Dear Motor Medics, My issue is with my 2013 Buick Encore Convenience. This car has been anything but a convenience. It has the 1.4 engine with a turbo and I have replaced the turbocharger twice in 80k miles and in the past month I had to replace the entire engine due to oil burning.
It now runs and drives like new again, except for the check engine light. The light came on right after the engine was replaced so I took it right back and they said it was a failed catalytic converter which is not part of the engine and is a part that I must pay for. So, I had them install the least expensive one they could find and after two more they said it was the same thing.
The dealer then installed a factory part for much more money and it seems to work well.
Why did the cheaper ones not work? Was it a possible installation issue? Curt in Maple Grove, Minnesota
Dear Curt, We have seen more than our fair share of these in our own shop and have found that when the engine fails the converter often is damaged by oil or coolant making it necessary to replace it.
Our experience has shown us that we should stick with the OEM factory GM part on this model of car if we want to be sure that we are trouble free. For some reason the aftermarkets have been problematic.
Take care, The Motor Medics
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