I have a 2006 Honda Accord that started sputtering in the mornings (but was fine after, all day) and then the check engine light came on. Took it to Honda and the mechanic told me that my catalytic converter needed to be replaced, but was still under warranty (but only for about 800 more miles). However, he proceeded to tell me that the bolts holding the heat shield on are all rusted and they basically have to cut my exhaust system out to get to the catalytic converter, and that's going to cost me $542. It seems to me if that's part of the necessry labor to replace my catalytic converter UNDER WARRANTY then that's their problem.....any advice?

 

Replacing a catalytic converter should be covered by the manufacturer for I believe 7years/70,000 miles regardless of any warranty.

 

You have to prove a defect in materials or craftsmanship.

And it's 8 years/80,000 miles: http://www.epa.gov/oms/consumer/warr95fs.txt

 

Wait. So Honda agreed to replace the cat but, when they ran into trouble and had to do extra work (which they're trying to charge you for) they didn't ask your permission let alone inform you? I don't know about your state but, in Texas you have to sign off on any work being done AND if the actual cost is more than 15% off the estimate they eat it or you have to sign off on it again.

 

Refer to pages 4, 5, and 6 of the emission warranty regarding the converter. http://www.epa.gov/obd/pubs/420f09048.pdf

"If you have valid warranty claim, you cannot be charged for any costs associated with the diagnosis or repair of the problem, including labor charges, parts, or miscellaneous items that are necessary to complete the repair. For example, if a manufacturer agrees to replace a catalytic converter under the emissions warranty, you should not be charged for the diagnosis of the bad converter, or any pipes, brackets, adjustments, or labor needed to complete the replacement."

 

well, i dont think you could've gotten a better answer lol

 

the most labor they could charge is 2.5 for those cat sheilds if it was a v6 and those sheilds are literly only like 100 buck for them with the hardware whats the labor rate like 200 buck and hour sounds fishy complain to your local honda rep.