Smell after catalytic converter installed

[sstephen17]

Got a check engine light a few months ago for catalytic converter bank 2 on my 2014 2LT. Cleared it but it came back a week later. Took it to the dealer and they said it had to be replaced (under extended emissions warranty). I've had it back for about a week now and when I park, there is a slight burning odor that never happened before. Is it from the new catalytic converter "breaking in" so to speak?

[sixty9fordkiller]

catalytic converters will last the life of the car behind a normal operating engine

did the dealer tell you why the cat failed in the first place? lean, rich, conditions or coolant in the exhaust are the usual culprits

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[Jayjellyfish212]

Originally Posted by sixty9fordkiller

catalytic converters will last the life of the car behind a normal operating engine

did the dealer tell you why the cat failed in the first place? lean, rich, conditions or coolant in the exhaust are the usual culprits

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Completely agree. The issue most likely was a 02 sensor. Probably all he needed replaced.

If there is a odor from the install of new cats then it should go away shortly. Typically always a odor on new exhaust parts until they get through a few heat cycles. Unless you go catless but that’s a different discussion based on what OP is saying.

[sstephen17]

Originally Posted by sixty9fordkiller

catalytic converters will last the life of the car behind a normal operating engine

did the dealer tell you why the cat failed in the first place? lean, rich, conditions or coolant in the exhaust are the usual culprits

Dealer didn't say but the specific code was P0430 bank 2 was lean on my reader.

[DJ_BigC]

Catalytic converters DO fail without having an engine drivability condition present, your statement is completely false. They are a mechanical components and like other mechanical components they are subject to failing at any time. While i do agree that certain engine drivability/mechanical issues can lead to premature catalyst failures they are NOT the sole reason why a catalyst fails.

The bank 2 sensor 2 H02S was most likely not faulty because the SES light for a P0430 would have reset as soon as the required parameters for that DTC would have run for the ECM, for the average commuter i usually see them resetting in about 3-7 days.

Your bank 1-2 sensor 2 H02S is not the sensor your ECM uses to control your fueling/fuel trims, that’s what your sensor 1’s are for in their respective banks. If fuel trim conditions would have been present with your vehicle GM instructs technicians to diagnose those DTC’s prior diagnosing P0420 and P0430 DTC’s. A plugged/clogging catalyst will actively cause some H02S sensor 1 conditions but a very obvious drivability condition will be present leading you to diagnose that vs diagnosing fuel trim conditions. Fuel trim related DTC’s are most commonly P0171, P0172, P0174, P0175.