Hi all:

We bought a 2003 Suburban 4 days ago from a private seller who buys cars at auction, rebuilds and sells them. We went to see this car and almost new, beautiful inside and out and runs like new. We bought it on the spot.

It wasn't until we got to DMV that we realized it said "Rebuild Salvage" on the title although the seller never mentioned it. He did tell us that there was a new transmission in it and he had just returned from a 2,300 mile trip to GA and it ran beautifully.

Yesterday the check engine light came on. We had Auto Zone do a test and it said something about the sensor/catalytic converter. Here's what came up:

Probable cause:

Catalytic converter defective (failure possibly due to 2, 3 or 4)

2. Engine misfire or running condition
3. Large vaccuum leak
4. Engine oil leakage into exhaust - valve guide seals, piston rings.

There is no misfiring, no oil leaks, nothing. I'm hoping this is a cheap fix.

I noticed a loose plug hanging down in the right front end under the right side of the radiator and not sure if that might be the problem. ??

Any help, advice would be greatly appreciated. We really love the car, it runs great and will keep it for the long haul. Just don't want to have to put a new engine in it.

 

Did Autozone give you the code number?

I'd say to start with looking at what you thought was loose first. Then look at the vacuum hoses and their connections to make sure all are good. Cracked hoses will mess up your day. Definitely check underneath the car too. Check the exhaust clamps to make sure they are there and tight. Then tap the cat converter with a soft mallet. Listen for a rattle from within. Check your oil level. Notice any loss?

 

The loose plug is a light of some sort, most likely a fog light if equipped.

as for the cat issue, your stuck looking for vacuum leaks or replacing the cat.

 

Underscore:

I checked and there is no oil loss, nothing leaking and the dip stick shows full. There is no exhaust fumes or smoke of any kind, the car runs great.

The code that Auto Zone gave us is P0420.

 

You need to replace the catalytic converter. Po420 is the cat 99% of the time

 

Welcome to the forum.

Does the 2003 have the two "pup" convertors up near the exhaust manifolds in addition to the big one in the exhaust pipe?

Could it be a salvage due to flood damage?

If it is the convertor and it's under 100K miles, I'd want to verify that #2, 3 & 4 aren't the reason. If you do replace one or more of the convertors, recommend using OEM as the aftermarket ones have a bad rep re: early failure.

 

Not sure if it has 2 pup converters. I doubt the salvage was from flood damage as there is no visible damage or odor anywhere and it has 167K on it. Will definitely have an OEM put on it.

 

Lori, in Colorado the seller must inform you of the salvage before you purchase it. If your happy with the vehicle get it fixed and hope for the best in the future with it. Some salvage vehicle will have not issues as long as they repaired them properly, I have known other to be nothing but a nightmare. If your not happy look into laws in your area on salvage title sales, you might be able to get your money back.

Another issue with Salvage title is insurance. If you are carrying full coverage make sure your insurance company will still cover the vehicle. I use to be in the insurance business and a number of companies will not cover a salvage title, some are fine with it, and other do so at 40-50% off market value.