Catalytic Converter $$ Problems. Help!

Replacing the rear oxygen sensor in the exhaust will often clear this a lot cheaper than replacing the cat. what codes were you given p0420 by any chance.

John (Britprius)

 

An aftermarket or second hand cat from a wreck will also be a lot cheaper provided you do not live in a CARB state.

John (Britprius)

 

I have a 2007 with almost 200K miles. My Check Engine light has been on for a few months. Took it to my mechanic and he says the codes indicate Cat Conv but it could be the sensors and he recommended replacing those first, as they may be faulty and they are much less costly to replace. The Air/Fuel and oxygen sensors would come to $512. However, he also said I really do not need to repair it, that is has no effect on the engine but only effects what the car emits into the air. I'm in California where we have to do smog checks every 2 years but not, so far, on the Prius. He said the state is about to change that. However, he also said that the amount of exhaust the Prius contributes to the air without the CC operating properly is still less than a regular vehicle. Just got my registration and it does not state that I have to do the smog test. So, I'm not repairing the CC until I have to-at least not for one more year. I can live with the check engine light. Also, he was quoting me an estimate of "up to $2000" for a repair but said if he could find a used part, it would be less.

 

I have had 2, 2004 models with this problem. I took them to an independent muffler shop (Mad Hatter in Tampa, Fl.) and had aftermarket CC's installed. It worked perfectly and only cost around $300 parts and labor.

 

It is my understanding "correct me if I am wrong" it is against the law "but how would they know" to fit a secondhand cat to a Prius in California. Likewise an aftermarket cat cannot be used as the cat must have type approval marked on the cat. In other states aftermarket cats can be used and are around $400.

John (Britprius)

 

One other point if you are in a CARB state the cat is guaranteed for 10 years 150,000 miles.

John (Britprius)

 

That's pretty much what he said "how would they know."

 

I'm at about 190,000. Hoping to keep it till 2015.

 

my cat went Bad at 75,000 miles. I now have a hundred fifty six thousand. the dealer already denied me a replacement cat under warranty in Florida. do you think that if I called Toyota corporate they may extend the warranty and replace the cat?

 

I believe that the federal emissions control warranty is 80K miles. If you have written evidence (such as a dated repair quote showing the logged DTC and the odometer reading at the time) that the catalytic converter failed within the warranty period you might write to the Toyota Customer Experience Center in Torrance, CA and see whether they will help.

 

Recently had my CC stolen and I'm thinking about buy from (Walke brand) and have my mechanic repair it. Is your Prius still running ok with no loud noises ??