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New catalytic converter installed, but less mileage now

1286 Views 6 Replies 4 Participants Last post by  dleroyb1963
[FONT=Helvetica Neue, Segoe UI, Helvetica, Arial, Lucida Grande, sans-serif]I recently had to have a new catalytic converter installed after a peeled tire from a semi truck took out the converter. But now 2 months after it was installed, I am getting 32 mpg (roughly) rather than the 40 mpg that I was getting before. BTW... This is a 2013 Chevy Cruz Eco. I've taken it back to the dealer, and they inspected it again, and supposedly everything is as it should be.[/FONT]
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OEM or knock-off cat installed? Is there any kind of exhaust leak pre-cat? Was it done roughly around the time weather got cooler/gas switched to winter blend?
I have suspected an exhaust leak since the installation. I keep getting "whifs" inside the cabin occasionally. This is why I took it back to the dealer. I susspect that all they did was inspect the installation and not anything else. Their explanation for the exhaust smell was that the new converter comes with a protective coating that has to burn off. My problem is that I do not have the money to pay them for "further inspections or remedies" as they put it. This was an insurance claim that has now closed with my insurance company. And since this dealer is not on their preferred list, they will not help me further.
I have suspected an exhaust leak since the installation. I keep getting "whifs" inside the cabin occasionally. This is why I took it back to the dealer. I susspect that all they did was inspect the installation and not anything else. Their explanation for the exhaust smell was that the new converter comes with a protective coating that has to burn off. My problem is that I do not have the money to pay them for "further inspections or remedies" as they put it. This was an insurance claim that has now closed with my insurance company. And since this dealer is not on their preferred list, they will not help me further.
If you have any exhaust/tire shops you have a good relationship or experience with, I would just take it there and have them look it over. Yes, an exhaust leak could definitely cause a drop in mileage since the O2 sensors wouldn't be seeing what they'd expect to.
Does that dealer not insure their work for 12 months/12,000 miles as GM recommends? It doesn't matter if it's an insurance claim or not - the work should be covered.
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Does that dealer not insure their work for 12 months/12,000 miles as GM recommends? It doesn't matter if it's an insurance claim or not - the work should be covered.
But how many shops are willing to touch a "low MPG" claim? I think he needs something more definitive. Perhaps a exhaust leak sound.
The dealer didn't originally inspect further that the catalytic converter and the immediate connections there because that is where the obvious damage showed. The engine noise is noticeably louder (to me). They are telling me that if they go back to inspect for an exhaust leak anywhere in front of the converter, that this would be a separate issue, and is subject to charges.
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