Catalytic Converter for 2002 Altima - Help Please!!

[KOOLWATER]

I have a 2002 Altima that has a problem. The service engine soon light popped on about a week ago and has been off and on ever since. Yesterday I was at a light and the car just cut off, today I was backing out and it just cut off. I took it to Nissan for a diagnostic and they said that it was the Catalytic converter and that it needs to be changed soon or I'm risking major damage to the engine.

1. Nissan quoted me $795.00 to do the job, plus I'll have to pay for the parts up front because it will be a week before they can have them in the shop since that particular part is back ordered. Does this price sound about right for this type of service?

2. I called another guy to see if I could get it cheaper and he said that he will check to see if a universal converter can fit my car. To save me some time, do you guys know if the Altima takes universal converters or not?

Thanks for all of your help. This forum is so helpful!

[garthog]

to me that sounds like a decent price. i also have an 02 and my cat needed replaced too. if you want a cheaper route... buy headers that eliminate the precat and get an extender for your bottom bung where your o2 sensor goes. the whole project will cost at most $500 and you can do it yourself. the pre cats break up from the inside and blow your head gaskets because they get so hot. why take the chance of it happening with the new one.

[ryannico]

It's actually a nice price. I'm not sure if there is a universal nissan catalytic converter but i think you can always find a cheaper converter for altima.

[N9QGS]

What kind of codes do you get on a diagnostic from the check engine light for O2 problems, sounds like if you get these codes to fix it right away.

[SSlimShagy89]

seriously, get rid of the car. about a year ago i had my first cat replaced. now im on number four, and the car just recently blew a head gasket. i take such good care of the car and now its just falling apart. mine has about 90K on it. this happened to my friends 02 altima too.

[evenplayn]

proceed with caution! I had the same series of events and turns out I now need a new engine. Have your dealer see if damage has already been done to your engine by the faulty pre-cat, and don't let them tell you a new head gasket will fix any problems (cause if you get to that point, you engine is already shot).

I have 90k on my 2002 Altima and just found out yesterday that after 6 weeks of fighting with Nissan NA they will be paying for my new engine.

Good luck