1999 Intrepid: my girlfriends front catalytic converter is out an...

Catalytic converter possibly

Usually if they are bolted on the bolts are so rusty they will just break off. I use a sawzall to make a cut in front and back of the cat. Then the easiest way is to use clamps to install the new one.

google it that will get u a site

P0432 - Main Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 2
The ECM or PCM monitors the front an rear O2 sensors. The ECM or PCM detects Warm up Catalytic Converter when the sensors are out of specifications.

DTC is set when the ECM or PCM detects rear HO2S value difference becomes closer to value of front HO2S. The ECM or PCM monitors when vehicle speed is 25-60 MPH, load is 22-45 percent and engine speed is 1000-3000 RPM.

Symptoms
- Engine Light ON (or Service Engine Soon Warning Light)

Possible causes
- Warm Up Three Way Catalytic converter deterioration or malfunction. - Exhaust system leaks. - Loose front or rear HO2Ss. - Front HO2S malfunction. - O2 sensors harness or connectors

Possible solution
- Replaced Catalytic Converter - Replaced rear O2 sensor - Repair wire harness or connectors

Check it ans tell us news.

• Up-stream sensor (located before catalytic converter)
• Left up-stream sensor (located before catalytic converter)
• Left down-stream sensor (located after catalytic converter)
• Right up-stream sensor (located before catalytic converter)
• Right down-stream sensor (located after catalytic converter)

4 sensors total.

It is not true that you have to replace the O2 sensors when you replace the catalytic converter. It is suggested, but not required. Most exhaust shops can test the catalytic converter for flow. before you spend the money to replace a part that does not need it.

no there are 3 ,two precats and one main.the scan tool and the codes retrieved should tell wich cat is bad i dought all of them are.

The short answer is NO... It's not like changing a muffler in the "good old days". They are welded in and need to be cut out then rewelded, etc... not an easy job unless you have access to shop tools.
Can I ask WHY you need to change the converter??? They usually last as long as the car. I recntly sold a 1998 Olds with 245,000 miles on it and it had the original converter intact.
Good Luck

Below are the steps needed to remove the catalytic converters. You may be able to first remove the band clamp from between the converter and the exhaust manifold, then loosen the rest of the system and to get enough clearance to slide the converter towards the front of the vehicle but you will need to first remove the clamp that holds the converter to the rest of the exhaust. Hope this helps
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Both Catalytic Convertors

First you need to raise the vehicle.

Next, you need to pry the insulators from the support brackets and support the muffler and tailpipe with jackstands.

Then, loosen the the catalytic converter down pipe-to-front resonator clamps and separate the front resonator from the converter down-pipes. Carefully lay the free laying exhaust on the ground.

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Right Catalytic Converter

Then, remove the down-pipe-to-transaxle bracket nut, loosen the clamp and separate the extension pipe from the converter.

Next lower the vehicle and remove the air filter and intake ducts. Disconnect the wiring harness for the O2 sensor and the remove the sensor.

Finally loosen the band clamp at the exhaust manifold and remove the converter from the engine compartment. You may need to replace these clamps after removal because you need to pry it apart and they will leak when you reinstall.

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Left Catalytic Converter

Now disconnect the wiring harness for the O2 sensor and the remove the sensor.

Next remove the down-pipe-to-transaxle bracket nut

Finally loosen the band clamp at the exhaust manifold and remove the converter from the engine compartment.

at the dealer it sound right but if it is dealer id take it somewere else. a cat converter can cost up to $300 alone but it sounds like there charging you triple labor. here how much i think the part costs http://www.partsgeek.com/gbproducts/YN/E7523-OES-H3000.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=ff&utm_term=99+1999+Lexus+ES300+Catalytic+Converter+OES+Genuine+Front+Lexus+Catalytic+Converter+To%3A07-31-99&utm_content=YN&utm_campaign=PartsGeek+Google+Base