If you've had a diagnostic done by both stations and they've both proven the cats are bad (not just a failed smog, you have to have an actual cat diagnostic done; ie CO2 cranking test, before/after measurements, etc). And still your Nissan dealer refuses to cover it, then your next step is to call the Consumer Affairs number (call your smog station for the number). They will direct you to BAR and BAR will visit or call the dealer. In California all service stations, dealer or not, are registered with BAR.

It is most likely that your service manager at your particular dealer is just misinformed or not up to par on Smog laws in California.

BTW, can you post a picture of your printout and diagnostic sheet? There are quite a few of us on this forum with the knowledge to help you out

 

Actually, you can buy a single cat, from a dealer at least. Most individuals want to sell a pair.

Dealer list on cats is around $700, with install it would be $1K.

 

Nissan's determination of whether the cat is working or not is measured by the ECU and the O2 sensors. If you don't throw the code for catalyst efficiency, then by definition it must be working. Nissan doesn't warrent that you will pass your states smog test.

As I stated a few posts back, most states will fail you, then you have the opportunity to get it fixed or checked by the dealer and declared to be "working as designed". The state should accept that and let you pass even though your emissions don't meet their limits. Your car can't be expected to do something it wasn't designed or equiped to do.

 

I stand corrected. That actually makes sense (I went and looked at my OEM set just now) I suppose because I had never heard of just one failing etc... thanks for the update.

I realize the manufacturing of cats is hard... but 1400$ for a pair and 300$ for labor? Holy crap. It's been a while since I've been to the dealer.

 

California smog laws are slightly different than other states. Nissan will have to cover the cats, whether they throw a code or not, if they are diagnosed inoperational; regardless of what the ECU says.

BAR and ARB only approves of several catalytic converter tests in California, and ECU is not one of them.

In many cases, BAR will instruct the customer to have it failed/diagnosed at a Nissan dealer that does smog checks but I don't see the point in that since the OP has stated he's already had it done at two different shops (sounds like one of the shops was a gold shield station as well since he stated something about "5 bills.")

The only way the state will let the car slide is if the customer's income is low and the cost of fixing it is very high, he/she may be given a 2 year exemption but that is it. He will have to fix it after two years.

I work in this field and deal with these at least once or twice a month.

 

Yea, right now Im at a Gold Shield Smog shop, the state pretty much pays for the diagnosing part but the rest is up to me. Dave also understands what my problem was, basically my CEL light is not on and its not throwing out any codes therefore according to Nissan its fully operational. The service manager there told me they can send them in but they will be deemed operational and warranty wont cover them.

 

Have you gotten ahold of your regional BAR field office about the situation? If the state is paying for the diagnostic and it has failed, Nissan Emissions Warranty should cover it. From my experience, dealers have warrantied it before w/o "sending it in" to be tested. They can be tested on the car by any Nissan dealer that does smogs.

If you don't feel like going through all the hoops and hassle, then purchasing a set of cats from another member is probably your cheapest route right now. Best of luck to you.

 

Havent tried that yet but sure will ... the nissan guy basically told me to make it throw out codes by tapping the bottom of the cat...just told me to be careful cuz u cant show evidence of hitting it on purpose lol..he said it can be done but idk. the problem lies in the test. Nissan test passes because its "operational" however that is not operational enough to pass emissions.. Nissan basically just wants to see the code being thrown out.. thats my problem

 

By the way I appreciate all input here ..thx

 

It won't throw a code by tapping the bottom of the converter...unless you hit it hard enough to destroy the insides and even then, it'll take a readiness cycle worth of driving for the computer to realize it.

You should definitely contact your local BAR Field office and also contact Nissan's Consumer Affairs Department that handles Emissions Warranties. 1-800-NISSAN-1. If you call Nissan, be prepared to have your VIN #, current odometer reader, dealer's name and date of purchase.

It's a process but at least this way it's only costing you time and not money.

 

Ill contact my BAR office first, I guess Ill have to wait till monday they are closed right now

 

Best of luck to you and let us know how that goes. Hopefully BAR and/or Nissan are willing to help you out. If not, you could always look for cats here. I think the majority of your problem is with your Nissan service writer.

 

I had one of mine replaced under warranty about 1½ years ago. It never threw any codes, it was rattling at idle. The ceramic core started to break apart and was rattling around in the canister. I've got one rattling again right now - not sure if it's the same one or the other one. I understand it happens more often to cars that are run on the track

 

Update: I called my local BAR office and the lady told me I have to file a complaint through Nissan and it would be up to them if they want to replace them...

 

That might of been what was wrong with mine...

MY HC were high, the second time around however I BARELY passed... Ill have to keep a eye out in two years...