I just had a new catalytic converter installed in my car at the beginning of this month. As if that wasn't bad enough, I also need to renew my registration this month as well. Well, the problem is that I can't get it to pass Safety and Emissions. I tried to do it at the dealership after it was installed and they told me I need to complete a drive cycle before the new catalytic converter will register. They drove it around for several miles but it still wouldn't pass safety and emissions.

So, I drove the car every day for two weeks, and then I took it to Jiffy Lube last Friday to get the Safety and emissions done and it still didn't pass. They told me there that in order to complete a drive cycle, I can't go faster than 60 MPH which means no freeway driving and I have to travel at least 50-100 miles. Well, I did that. I did exactly what they told me. I kept it under 60 MPH and drove over 100 miles and then I took it back to Jiffy Lube today and much to my frustration and consternation, it still won't pass safety and emissions. At this point, I'm really pissed off. I swear I've driven this thing well over 200 miles. I have probably completed several drive cycles by now. One of the technicians at Jiffy Lube suggested that I drive it to downtown Salt Lake and then eat some lunch, allow the car to cool down and then drive it back to Utah County for a re-test.
I don't think he knew what he was talking about.

To add insult to injury, they lost my registration from last year while I was there. I put it on my dashboard and then when I got my car back, it was gone. I had them look for it, but they couldn't find it. So if I don't get my car registered in time and if a cop pulls me over, I'm screwed.

So, I'm pretty much at my wit's end. I'm about to take my car back to the dealership and have them install another catalytic converter as I think the one I have now is faulty. I desperately need my car to pass safety and emissions so I can get it registered. I'm going to leave my car at the dealership until it does. I want them to test it every single day, and provide me with a loaner in the meantime.

Anyway, this is a long rant, but does anyone have much experience with catalytic converters and drive cycles? I almost feel like I'm getting the runaround. The situation is beyond frustrating and I'm not completely confident that the technicians I've spoken with know what they're talking about.