at the long and short-term fuel trim.

This definitely isn't something to ignore since constantly feeding a
catalytic converter a rich exhaust can cause premature failure or a
fire. I've literally seen them glow cherry red in some cases.
Depending on your year/mileage, this might be covered under the
emissions equipment warranty which is longer than the standard 3/36k
warranty.

Good luck,

 

Ritz:

I tend to agree with your explanation of "techs", and really, they do
not like their opinions to be questioned! I have been told repeatedly
that there is nothing wrong with the cat; that they all make the
popping, cooling off sound........and that the slight rattle I hear is
the cat's shield.......they all do that.....huh?...., and that the
shield can be removed, but the surrounding areas like the floorboard
would get hot. I haven't stuck my head under the car to see what
color the cat gets. I have not heard of the cooling off sound from
other Saturn owners, or on other Saturn's I looked at before getting
this one.

There is an 80,000/8yr warranty on the emissions equipment. The Sc2 is
an 02, 57500 miles.

 

I've never heard the "cooling off sound" either, at least not from my
Saturn. Heard it on older cars. It may be a bit of a drive but try another
dealer. I had mine replaced under warranty but until they actually tested it
everyone kept telling me it was an O2 sensor.
My ex's 98 SL1 had a rattle and it was the heat shield, one of the rivets
broke free. I drilled a small hole in it and tied it with wire to a bracket
that was nearby. that was 2 years ago and the noise hasn't come back.

I have been told repeatedly
that there is nothing wrong with the cat; that they all make the
popping, cooling off sound........and that the slight rattle I hear is
the cat's shield.......they all do that.....huh?...., and that the
shield can be removed, but the surrounding areas like the floorboard
would get hot.