Need Advice On Options - Bad Sensor + Cat. Converter

[MarthaM]

Can someone help a Mom out with some advice about what options I have regarding repairs needed on 99 Lexus ES300 with 143,000 miles that I gave to my college age son? In response to a check engine light, I took it to the dealer and learned that it has a bad B1 S1 F/A sensor and a bank one catalytic converter which cost $2322 to replace. The car is in good condiction but I don't know if it is wise or necessary to make this investment. (we have about a year before we have to get another emissions inspection) Can anyone offer some advice on:

- what problems are likely to occur if we don't do anything

- do these parts function mainly to pass emissions inspection or do they have other effects on the car's operation

- what would you recommend I do.

I would really appreciate some help here--I don't know much about car repair.

Thanks

[Johnny Sun]

Can someone help a Mom out with some advice about what options I have regarding repairs needed on 99 Lexus ES300 with 143,000 miles that I gave to my college age son? In response to a check engine light, I took it to the dealer and learned that it has a bad B1 S1 F/A sensor and a bank one catalytic converter which cost $2322 to replace. The car is in good condiction but I don't know if it is wise or necessary to make this investment. (we have about a year before we have to get another emissions inspection) Can anyone offer some advice on:

- what problems are likely to occur if we don't do anything

- do these parts function mainly to pass emissions inspection or do they have other effects on the car's operation

- what would you recommend I do.

I would really appreciate some help here--I don't know much about car repair.

Thanks

What were the error codes?

[pepa2000]

Can someone help a Mom out with some advice about what options I have regarding repairs needed on 99 Lexus ES300 with 143,000 miles that I gave to my college age son? In response to a check engine light, I took it to the dealer and learned that it has a bad B1 S1 F/A sensor and a bank one catalytic converter which cost $2322 to replace. The car is in good condiction but I don't know if it is wise or necessary to make this investment. (we have about a year before we have to get another emissions inspection) Can anyone offer some advice on:

- what problems are likely to occur if we don't do anything

- do these parts function mainly to pass emissions inspection or do they have other effects on the car's operation

- what would you recommend I do.

I would really appreciate some help here--I don't know much about car repair.

Thanks

I just got home from my Lexus dealer here in MI. I had bought this car used in FL. and drove it to MI. while driving the check engine light came on so I took it to the dealer here in MI. 2 of the catalyic converters were bad and according to the service guy because of the emmisions law that they had to replace it at NO CHARGE!!! (I couldn't believe it, he told me the parts were over $2000). I hope this helps with your problem.

[JokeDog]

wow, Pepa that's crazy. I still don't believe. Can provide more info for your fellow lexus owner? Don't quite understand why they're responsible for fixing your car to pass emission laws. How old and many mileage is your car? Was it still under warrantee? I'm under the impression that I'm responsible for getting my car to pass the emission and safety law? Your mechanic could've easily double charged you and lexus. Anyway appreciated if you can provide the reasoning behind this so we don't get ripped off from our mechanic would be greatly appreciated by us all.

As for MarthaMom and Mr Mom, I got an engine check and when I ran the diagnostic, I got the p1705. Turns out to be some sensor issue. I used the scanner to "erase" it but it keeps on coming back within a couple of minutes. I'm afraid they won't pass me for this. The car drives fine and it doesn't seem to be a safety issue, so I won't bother fixing it, at least not for $2000 anyway.

[pepa2000]

wow, Pepa that's crazy. I still don't believe. Can provide more info for your fellow lexus owner? Don't quite understand why they're responsible for fixing your car to pass emission laws. How old and many mileage is your car? Was it still under warrantee? I'm under the impression that I'm responsible for getting my car to pass the emission and safety law? Your mechanic could've easily double charged you and lexus. Anyway appreciated if you can provide the reasoning behind this so we don't get ripped off from our mechanic would be greatly appreciated by us all.

As for MarthaMom and Mr Mom, I got an engine check and when I ran the diagnostic, I got the p1705. Turns out to be some sensor issue. I used the scanner to "erase" it but it keeps on coming back within a couple of minutes. I'm afraid they won't pass me for this. The car drives fine and it doesn't seem to be a safety issue, so I won't bother fixing it, at least not for $2000 anyway.

I bought the car used in Miami with 61,000 miles on it so I dont think it was under warranty. It was the first time the dealership ever seen my car. I didnt ask to many questions after he told me there was no charge(if you know what I mean)for changing out the cats.