In this video I walk you through all the steps of replacing the catalytic converter on a 2011 Chevy Equinox. The same procedure can be used for various years and other GM vehicles.
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!
AWESOME video!!!! I know it won't be as easy as you made it look but, I'm going to give it a try. Unless you are near Erie, PA, then swing bye with your tools. LOL Thank you very much for sharing your skills and taking the time to provide this valuable assistance!!!
The two bolts that secure the Cat to the exhaust pipe were rusted so I cut them off and replaced with new bolts. The single bolt that attached the cat to the engine Bracket also had to be cut and replaced. What a pain!!
I have a 2013 LT Equinox and I found a couple of parts, which I think are something to do with emission control, on top of the heat shield which meant I would have had to remove them to get the heat shield off. So to anyone watching this video have a GOOD look before you start pulling bits off, the job may be bigger than you realize!
@@BrakeTheBank Could be for CA compliance, I didn't have the passion for doing the job myself (pulling the cat) so I'm getting a mechanic to do it. It is shop that sold me the vehicle, he feels guilty he sold me a vehicle that needed work, so he's doing it for a greatly reduced cost.
Great video! I wish I had the tools and time to do this to my 2011. I'd like to replace my complete exhaust system. But buying all of the parts and tools and finding the time to do it is a problem for me.
Yeah it's a pretty big job. Some of the tools (Like the o2 sensor socket) you can borrow for free from your local parts store. This would be the hardest part of replacing the whole exhaust system so If you can do this you can do it all. I'd encourage you to try.
Just get a basic tool kit like harbor freight 301 piece or something similar and get other tools as needed..most of the guys will tell you exact tools needed for the job. The satisfaction you feel when you fix your own car is not only great but awesome 😁
I just did this and the light went off, I thought the P0420 was finally gone, but it just came back 6 days after replacing the cat. I did not do new oxygen sensors, this car burns oil, do you think the sensors may be compromised? Great video and thank you
Yeah sounds like something is going on. You'd have to view live data to see if the o2 sensors are working properly. Also check fuel trims. If it's running rich it will foul the new cat.
@@BrakeTheBank pulled the 02 sensor today, thing was TOAST!!!! Replaced a cooked densor (someone must’ve been in there before) with the AC Delco OEM sensor. I didn’t clear codes as I want to see if it will clear itself after some drive cycles. Will keep you updated.
Hi thank you for the awesome video, I’m trying to remove the converter of my 2011 gmc terrain, last step about removing the 15mm nut of bracket, it doesn’t give me enough space like in this video to reach it, can you give me some suggestions?😅
For update, I have changed it successfully, my problem is solved by cutting the pipe. In my case, the pipe has to be cut in order to reach the inside nut of bracket.
Just speculation here but I would guess about $300 labor and another $1200 for an OEM catalytic converter so $1600. When you have a shop do the work they keep the old cat which has a lot of recycling value. I got this cat on rockauto (not sponsored) for $300 and took the old one to scrap and got $300 for it so my total cost was pretty much $0. Obviously the aftermarket Cat isn’t as good as OEM but it will do the trick.
I believe so. Yours will likely look a little different up underneath because this car is an AWD, but for the purposes of the cat replacement everything should be exactly the same. I'm about to tackle this on my 2012 Terrain this weekend. It's a FWD 2.4L. I went to Harbor Freight and got a cheap angle grinder just in case some of the existing fasteners need to be cut. I already have all the impact tools I'll need and a Oxygen Sensor socket. I bought a Cataran brand convertor from AM-AutoParts eBay store for just over $300. My car uses oil and I think it's going out the exhaust, hence the need for a replacement cat. Hopefully it'll last me 2-3 years. By that time I'll be into a newer car.
@@cswann8 I just replaced the cat on mine last weekend. It wasn't that bad and I'm no pro. The 3 bolts at the top are accessible in the engine bay the center bolt you can get from in between the manifold.
@@cswann8 the only code I had was p0420 its the down stream o2 sensor I had a blown out seam in the cat. Do your self a favor remember to pull of any stickers or tags on the cat or they will burn off and smoke quite a bit I left them on not thinking about it I had my wife freaking out lol.
Yeah it might be a good idea to replace the sensors if you want to avoid having to replace them down the road. In this case I had just replaced the down stream sensor.
Hey do you know how I can identify this issue with my own vehicle..? My car smell like exhaust gas fumes especially when the heat is on And sounds similar to a low rumblling motorcycle. And now has began to seem as if it’s losing gas or stalling and sputtering…I order the front cat converter and gaskets it’s a 2016 equinox could this really be the issue I’ve been having as well. I’ve also gotten the p00420 code
Where is your shop located this guy is awesome please say you are in Georgia 😊😊😊😊😊😊 let me hurry up an subscribe to your channel I got me a new friend 😊 😀
@kenwillis8487 Can I ask you what was the terrain doing to need this repair? I have a ‘16 Equinox that’s driving terribly and I think the front Cat is the problem
You got this! You could get all the tools you need for this job for under $100 at menards or harbor freight. That's way less than you'd pay in labor costs.
@@BrakeTheBank Yes but it's so much easier with impact tool. I love doing auto work since I picked up my 1/2, 3/4 and 1/4 inch cordless. Tried it without them and It was murder without them or breaker bar. Could not get the the bolts out close to the back cat or the back sensor.
