Smog check requiring additional fee to remove catalytic converter cover

Last time I smogged, they didn't even put it on a lift. They drove it into the bay, popped the hood, connected the OBD2 and called it good.

 

So this entire episode boils down to the first smog tech not understanding that all he needed to do was visually see a cat was present, which only required looking through the openings in the security cover with a flashlight. In other words, he was poorly trained by the owner. And it cost you an extra $20 and a second visit to the shop. Jenny, you are a good sport and kept a positive attitude. Maybe your thread will keep someone else from going through this unnecessary experience.

 

In California it also has to be OEM, they’ll be (or should be) looking for ID numbers.

And again, there’s NO way to temporarily “remove” the shield, without destroying its integrity; pop rivets need to be drilled out.

 

Well, that solves one mystery. For 15 years or so, my Prius did not need a smog check. If it was running properly and no codes, it was likely to be cleaner than most other cars.

In the last 4 or 5 years a requirement was added to do a smog check every other year. It looked like all they did was to scan for codes using OBDII.

But reading this link made it clear that the second part of the smog check is to make sure that you still have the original smog equipment installed. That was not an issue in 2002. But with cat converter thefts it's much more likely for folks to have substituted an aftermarket replacement.

Dan

 

Ahh, man... I was going to get one of these covers but it seems that it may not be worth it if has to be removed to get a smog, the previous owner (single owner) also mentioned it used to be just a scanning tool deal when she bought it, but has since moved to a total inspection every other year. We just had outs replaced and while it was an ordeal I'm glad to have her back on the road.

 

G'day All,
I purchased a "Cat Defender" on Ebay and installed it myself. When I did the install I used very uncommon security screws and set in 10-24 rivet nuts to hold them. Before I put all the mounting fasteners in place I went to my smog technician (who is also an excellent mechanic) and asked him if he could read the EO number on the cat. He used a mirror on a pole and a flashlight (torch) for the inspection and said "no problem. I can read it OK."

So then I finalized the installation. I could take it off if I had to get an inspection elsewhere and they gave me grief. It would be a hassle without a lift though.

The Cat Defender uses 16 fastener points down the sides and 3 nuts towards the bow. (M6 nuts as I recall) I also switched out the M6 nuts for hard to find security nuts. It is unlikely that a thief will come equipped to remove these fasteners unless they use the universal removal tool: battery powered grinder. Either way, that would take time and make noise, two enemies of the car part thief. Since you can't twirl a salad spinner without hitting another Prius where I live and where I park for work, I figure they will move on to other "lower hanging fruit."

DON'T LET YOU BE THAT LOW HANGING FRUIT!!!! If you live in the metropolitan areas of any of the continental west coast states or NYC, get a plate for defense.

As far as removing a plate riveted in place as most are, I did remove and successfully reinstalled one due to suspension work. It was not compromised. Aluminum rivets were used for the mounting and they are not that hard to drill. But again, not very quiet for dead of night work. Rivets are cheap.


Another point, my current understanding (I am still trying to verify this) is that the visual inspection looks at the EO number and not a serial number. The EO or Executive Order Number is a registration number for a model of the converter. So in theory, OEM CARB converters can be moved between vehicles. But welding in the pipes might be a point of failure on the visual inspection if you have a smog technician who is overly strict.

Lastly, I would point out that since July 10 2008 it is illegal to sell used catalytic converters in The People's Republic of California.

https://www.smogtips.com/Aftermarket_CAT_ARB.pdf

I should find the actual legislation on that and post a link. I heard about this from my smog technician/mechanic. I think converters can still be legitimately sold for scrap.

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