I haven't driven my RX8 in a little over a month. I decided to start it up today to let it run for a bit. Gave it a few revs when it was fully warmed up (after 10 minutes of idling), then turned it off. I noticed a slight glowing around the o2 sensor which is a symptom of a bad cat. I also had other symptoms such as slight raspiness at low rpms (under 2500) and a slight stench (smell of something burning mixed with a hint of sulfur and gas). The raspiness started a few months back. Though these are not very noticeable symptoms, I am sure my catalytic converter is starting to fail.

I am unsure what the emissions warranty is, but I should still be able to take the cat in for a replacement (04 with 49k miles). Please correct me if i'm wrong. One thing I am concerned about is whether or not I am able to get a new cat. I am not throwing any CEL lights, no severe lost of power, or idling issues either. I'm assuming that I am near the end of the warranty for the cat, so I wish to get ti replaced ASAP. Any thoughts on this?

 

I believe Cat's are covered for 8 years by law so you should be able to get a repalacement

 

 

Just searched, 8yrs or 80k miles. Yes, i should be good. I still want it replaced ASAP though. What symptoms would I need in order to meet the requirements of a cat replacement at the dealer?

Dark - Intentional title was intentional

 

Just take it to the dealer and state the symptoms that you did in your OP. Shouldn't be too hard to get a cat replaced, but dont take my word for it. I know they are expensive and that a dealer might be reluctant to do so, but because laws around emissions are so strict, I dont think it should be too much trouble to get it replaced.

 

I plan on doing so. It is just the fact that I would hate to take a day off and waste my time driving over an hour to a reputable dealer just to get denied.

 

Any addition tips for bringing the 8 tot he dealers?