vw, audi cat warranty

**O2VW1.8T** · 12-25-2008 11:24 AM

My wifes 04 audi just got a p0420 bad cat. It has 65k miles... I work at toyota and we warranty cats to 80k is it the same with them. Keep forgetting to call them and ask.

**fitch303** · 12-25-2008 11:59 AM

It's Federal law which mandates that said item should last 80k/8 years. My mom got a new cat on her rover for the same thing.

**quietriot447** · 12-25-2008 12:10 PM

yea i have an 03 and mine went out at about 62k. I havent gotten it fixed yet but if it is fedral law that they last 100k can i somehow get the work done for free. if not what should i expect to pay for a new one with labor?

**fitch303** · 12-25-2008 12:38 PM

For an Audi dealership you can expect to pay anywhere between 70-100 per hour. Also, the cat is VERY expensive so if you have to pay for just the labor I would be happy considering anyone with a lift and tools can do it in 20 minutes.. And I must correct myself, the warranty for the federal emissions states "8 year/80,000-mile"

Catalytic Converter Laws

Rules for Replacing Converters
In 1986, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued new guidelines for the construction, efficiency and installation of aftermarket catalytic converters. All CleanAir converters listed in this catalog have been designed, tested and manufactured to meet this policy.

In addition, CleanAir converter listed in this catalog is appropriate for use under the current requirements of the California Air Resources Board (C.A.R.B.).
E.P.A. guidelines state that replacement converters may be installed only in the following situations:

1. The vehicle is missing a converter
2. A state or local inspection program has determined that the existing converter needs replacement
3. Vehicles manufactured prior to 1996 must have more than 50,000 miles, and a legitimate need for replacement must be established and documented
4. In cases of OBD Il-equipped vehicles (1996 and later), the O.E. manufacturer's 8-year/80,000-mile warranty must have expired and a legitimate need for replacement must be established and documented.
Please note that Federal law prohibits removal or replacement of a properly functioning O.E. converter.

When replacement of the converter is appropriate (as outlined above), the E.P.A. further requires that:

1. It be installed in the same location as the original
2. It be the same type as the original (i.e., two-way, three-way, three-way plus air/three-way plus oxidation)
3. It be the proper model for the vehicle application as determined and specified by the manufacturer
4. It be properly connected to any existing air injection components on the vehicle
5. It be installed with any other required converter for a particular application
6. It be accompanied by a warranty information card to be completed by the installer.

**tdn** · 12-25-2008 01:08 PM

Originally Posted by fitch303

For an Audi dealership you can expect to pay anywhere between 70-100 per hour. Also, the cat is VERY expensive so if you have to pay for just the labor I would be happy considering anyone with a lift and tools can do it in 20 minutes.. And I must correct myself, the warranty for the federal emissions states "8 year/80,000-mile"

You don't have to pay for the cat or labor if you fall into the 8yr/80k mile law, assuming the owner didn't tamper with anything, the cat should be covered 100% by the car company/dealer.

**NyteEscape** · 12-25-2008 05:59 PM

just happened to me. went to the dealer last friday to get the code scanned. they scanned it, put it in the history and cleared the code. code came back saturday, set an appointment for tomorrow. gonna drop the car of, everything is under warranty.

i've heard that dealers may charge you to scan the car the first time and clear that code, but my dealer didn't.

btw it's an '03 w/ 68k miles.

**monkey323i** · 12-25-2008 11:16 PM

Originally Posted by NyteEscape

just happened to me. went to the dealer last friday to get the code scanned. they scanned it, put it in the history and cleared the code. code came back saturday, set an appointment for tomorrow. gonna drop the car of, everything is under warranty.

i've heard that dealers may charge you to scan the car the first time and clear that code, but my dealer didn't.

btw it's an '03 w/ 68k miles.

same thing happened to me.

02 w/75k miles.

PO420/P0421 both bank's cat are dead (AVK-3.0).

1.dealer charged around $100 bucks for scan, cleared code,
2.if code come back, they will test all 4 oxygen sensor's voltage reading.
3.order cats and reschedule for installation.

lucky mine is still under federal law warranty, else it will be massive $3000+ repair.

**diztek** · 12-26-2008 12:33 AM

damn a $100. that bites. dealer did not charge me for the scan.

**O2VW1.8T** · 12-26-2008 04:36 AM

Well we charge for diag but if it falls under the warranty we dont charge... i guess i will give them a call...

**lookaught** · 12-26-2008 06:23 AM

Originally Posted by monkey323i

same thing happened to me.

02 w/75k miles.

PO420/P0421 both bank's cat are dead (AVK-3.0).

1.dealer charged around $100 bucks for scan, cleared code,
2.if code come back, they will test all 4 oxygen sensor's voltage reading.
3.order cats and reschedule for installation.

lucky mine is still under federal law warranty, else it will be massive $3000+ repair.

$3,000+ repair for a bad cat? Unpossible!

OP even if you are out of warranty you can pick up a used OEM cat with low miles for $100-$150 here on AZ. If you can turn a wrench you can install it yourself.