Edmunds Answers questions

If I buy a "Not legal in California" catalytic converter, ship to AZ and install it myself, will it pass smog in California?

rangerroy — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 19:22:36 GMT

A legal one from dealer in Ca. is $963.00 and car has two. Everywhere I go they say it is a dealer item. Damn RIPOFF!!

PZEV - What does it stand for? What does it mean? What does it do?

andres3 — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 14:13:47 GMT

Who knows everything there is to know about PZEV rated vehicles? I keep seeing more and more of these crop up in California.

Someone just stole my catalytic converter. Can I drive my car 80 miles to get back home?

mike19133 — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 18:52:07 GMT

someone just stole my catalytic converter can I drive my car 80 miles to get back home

How to test for a clogged catalytic converter?

poysn1 — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 22:38:47 GMT

how do i test it??

What is the name of the pipe that comes from the manifold to the cat converter and can you buy that pipe separate from the manifold?

daedae — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 14:18:00 GMT

for there is a exhaust pipe that comes from the manifold and goes to the cat. converter, and also does this pipe come separate from the manifold

Is a $3400 repair cost for a catalytic converter on a 2005 Subaru Outback reasonable?

PaStevenD — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 21:13:37 GMT

2005 Subaru Outback. 84k miles. Check engine light is on, but occassionally goes off. When the light is on, then the cruise control doesn't work. Shop says the codes imply bad catylic converters. I don't get it. The cost seems outrageous!

Is it true the '97 Nissan Maxima exhaust was redesigned? My mechanic says it will cost $2,000 to replace. Is this right?

sickofmymaxima — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 01:40:51 GMT

Our 1997 Maxima SE needs an exhaust as, according to our mechanic, it is rotted and and cannot be repaired simply with new brackets. He advised against the job b/c the parts alone will be approximately $1600.00 b/c Nissan redesigned that exhaust and he will not be able to use any of the old parts. He is an extremely trust worthy mechanic, but I am hoping this piece of advice is somehow misinformed. If not, then is it worth replacing if the car has 169,000 miles? Do they really usually run for close to 200,000mi?

I am having problems with my exhaust system. How serious can this be if left alone?

madhyundaioner — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 17:46:53 GMT

About 3 weeks ago, there was a little "pop" that occured when I started to accelerate from a stop sign. The next day, the small timing belt snapped and my car broke down. Thanks to the shop I got the belts from a year ago, they warrantied the belts and all the repairs to the valve covers and cylinder head.

However, since that "pop" occurred my exhaust has been running odd. When i speed up, the low vibration noise gets a little louder and noticeable. when the car shifts gears, there is a light "rattling" sound that occurs and occasionally you can hear a soft "backfire" sound in the exhaust. I had the exhaust checked out recently, but the mechanic said he could not get the sound duplicated when the car was on the lift, but knew it was in the exhaust. It just was not anywhere in the heat shield or other external exhaust parts that he could find. I just am wondering how serious this can be for the engine if I just drive it and ignore the problem.

How to get Saturn to honor the 8/80 emissions warranty?

paul50 — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 23:34:25 GMT

Saturn makes the flex pipe as one piece with the catalytic converter. My flex pipe has a hole in it. The only way to get a new one is to replace the entire catalytic converter. Clearly the flex pipe is a part of the c.c. and should be covered under the 8/80 warrantee. Saturn doesn't see it that way. Am I off my rocker? Anyone had success getting a car company to comply in a similar situation? How did you do it?

Do I need to worry about water dripping from my tailpipe?

guidare — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 06:50:04 GMT

Water dripping from my GMC Yukon's tailpipe. Sometimes I see water dripping out of my tailpipe. My car seems to run fine but I wonder whether it will affect my engine. What causes this and should I be worried?

How do I clear Jetta emission light?

deelite — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 09:03:23 GMT

2000 VW Jetta VR6 emission light keeps coming on and staying on and there isn't an emissions problem. I've had my service company repair the computer to only have it do it again. Is there a code I can use to trip the computer and clear it myself without a diagnostics computer?

1979 f-350 4 sp standard 400 v 8 haunted by manafold leak always gasketing it, would I be better off with headers?

shootist — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 14:03:34 GMT

1979 f-350 manifold leak. Chronic problem, Have double gasketed seam to work best but only good for a couple years. What about headers?

2001 cadillac catera spark plug change

scott93 — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 14:38:57 GMT

How to change spark plugs and take off intake manifold?

on a 1995 camero what could make the muffler get red hot? engine temp was normal.

hopielou — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 16:49:50 GMT

we had got stuck in the snow then came home started the car the next morning it sounded like it had glass packs on it and lost a little power I stopped the car and right where the muffler hooks on to the bottem of the engine was red hot the pipe was actually red hot.

i wanna know if my catalytic converter is making my car faster or slower? Its a straight pipe.

taylor717 — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 02:37:00 GMT

i have a 97 eagle talon esi non turbo. i just put in my ceramic headers in and a straight pipe catalytic converter but after i put the catalytic converter on my exhaust got softer and it feels like my car is slower. so i wanna know if the new catalytic converter is making my car faster or slower?

Hole in 2008 Hummer H3 Muffler. Is this a drain hole?

badboy7 — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 19:32:16 GMT

Small hole in Muffler. Noticed water dripping out of iot when car starts?Is it suppose to be there?

I have a 2007 CTS V and I was wondering if anyone can find a kandn kit to work and what exhuast systems work

rjd4 — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 23:45:08 GMT

help

Can you put dual exhaust on a 89 Buick LeSabre & How much it will cost?

buick89 — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 18:10:05 GMT

Just wanna know how it would look with dual exhaust on my car.Can it be done & if so,who can do it .I live in Winston Salem,NC,who here can do it? Advise me.

My 91 Sedan Deville is sluggish when it is warm and has a mis. is this a catylitic converter going bad?

caddyj1 — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 18:29:15 GMT

Car seems to run fine except for a slight miss but the major problem in the 144,000 mile caddy is sluggish performance when the car is warm

hello, i have a 01 4.7 dakota and engine light came on, can that be a 02 sensor, and how can i tell a code

dodgeslt — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 00:00:12 GMT

how can i tell what code is it

What to do with tube that used to lead into the OEM Air Filter Box

sleshvibe — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 16:15:17 GMT

Hello-
Car- 1994 ACURA INTEGRA LS

I just replaced the standard air filter with a short ram intake. I didn't want to go all the way and do a cold air intake which requires removing the resonator located behing the right front bumper. Now, directly below my new cone filter is the tube the used to connect to the air filter box, which I assume connects to the resonator. I don't want to remove the resonator and get tons of noise but I want to make sure it is alright for the car just being open in the engine bay as it is now after the filter box has been removed. Should I cap it? I thought not because it must need some type of air movement. What should I do? It sounds fine when the engine is running but I'm not sure what to do, short of removing the whole resonator as I do not want to do that. Thanks a bunch

-Ian

I have a Pontiac Sunbird. How much would it cost to replace the whole exhaust system?

foxy91687 — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 14:30:36 GMT

The muffler to my car is on the ground dragging and I am just wondering how much would that cost to get fixed

My Mazda MX-3 is kicking white smoke out of the exhaust

tony83 — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 16:45:24 GMT

My car is a Mazda MX-3 automatic and it is kicking white smoke out of the exhaust but it only does it when it has been sitting for a day or 2 but if I leave it ticking over for 5 to 10 minutes it clears up but when I start it back up it happens again can any one help

Does anyone know why my Nissan Quest smells of rotten eggs?

cowspots — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 12:09:20 GMT

I bought it used and it's a 2005. It didn't smell when I first bought it. But everytime my son opens the slider to jump out to school, it comes in the door or when I pay the cashier at the drive-thru and open the window, it comes in. It makes us both gag.

I have a 2006 Saturn Ion with codes po411 & 440. Tech says air pump is bad. Is it covered under emissions warranty?

dougyfd — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 13:13:05 GMT

What does air pump do.? dealer says $290.00 to repair. please help Thanks Doug

1996 Ford Explorer Exhaust Manifold / Exhaust?

jdelbridge — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 00:55:27 GMT

I am about to replace the passenger side exhaust manifold gasket, but I am unsure about a few things before I start. What size/thread/length are the manifold mounting bolts? What do you use to connect the Y-Pipe to the Manifold flange? Is there a gasket, bolt kit, etc? Also, is it an advantage to use lock bolts, and if so where can I find them?

How much is it to replace a muffler syestem for a 1998 Toyota 4Runner?

catseye311 — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 15:50:17 GMT

Just wondering how much it will cost to replace a total exhaust system on a 1998 toyota 4 runner

2000 Dodge Durango, exhaust shield rusted and fell off. What should I do, any danger driving as is?

cwoodridge — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 16:15:23 GMT

2000 dodge durango, shield rusted/fell off exhaust system, what should I do, any danger of driving as is? ( my kid's car who lives 1500 miles away)

I have a 1998 Subaru Legacy. I need the schematics for the exhaust, can anyone help me? Thank you.

dkrupert — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 17:13:46 GMT

the exhaust is leaking toward the front of the car, i need to know what the piece i need looks like, or do i have to buy the whole exhaust system.

2007 Nissan Versa 3000 miles. Exhaust smells very strong-gassy. Dealer says nothing is wrong. Doesn't seem right.

desertflower1 — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 04:02:41 GMT

I don't drive it very often. The smell doesn't come inside the car. But even in strong wind, if it is idling, it smells terrible. Definately not normal. The dealer took a look and said nothing was wrong. Please advise.

Where is the EGR valve located on a 1999 Ford Windstar?

sunzem — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 12:12:43 GMT

I have an engine light that keeps coming on, had it tested and was told it was the egr valve. I can't seem to locate it to clean/change it. Anyone know where it is located &/or how to get it off? Thanks! Ricky

Can't find source for an exhaust downpipe for my '91 Mitsubishi 3000 VR4 - any aftermarket source? AC LED display failed.

salesp1 — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 19:46:34 GMT

Have 1991 3000 VR4 (57500 miles one owner). Looks good runs good but dealer saying the front end exhaust beginning to blow. Misubishi saying cost could exceed $2K?? Tried E-Bay but there are only non-turbo types available? Also the AC LED indicator/instrument acted like 'firework display' before going blank - ideas on fixing?

Anu idea where I can find 'original design exhaust' parts for '91 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4 turbo?

salesp1 — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 14:23:21 GMT

Trying to maintain original spec. for my 3000 VR4, Need front end 'downpipe Tee' with double flexible couplings. Also have problem with A.C. LED dispay instrument - not working. Is this simply LED's out?

A Brit. what bike ('s) ya have? PHS/914bye4

Texas has a "Drive-Clean" program to replace older autos with new economical models. Do the Fed's have such a program?

dpnewman — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 12:54:01 GMT

Texas State gov. offers cash insentives to replace older, higher polluting vehicles with new cleaner more economical models; the program name is Texas Drive Clean.

Does the Fed gov. offer likewise incentives at this time?

2000 Pontiac Bonneville. I want to replace my broken catalytic converter with a high flow. What one is a good replacement?

dmax_me_am — Tue, 13 May 2008 15:19:41 GMT

I have a 2000 Bonneville that the catalytic converter has broken loose inside and want to replace it with a high flow model. I dont want junk but I don't want to break the bank. I get 29 to 33 on the road and 15 to 17 in the city. I think it may help in the city most.
Thanks

Nissan Frontier not running.

brandy8 — Tue, 13 May 2008 21:06:23 GMT

missing backfireing exhaust getting cherry red

92 Cadillac DeVille 4.9 v8, just had complete tune up, replaced catalytic converter, and still feels like it is choking. No power.Help!

woodlief — Thu, 29 May 2008 23:17:05 GMT

the car feels like it has an anchor on it. no power, feels like it is backed up and doesn't have proper exhaust. you can floor it and maybe get to 70 mph.

AEM Short Ram Intake Filters-DryFlow or not? For a Honda Accord.

boo_bug007 — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 19:49:34 GMT

I'm having difficulty finding out whether I can get a DryFlow replacement filter for the intake system I have. It's AEM-22-415 for '98 Honda Accord EX 2.3L 4cyl. Manual Trans. Also, which filter would have come with the system originally, and which cleaning kit to use. I'm finding all sorts of parts that seem to coincide, but nothing on which are compatible. Odd, I thought.

What parts are needed to replace the exhaust system on a 2001 Honda Civic HX?

sandra17487 — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 21:46:48 GMT

My Honda's exhaust system was "redone" by a backyard mechanic. I want to replace it with OEM parts.

Why do I have to keep replacing catalytic converters in my 1999 Nissan Maxima?

cesky67 — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 22:38:04 GMT

My husband and I have a 1999 Maxima SE. It's got 140K miles on it and has been maintained by our local Nissan dealer. Within the last year and a half, starting at 120K miles, we have had to replace both catalytic converter and the oxygen sensors. The dealer subbed these jobs to a local muffler shop. The service engine light came on again this week. The dealer's diagnostics indicate the need to replace one of the catalytic converters and an oxygen sensor. At our insistence, after telling us that these things fail, our dealer agreed to keep the car and check with Nissan's technicians. Our research indicates that engine and fuel issues cause the converters to fail. The dealer say none of the dianostic codes indicate a problem. With a 1700 repair bill facing us, now what?

Regarding the AEM Intake Filter problem on my Honda Accord

boo_bug007 — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 21:42:41 GMT

Yeah, I haven't actually bought the kit yet. We have a Napa and a Car Quest in town, but I'm certain they'll have to order the part and I'm not fully confident (from past experience with the local stores) that they would order the correct kit. I have been to AEM's website, and they've got tons of info on the DryFlow filters and how great they are, but not how to tell if the one currently on my car is a DryFlow filter. I'm mostly sure it's not, but I'd rather not screw it up. I have found the cleaning kits online all over the place, and I just wanted to make sure I had all the right stuff. Totally a paranoid girl here, and I like my car A LOT. :D

AEM DryFlow Filters...and such...AGAIN

boo_bug007 — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 14:12:12 GMT

Maybe I should clarify...since I obviously haven't asked the right question. I have the AEM 22-415 intake system. I have only had my car for about 10 months, the system was already installed, I don't know when, I don't know how long ago the filter was cleaned. In my research on the internet I had read that at some point in the last 10 years or so AEM switch from Oiled air filters to the new DryFlow filters. I can't find that website again. All I want to know is how to TELL if the one that is on my car now is DRYFLOW OR NOT. I know where to get the kits. The filter is dirty. I realize that I can just order the DryFlow replacement filter and not clean the one I have. For 50$, not affordable right now. Going on road trip at 2 am friday. But why replace it when I can just clean it? I just need to know HOW TO TELL IF IT IS DRYFLOW. It doesn't say anywhere and I've searched all over the damned internet, I've tried searching every part # on the system to see if there is a specific filter related. Yes, EVEN AEM.COM. Thanks for any insight.

92 Cadillac DeVille with back pressure issues. Yes, pro tuneup and new converter done at the same time, still not running,

woodlief — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 10:57:43 GMT

the tuneup and converter were done at the same time. muffler shop said i needed tune up because it sounded like a skip or miss in motor, tuneup shop said i needed converter because backpressure was about 10,that is high i guess. just want to get back on the road, any suggestions and thanks for responding.

All components were replaced or checked. That is why he thought it was the converter, checked backpressure. 10

woodlief — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 12:24:18 GMT

the backpressure was the big concern. where is it coming from. it seems something is not letting it exaust. can something in the engine create backpressure on itself?

I'm thinking about switching my muffler on my 2008 Ford Ranger 3.0 lier engine to a Flowmaster exaust. Your experience?

traveler2 — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 17:39:12 GMT

I am thinking of switching the stock factory muffler on my 2008 Ranger with a 3.0 liter engine and a 5 speed automatic transmission to a Flowmaster muffler and exhaust system. Any gas mileage increases with this setup or any bad experiences have any other Ranger owners experienced wth this change ?

Why would white smoke come out of a muffler? Eagle Talon.

preston07 — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 01:02:23 GMT

The car is a 96 talon and the oil was just recently change and now there is white smoke coming out of the muffler.

Can't find 2000 flex pipe.

mrsfloyd — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 08:36:58 GMT

I know another make was made on the same line. Jeep? Are parts interchangeable?

My 05 Nissan Xterra has a strong ammonia smell coming from the exhaust when I put a load on the engine, any ideas?

mcgoo79 — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 18:23:22 GMT

I was backing my boat trailer in my yard with my 2005 Nissan Xterra and I got out to unhook the lights and I noticed a strong Ammonia smell coming from the exhaust. I was wondering if anyone knew why it wouls smell like that. The vehicle has 47k miles on it so I dont think it is something just burning off of the catalytic converter.

On a 1990 Ford Probe GT with turbo. What might cause the exhaust manifold to glow? Thanks for the help,

tcanderson — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 18:46:04 GMT

catylatic converter already checked

What is the canister or whatever its called that is located in the left rear side of a 2001 Hyundai Elantra?

dnoga — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 21:21:30 GMT

What is the part called that is located in the left right side of my 2001 Hyundai Elantra? It's under the car and near the fender?