Grand C4 SpaceTourer, 2019, Petrol, 1.2 - catalytic converter problem

[mmemoom]

Hi all,

I have a 2019 C4 Grand SpaceTourer. A few months ago in August, the dreaded engine light came on.

I took my car to my trusted mechanic, who ran a system diagnostic, and got back various error messages and codes. He said to me the problem was not easily identifiable, but suspected the issue may be a sensor problem. He reset the codes, and the engine light stayed off for a while until october. As I purchased a warranty through Stellantis, I booked a check with Stellantis Edgware. They couldn't see me until Dec 5th.

After running their diagnostics, they tell me I need a new catalytic converter, based on the P0420 - 92 error code. I am horrified, as my car has only done 36,000 miles. (Catalytic converter of course not covered in the warranty). I am a middle aged childminder, and drive the car carefully on a daily basis, not a boy racer. I do a few thousand miles per year.

I regularly use the more expensive higher octane petrol (though not always) when filling up. I have serviced the car fully each year, kept fluids topped up etc.

I did various google searches, and it all suggested that a catalytic converter should under normal cirumstances last for at least 70,000 miles and more. The info I scoured all suggested that it is more likely that some other underlying engine problem is causing this rather than just the catalytic converter coming to the end of it's natural life. This is important, as if there is an engine or manufacturing problem causing this issue, then my warranty would cover it, but they were adamant I just got unlucky. They said 99 in a hundred won't fail, and that I am the unlucky 100th one. I said, I didn't realise I was playing a lottery when buying this car, and that it didn't make any sense.

I am at my wits end, as I simply cannot afford to pay the £3,000 Stellantis are quoting me to fit a new converter.

Also, I have the M O T coming up. They guy at Stellantis advised me to take the car anyway for the MOT as it may just pass even with the error code, and if it doesn't I would need to fit and pay for the new catalytic converter.

If anyone has any experience or insight, I would very much appreciate any feedback, as I feel under a tremendous amount of weight, and drowning out of my depth.

I have seen videos suggesting it may be a faulty oxygen sensor? Please help anyone. Thank you.

Mariana

[mickthemaverick]

You will find information on this link to help clarify your problem. I would be surprised if the catalytic converter has failed and think a sensor is much more likely but have a read through the site and decide on your next move. https://firstautocentre.co.uk/p0420-fau ... to-fix-it/

[PaulC5]

To show the cat is not working the sensor after the cat must be giving the information. Possibly the sensor is at fault. However, if you do need a new cat I would try for a second hand one since they ought to last the life of the car. A Citroen dealer though would only fit a new Citroen one so you would need to get it done somewhere else such as by your mechanic. If you go for a new sensor be aware that low cost ones may not work that well.