2003 S10 Blazer Catalytic converter

strykerld

I have a 2003 S10 Blazer 2 wheel drive 4.3 automatic. Check engine code says:P0420 Bad converter. Midas said today is that my problem stems from having the WRONG converter. They said my car has California emissions and someone installed a universal cat. I live in Nevada and they SMOG test and with a check engine light on it is a AUTOMATIC fail. My problem is my temporary tag expires in 2.5 weeks and I need it to pass. DO I REALLY need a CALIF. converter or would a NEW universal one get me by? In Jan. I'm moving back to Ohio and they do NOT smog test. Midas wants $1305 for parts and labor and that's half of what the car just cost me. New exact fit NON Calif converter from rock auto is less than $200 plus shipping!!!

thecardoc3

At the least you need a CARB certified replacement catalyst if you want to keep the light out. Replacing the catalyst with anything less will have the vehicle failing the onboard test and resetting the light in a relatively short time. The 81943 and 81986 listed on the Rock Auto page are CARB compliant and legal for use in California and every state that has California emissions. At $430 plus the additional parts required (gaskets etc) you have the do it yourself price. That has no bearing on what it costs to have someone do it for you.

strykerld

Thanks for the information.