New Catalytic Converter
 

Got a CEL with code P0420 and this forum helped a lot with knowing what to do. Dealer replaced it just fine at no charge and I just picked it up and got it home yesterday. Noticed a little burning smell so I called them back ... after hours so left a message with the service manager and he called back to say this is probably just normal burn off from it being a new part. I kind of was thinking the same thing but just wondering why this is not noticed on a new car and I've had a few over the years ... any thoughts? Is this normal? He said call back if it persists of course and the have been good folks to deal with, just a little curious what others might have to say?

Thanks,

Mike

new cars probably have been driven before you buy them.
mine was replaced and I also noticed the smell, but it went away after maybe 10-20 miles.

Thanks Jason!

Just got my cat replaced under warranty and I'm noticing this same burning smell. Hope it goes away soon.

Yes, the smell goes away.

Do you notice it sounded different when you had your new cat installed?

new cat will always sound a bit different than your old broken(or even gone) cat.

takes a bit of time to break in