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Parts needed for Catalytic Converter

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Peter Chicarielli, Aug 13, 2020.

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  1. Peter Chicarielli

    Peter Chicarielli Junior Member

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    Hello,

    I recently had my catalytic converter stolen from my Gen 2 Prius. Midas originally gave me an estimate for these parts along with the actual converter:
    DIRECT FIT CONVERTER - $835.99
    FUEL/AIR RATIO SENSR - $350.99
    OXYGEN SENSOR - $204.99
    Labor - $480.22
    After taxes it was $1,984.52 total.

    After going back and forth with my insurance, the final bill Midas had was much less - by about $700.

    The converter was the same price, but the labor was less and the oxygen sensor was also less.

    My question is; what is the Fuel/Air Ratio Sensor? It apparently didn't make the cut, as it was not mentioned in the final invoice. Was that just an unnecessary up-sell? Googling this makes it seem like the Fuel/air sensor and oxygen sensor are the same thing.

    Can anyone shed some light on this?

    Thanks!
    Pete
     
    #1 Peter Chicarielli, Aug 13, 2020
  2. TMR-JWAP

    TMR-JWAP Senior Member

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    The air fuel sensor is mounted in the exhaust manifold and is rarely ever damaged on a CC theft, as it's not near anything they touch.. The O2 sensor is mounted between the two cats and it's wires are usually cut or ripped out of the car when the cat is removed by the thieves.
     
    #2 TMR-JWAP, Aug 13, 2020
  3. TMR-JWAP

    TMR-JWAP Senior Member

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    A direct swap converter is available for about $350 or so on ebay. Last one I looked at even had a 5 year warranty.

    I'm amazed at $480 labor. Wow, I can swap one of these, and the sensor in about an hour, without a shop lift.

    The air/fuel sensor is a bit of a PIA to swap, maybe they forgot to remove that labor time.
     
    #3 TMR-JWAP, Aug 13, 2020
    Last edited: Aug 13, 2020
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  4. Georgina Rudkus

    Georgina Rudkus Senior Member

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    Midas is a rip off. Check this video out, If you are handy, it is a do it yourself job.

     
    #4 Georgina Rudkus, Aug 13, 2020
  5. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    If you're going through insurance to repair this item, I would bring it to a Toyota dealer and get the correct oem parts. Don't use the Midas stuff
     
    #5 JC91006, Aug 13, 2020
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  6. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    Would the insurer total a 2008 if faced with the dealer price?
     
    #6 ChapmanF, Aug 13, 2020
  7. Peter Chicarielli

    Peter Chicarielli Junior Member

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    Thanks for all the input everyone. Unfortunately, I already got it done at Midas. Probably should have brought it to a Toyota dealer. Live and learn.

    But as far as my original question goes... is it possible to tell if I ever actually needed the Fuel Sensor? As @TMR-JWAP pointed out, the fuel sensor is usually not an issue with cat thefts. I know the oxygen sensor wires were cut, but I'm not sure where the Fuel Sensor is located. I'm attaching photos. Maybe it will be easier to judge whether or not Midas was just tacking on something unnecessary to the estimate.
     

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    #7 Peter Chicarielli, Aug 13, 2020
  8. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    They probably did tack on that item, not being familiar with the car, they thought it would be best to get the money from insurance than not have it.
     
    #8 JC91006, Aug 13, 2020
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  9. TMR-JWAP

    TMR-JWAP Senior Member

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    when you look up at the engine, way above the cut pipe, on the driverside of the cast iron exhaust manifold, there will be a sensor screwed in. That is the air/fuel ratio sensor. It is well protected and the wires from the sensor route toward and under the inverter. The CC thief would have to exert extra effort to damage them.

    AirFuel Sensor Location.jpg
     
    #9 TMR-JWAP, Aug 13, 2020
    Last edited: Aug 13, 2020
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  10. Jmack111

    Jmack111 Member

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    I bought one off eBay for $200 after market bolt on Did have to buy 2 different adapters from o'reilly to get the pipe size to match And through random 02 sensor until it bought the spacer for the 02 sensor then the computer was happy

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #10 Jmack111, Aug 14, 2020
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