Chevy Equinox 2.4L Catalytic Converter Replacement

[@waltersweet4595]

Did this over 2 Saturdays. Did the manifold and couldn’t get the metal gasket off so put it back together and it was loud. Took just the converter and pipe off today and found several issues. Stud backed out, oxygen sensor seized. Used an impact and it whiplashed my thumb. Put new bolts down below with new gasket and dug out the upper gasket and did the 20, 40, 60 on the bolts.
The sound of silence is awesome. I should have taken the whole thing off the first time.
Mechanic hint: use a stubby 15 on that hard to access nut behind the converter on that bracket. Ratcheting stubby would have been the best. Do not take the nut all the way off. Just take it to the end so installation is not harder. The bracket will swing towards the driver wheel to get the converter out.
I used the old converter. Not a replacement. It all started with a cracked exhaust manifold.

[@screamersnsp4229]

You’re literally the only video on UA-cam for equinox lol

[@tommydorsey6059]

this is one of the best repair videos. calling out the bolt sizes is great.

[@kjdcomp1]

Good video no bs right to the point. Next time don't spend any time with the rear cat nuts just let your 1/2 impact brake them off.

[@BatmanEVERWilliams]

This video helped out a lot! Im a entry level technician and how you explained this was really basic and on point. Also the fact it was your first time made me feel a lot better! Lol

[@johnh.blevins5927]

Here’s an old timer’s trick you should try: wax. Wax those old, rusty and heated exhaust bolts. I bought an original exhaust manifold from a 1970 350 engine for my el Camino. The studs of course were rusty, corroded, thinned from the years of heat - basically part of the manifold. This guy took a torch, heated around the remaining studs, then stuck some candle wax at the base, which of course immediately melted away. He grabbed a pair of vise grips and one handed turned every one out. No shit!
Myself, after several days of air tools, breaker bars, chisels, hammering smaller sockets onto the bolts/nuts, trying to remove a wheel to replace my son’s front breaks that were heated from driving too long with grinding, I then remembered the trick. All I had were birthday candles, but I heated with a bottle torch, stuck the candle against it and it very quickly melted (wicking into the threads) then I put a socket back on the nut and as I was taking up the slack for a secure / square socket fit, it slipped, with hardly any pull whatsoever - I thought for certain it broke the stud, but it had actually turned loose that easy! Kid you not! Each nut, one handed, came loose just the same!
Try it for yourself!

[@donnaharrell5222]

Anybody can vouch?

[@iamtheoffenderofall]

@@donnaharrell5222 Doesnt work. The wax needs to penetrate the threads. If the rust covers the threads...you arent penetrating anything. Severely rusted bolts are either broken off or torches.

[@JohnSanford-ed3bm]

If you don't have wax, PB Blaster and a heat gun are sufficient.

[@brendanf8969]

This video just helped me a ton, thank you for this.
I had to cut my exhaust bolts where the cat met the tail pipe, but other than that, very storage forward (needed all new bolts for mine, didn’t come with studs installed).
Also, for what’s it’s worth, I didn’t have to remove the support bar to get the cat out, I was able to undo all the bolts, rotate it so the top was pointing to the floor, then slide it straight out.
Thanks again for this video

[@12408ca]

Man I thought this was going to be a HUGE job but looks real simple . Thanks for the video brother !

[@Hecrypavo]

Couple of comments here, mine is a 2014 LS AWD, for some reason my Cat is a cilinder and I did not have a problem with that stupid bracket that holds it there, I watched some videos where the guys had a lot of trouble taking that back bracket bolt out of there in order for them to take the Cat away. Also a good breaker bar or a pipe can help you to put some force on the rusty bolts. I realized you can clear the code with something cheaper, at least on my case, I just needed it to do the sparks plugs non fouler trick but I wanted to clean and wash my Cat anyways. Easy job if you have the right tools.

[@LenBarnsley]

I currently have the same problem with the hidden nut on the bracket of the Catalytic, am able to get the socket and the power bar on the nut, but someone has rounded of the nut, perhaps
thr bolt cutting it off is my only choice. I intend on using a air driven saw (miniature from body work) ........... as as another guy mentioned, just cut off the bracket and replace the bracket !!!!
Excellent video, very clear to view and not rushed, you do good work.

[@LostInTheRealms]

Ty! I just got a 2010 two weeks ago and I just got this code and horrible egg smell at idle. I don't feel as bad knowing I can do it myself ☺️. Dealership wants 3g$ !

[@meanhueso6717]

Thabk for the video! My 2012 equinox with 210,000 mile (341,000km) is having the same issue. I replaced all sensors and the error code came back two weeks later. Now i feel i have to change the cat. Btw i burn a lor of oil and i change it every 3,000 miles.

[@isaiahjordan6721]

Just checked mine recently and my oils low at about 2800 miles after my oil change 😭😭. 153k miles

[@TheGiant117]

Thank you so much for this video. I just finished doing this on my 2013 GMC Terrain. I'm not a mechanic and the only other work I have done is replacing spark plugs, changing oil, brake pads and rotors, air filters, lights, etc. It took me two days and about 12 hours. The only thing not in your video was the air injection check valves. Maybe because I'm in California or cause mine is AWD. They were a pain and were totally in the way. Had to remove them and zip tie the pipes down so they would be out of the way. That bracket holding the cat on was the worst part. I was finally able to get it off by reaching down from above with a combination wrench. I would have gladly paid a shop to do this work, but nobody would do it because of California laws. No way could I have done it without your guide. Thank you bro!

[@jasonmiller4046]

this was your first attempt at this you made it look easy i don't look forward to this job next weekend

[@haydenhoughtalen1244]

The bank 1 o2 sensor joke earned you a sub🤣👌

[@AaronSimone059]

☝️👀Man, do I appreciate your time and your "from the hip" kind of approach to your diy exhaust repair. Thank you. The visual is the future as you have shown and the task doable with a degree of confidence. Your video will help this process tremendously. I may post exhaust maintenance for my wife's 2014 Chevrolet Captiva.🤙

[@Solrac77777]

Thanks for the instructions! Just finished swapping my Catalytic converter.

[@drewlosch]

Cool video! I'm kind of shocked at the amateur weld job on the new cat and pipes. I got an aluminized steel unit with smooth pro welds.

[@williammason8566]

How did you get to the 2nd bolt on the support bracket? From underneath or from the top. Looks likes it’s hiding behind the cat!

[@joeburrier2273]

Helpful video. For future, it would be golden if you let us know what you retorqued everything to.
I had to use my angle grinder and cut off the exhaust bolts at the rear of the cat. Aside from that, biggest headache was removing the bracket holding the cat in place.

[@Hecrypavo]

Lastly, while you have the exhaust manifold right there, check for cracks mine was cracked and I had to replace it

[@DanielCardenas23]

my guy sounds like me when I work on my car. all the sounds 😂🤣I gave a like after that.

[@shicniaknewton6598]

This was entertaining, love the sound effects and educational. Thanks for showing us in detail. I now believe I am a certified mechanic. Let you know how it goes.

[@flatearth23]

Liar

[@scottjudah]

Thanks for this video. I may have to change out my daughters cat. Going to change the O2 sensor out first to make sure that didn't go bad first, if that doesn't work, then I'll tackle this job....LOL.

[@jeffedgar562]

Nice work man! Have to do one of these on my Subaru pretty soon

[@Tizuck]

When the garage tells me this is what’s wrong with my equinox. I watch this and realized yep no way I could do this 😩🙄. Now I gotta pay a lot of money. Fml lol

[@andrewhurley4135]

Search your VIN on the chevy website and it will probably be under a recall right now... catalytic convertor and o2 sensors for free.... and do your exhaust manifold at the same time since that is probably cracked.

[@nickdavis6294]

Shane you can do it bruh. I did it myself and I thought I couldn't do it. I save myself $800 by dyi. It's not that hard

[@nickdavis6294]

Shane you can do it bruh. I did it myself and I thought I couldn't do it. I save myself $800 by dyi. It's not that hard

[@davegardner2317]

great job i learned a lot now i know i don't need a car lift to get the job done thanks so much just a 845.00 qoute to replace it

[@StanZeMan]

Excellent video. One of the best I’ve seen, so I just had to leave you a comment. Also, the way you present yourself is cool. Cheers and Thanks.

[@MariadelPilarTuesburg-zl1ul]

How was the barket holding catalytic converter in place under manifold. You removed the cross bar and said you saw another bracket that needed to be removed. I find it impossiple to get any type of wrench or socket on it.

[@MundoCaballodeTroya]

Hi! Could you tell me the reference of the sensor that has the catalytic converter. I have 2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2.4L

[@anthonyberrios5248]

Why did u show all of it but the one part I need to see which is the cat converter mount bracket the bolt is in a weird place did u get it from the driver's side? I went from the passenger and can't get to it like I need to I got everything else off and ready to replace this one bolt is holding me up lol

[@mitsumike6g729]

God, this is so much easier than the California all-wheel-drive version

[@5T3V3]

Thanks for the video! Fellow Missourian and die hard Cardinals fan!

[@TheDieseldog]

Represent!

[@JOSEMARTINEZ-wm2gp]

@@TheDieseldog 😁😁😁😂😂😂

[@JOSEMARTINEZ-wm2gp]

@@TheDieseldog how much did it cost?

[@nastybmx4209]

You know it

[@WayneStevens-ne1kd]

I also replaced the converter on my 2013 equinox and all went well thanks to you video but when I started it up there was one hell’va vibrating knocking noise and I don’t know why? I’m a 79 year old and thought I did a good job but? I would appreciate any advice you could give, thank you

[@MTGUnscrewed]

I'm currently in the dealership and they are replacing my cat right now under an extended warranty problem due to oil consumption on my 2013 equinox. I got a letter from chevy that I almost threw out about it. I came to the dealship a month ago and they had no clue what I was talking about. I gave them the paper and chevy didn't inform them of anything but thankfully mine is being covered. If I didn't own my car outright I would have dumped it years ago. 2 timing chains, exhaust manifold cracked, oxygen sensors and now cat all because of oil consumption. My car has 140k so I can't get covered the piston rings now.

[@billysonlinesurveychannel8247]

Same here. Im at 205,000 km on my 2014 chevy equinox and I just got the check engine code for bad cat. Ever since 60,000km ive had to add oil once a week to it.

[@Klesko91]

@@billysonlinesurveychannel8247 what was your code for bad converter I have a terrain code p0420

[@daviddenison9720]

The Dieseldog, did you use the Walker brand from Rock Auto or the AP Emissions Technologies brand? Getting ready to do this job on a 2016 Equinox.

[@1navyguy423]

i'm trying to do this but my problem is knowing how high to make the vehicle on the jack stands and my fear of being underneath the dang thing. i'm not claustrophobic, i've just never like or trusted being under a vehicle.

[@keawekaleikini1913]

I have an issue with mine on a 2013 gmc terrain. I believe its just a gasket went bad up top. Its not consistently making a sound. Just located the sound to up top. Either gasket or it came loose. Just didnt know how to get to the top part to check.

[@Oscar-om4hq]

Thanks. Great informational video. Got the same car and year with the same issue. Clearing code from computer - can this be done by disconnecting battery for a period of time?

[@ThatHondaGuy2]

In the past, it was the norm to disconnect the neg(-) battery cable for 15, 30, 60 mins.. even some would leave it overnight. That was “the way” to reset everything. Seems easy enough, right? While that is simple enough to do, I saw a video a couple years ago showing an easier way (works for vehicles 1996 and newer):
(Disclaimer: The following steps will take you longer to read, than to actually complete.. excluding the test run).
First, locate the fuse for your ECM, PCM, ECU.. whatever it’s called, for your specific vehicle make/model and pull that fuse, which is likely located in the fuse box, under the hood. **(A fuse puller works best if you have one, for ease of removal and to avoid damaging the fuse). Next, reinstall the fuse after ONLY seconds and you’re DONE! All systems reset and CEL cleared. Then, (given that an “idle re-learn” procedure isn’t necessary), start the vehicle and take it for a test run. Drive as you normally would. Personally, I like to include some city and highway driving. The lower RPMs in the city and higher RPMs (with cruise control set, insuring a constant speed) on the highway, will give the computer plenty of data to evaluate. In turn, this will allow it to “re-adjust” or “re-calibrate” things such as: idle, fuel trims, sensor readings, spark and injector timing, etc etc.
Long explanation.. simple procedure. Good Luck!

[@legendaryslammermanman8646]

Great information keep on also what’s the year of the vehicle and what price was the catalytic converter

[@davidsgarage8062]

I ordered one off RockAuto but none of them came with the studs up top just open bolt holes…

[@craigsteinman9807]

Great video...is there only one catalytic convertor on this equinox

[@acortez2002]

My catalytic converter that I have on the car it has 2 02 sensors but the new oem part only has one will it be a problem

[@johnh.blevins5927]

You’ll really want to try this wax business!

[@mikegreiner6749]

Can you please tell me, how you got that last bracket off? What size socket was the bolt? And how on earth did you get behind the converter to get a bite on it? Driving me crazy. It's the last step, before I can pull it out. Thanks

[@miklosandoval6421]

Same I trying to get that bolt off and I don't see any other way other than cutting it in half and sliding the converter out and buying a replacement bracket

[@MycroSopht]

@@miklosandoval6421 use a nut splitter and replace the nut instead.

[@joeyoungs8426]

I managed to get a 15mm ratchet wrench on it by threading my arm OVER the subframe. It’s a bit awkward but doable. You don’t actually need to remove it but sufficiently loose enough to rotate towards passenger side.

[@frankierodriguez5620]

Completed the job but I got a p0420 code. Checked and I have a leak at the flange. I used the new gasket that came with the manifold. Can I use a thicker gasket or is it possible I installed it incorrectly?

[@40822499]

which converter did you get? Part #? ROck Auto? Thanks

[@nononsensegalnononsensegal4967]

The catalytic converter you replace how long did it last?

[@DiabolicalDesigns]

Video was helpful for the most part, but do you know what's even more helpful than watching you remove hardware...telling us what sizes you are using! 😆 you mentioned a couple sizes at the beginning I believe but towards the end maybe you were just trying to get shit done haha. Appreciate the video.

[@arios312]

What year is the equinox and cat part# from rock auto?
Have same issue and looking to do it .myself with your instructions 👍

[@cripto8054]

Los catalizadores que venden en ebay son buenas para reemplazar.

[@chrisogilvie2185]

Thank you for this video bro!

[@petersmith7140]

Any issue with not OEM parts, hear lots of stories that after market converters throw codes ??

[@danielburr7489]

How do you remover the catalytic converter lower mounting bracket on the 2.4 AWD?

[@gunguy2808]

You ever figure it out

[@bluethumbniddy7549]

You just saved me a headache!!

[@ViktorKnight1]

Great vid. Thank you!

[@tammysalzwedel2980]

Question the properly seal the cat , what do u use?

[@I_AM_ALL_THAT_WAS]

Hey dude. Great video. What were the symptoms of the bad CAT said by customer or yourself?
I have a Captive 2.4L petrol front wheel drive. I’m assuming it’s the same as this.
Had misfire, bad o2 sensor and then cat converter falling apart. Check engine light and loss of power in high rpm. Like a lean out loss of power. Significant

[@Hecrypavo]

Pretty easy way is to check on a scanner the readings of the o2 sensors, bank 1 ans bank 2. Bank 2 can not have the same readings of bank 1 because this means that the gases coming out from.exhaust manifold are the same gping past thru Cat. That ia a good sign of a bad cat. Basically sensor 1 would go crazy pn the readings but sensor 2 should be stable.

[@michaeldalton972]

THANKS FOR THE INFO.

[@robparkey9880]

Grade A content... Ooh yeaa... Grade A.

[@ralphhall8794]

How do you get the nut behind the cat its all that holding me up

[@jeffbrown5300]

What were your symptoms that told you it was the catalytic converter

[@billysonlinesurveychannel8247]

poor accelaration plus a check engine light and the code is for bad catalytic conv.

[@22mpb]

Should have a p0420 code. If the cat has blown apart internally the vehicle will have no power.

[@theheavywrench9549]

Great video man 👍🏻

[@SamsAutomotiveS]

What company you got..for the catalyst..did the light went away

[@dennisramsden8149]

Thanks for the video

[@Ravenwest9876]

I can’t undo one of the bolts from the part of the cat where it connect with the manifold it’s rounded and I think really seized. Any advice on how to go about this situation?

[@yuliyc612]

Were you able to get it?

[@tristanbrunney3753]

Did you replace the secondary cat ? Or is this only effective to the manifold cat ?

[@Blaines-smallengine-repair]

It’s not a cat it’s a resonator

[@rampage1345]

Dude what tool is that you're using to remove the O2 SENSORS?

[@Bigdoofusenergy]

Did you ever find out?

[@omarsaavedra9687]

Where or how did u clear the code out of the computer?
It wasn't as crazy amount of stuff to remove it.

[@TheDieseldog]

I have access to a scanner at work

[@marcoscastelan8050]

I was hoping the equinox was a AWD with secondary air injection system. Those are a lot more work

[@22mpb]

I’ve got one to do tomorrow at work, and it’s rusted out from up north….

[@karenpulquero3626]

Hi I have chevrolet equinox 2012 and I have had the catalytic converter change twice one lasted for about 6months the light came on we just changed it again with a more pricy catalytic converter and light came back on within 3days its de code P0420 what do you reccomend

[@TheDieseldog]

Did you change 02 sensors? Also check for cracks in manifold. I learned after this video they have a common issue of cracking.

[@karenpulquero3626]

Manifold was replace but 02 sensor no I will have that change thanks

[@Ravenwest9876]

Can a symptom for a P0420 code also cause a ticking/knocking/tapping like noise when accelerating ? My equinox just shows a p0420 and p0171 codes only.

[@TheDieseldog]

Could have a converter coming apart inside and rattling.

[@Ravenwest9876]

@@TheDieseldog thanks for the knowledge brother

[@jjudge2]

What were the part numbers for those sensors?

[@tolucaheights]

Does anybody know if the captiva is the same?

[@flatearth23]

How'd you know it was the front cat and not the rear? And aren't you suppose to change both?

[@TheDieseldog]

The second is not monitored by the O2 sensors

[@flatearth23]

@@TheDieseldog thank you for the response

[@JuanMorales-ks4ll]

but if still looking good why you replaced may be clean will fix that problem

[@pinchikassandra]

Does this one have a rear or secondary cat?

[@terraxcell]

Gonna cost me $1500. Not amped but it’s cheaper than a new car lol

[@caesarmorales4761]

I’m having issues on my 2012 Equinox removing the bolts @7:48 in this video. Mine seemed to be welded on. Has anyone else had this problem? Did you just hit it with heat?

[@TheDieseldog]

The studs were pressed in and nuts on the back are removed. If they are that tight you’ll need some heat.

[@caesarmorales4761]

@@TheDieseldog Thanks for the info. I'll give it a try

[@razed3x]

Which brand converter did you choose?

[@carlospadilla9832]

where did you buy the catalyst?

[@hectoravelarsilva8437]

Tengo una equinox y me interesa mucho todo sobre eyas por favor

[@justicebragg5373]

Did it clear the code?

[@nutzboltztoolz2734]

Nice 👍

[@adamstroup3642]

Looks like I am going to have to do the same thing to my Equinox, just wondering what and where you got your parts from. Also, when would you consider replacing the back half (rear) part of the convertor as well?

[@billysonlinesurveychannel8247]

Do you have an oil consumption issue on yours? I have a 2014 chevy equinox with 206,000 and got the code that the Cat is having issues and I have the oil consumption issue too so its for sure screwed the cat cause all the dirty oil

[@adamstroup3642]

@@billysonlinesurveychannel8247 I recently just received the vehicle and got the code coming up. As far as I know I don’t think it has excessive oil consumption. Replacing the cat tomorrow along with back part. Mine is a 2011 with 112000 miles on it.

[@adamstroup3642]

@@billysonlinesurveychannel8247 also are you constantly checking the dip sick for your oil levels? Or is the oil level reader in the car constantly dropping.

[@billysonlinesurveychannel8247]

@@adamstroup3642 Im from Canada so its 206,000 KM on it not miles but anyways yeah I have to add oil every 5ish days about a quarter of a litre (I commute to work and drive about 500km a week) . Ive had this issue since 60,000km and GM canada refused to do anything about it even though in USA there a class action lawsuit against them since most GMs from 2011-2015 of piston issues that burn oil and its a $4500 repair. BTW do a search your cat might be under warranty still. They extended the warranty on the piston/rings and I THINK the cat replacement to 10 years or 120,000 miles for the USA.
Start checking your oil once a week because you wont get a low oil light for this issue if it starts happening ..and then you will get a blown engine. I was lucky and decided to check mine and notice it was low after an oil change then kept an eye on it and learned of the issue considering every week I checked it was at the low level on dipstick.

[@adamstroup3642]

@@billysonlinesurveychannel8247 sucks to say that I already bought the parts to replace the cat myself. But that’s a good thing to know, so I don’t lose myself an engine. So after every weak or so you oil level would pretty much zero? And Is the piston thing kinda luck of the draw. So some may have it and some may not?

[@tjay4604]

Where did you get part ?

[@TheDieseldog]

RockAuto

[@awalkott14]

How long does it take to install?

[@hectoravelarsilva8437]

A pudiera ser también en español los vídeos jeje gracias

[@darthjar9117]

How long did it take you?

[@larryschmitt2513]

Might be full of oil, that engine is known for oil burning

[@dirta2315]

Where’s your 3/8 impact man would save you a lot of time

[@RICHIE_RICH89]

U look like cassidy Campbell

[@ivanhernandez8749]

How many catalytic converters does it have?

[@TheDieseldog]

One

[@marketingmanics]

The dealer said two catalytic converters for a 2013 GMC Terrain 4 cyl.

[@miguellugo5911]

How much did it cost?

[@TheDieseldog]

500 for everything

[@symanthaharris777]

@@TheDieseldog What state are you in? it is
hard for me to find an honest mechanic in D. TX

[@TheDieseldog]

@@symanthaharris777 Illinois

[@hugoaguiar4400]

Could have been just the gaskets

[@frankenrique8671]

Hi, where you bought it?

[@MycroSopht]

amazon has them for 325 right now i just got mine a few days ago. gonna do the repair over the weekend.

[@karenpulquero3626]

Was the issue fixed

[@TheDieseldog]

So far so good 👍🏼

[@ericpetteway3841]

Not hard at all, I’ve done this twice lol