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Catalytic Converter Failing

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by t0pgear, Oct 23, 2014.

  1. t0pgear

    t0pgear Member

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    Took my car to a shop today after I'd been experiencing a "tinny clunking" sounding rattle. I was worried it might be my catalytic converter and after couple of bumps on the exhaust system while on the lift, the tech thought this was indeed the case. Replacing the catalytic converter could be a $1500+ job from what I hear if replaced by toyota.

    Anyone else had problems with the cat? I do not live in California and will not be needing to do an emissions test at all. Will the prius allow for a custom system or are there so many sensors that my car will go nuts? Car is a 2010 prius with about 130k miles. Again, I'm just most worried about the car functioning safely rather than worrying about my MPG. Really don't want to spend $1500+ on a new system when I could have my friend's shop fab me an awesome system for probably <$600 if my car will still work
     
    #1 t0pgear, Oct 23, 2014
  2. ftl

    ftl Explicator

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    #2 ftl, Oct 23, 2014
  3. kenichols29

    kenichols29 Active Member

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    How many miles on the vehicle. I think the catalytic converter might be covered under the emissions warranty (im not 100% sure though).
     
    #3 kenichols29, Oct 23, 2014
  4. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    #4 JimboPalmer, Oct 23, 2014
    Last edited: Oct 23, 2014
  5. t0pgear

    t0pgear Member

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    Thanks all. Yes I was just a bit concerned though that the GENIII Prius might be more of a trouble maker when it comes to the exhaust system. Heard something about system recirculates exhaust gasses? Also, would consider going with a high flow cat but I don't want the whole system to freak out on me just because emissions at the sensor are a little higher than its used to ;)
     
    #5 t0pgear, Oct 23, 2014
  6. Mike500

    Mike500 Senior Member

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    Re-read the OP's post.

    Clearly stated at 130k outside of California. So, out of warranty.
     
    #6 Mike500, Oct 23, 2014
  7. t0pgear

    t0pgear Member

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    #7 t0pgear, Oct 23, 2014
  8. Mike500

    Mike500 Senior Member

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    I'd go for a salvage unit.

    Most of them out there are functioning with low miles.

    There's not much demand for them, right now.
     
    #8 Mike500, Oct 23, 2014
  9. t0pgear

    t0pgear Member

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    I'd rather go for a performance unit that at least makes it sound good and looks good (obviously no performance to be had from the Prius)
     
    #9 t0pgear, Oct 23, 2014
  10. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    Yep, I posted a Gen 3 cat once I realized I had saved a Gen 2 part.
     
    #10 JimboPalmer, Oct 23, 2014
  11. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    go for the sound and fury, your neighbors will appreciate it.(y)
     
    #11 bisco, Oct 23, 2014
  12. t0pgear

    t0pgear Member

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    Haha bisco, if I could do something that spit flames I would. Heck, the McLaren P1 (which I got to experience last week, woohoo!) made hybrids cool by blasting around the F1 Circuit in Abu Dhabi with a blue flame shooting out its rear. Bout time the Prius (ahem, the McLaren P1's inspiration!!!)) did the same!
    Any input though if by going custom I'd be putting my engine at risk, please feel free to chime in. Even if I get a CEL code, will the engine still work fine and I just have to deal with the light on my dash?
     
    #12 t0pgear, Oct 23, 2014
  13. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    iirc, improper converter will cause computer malfunction and fail emissions. i can't find the thread but i do like blue flames. steady as she goes.(y)
     
    #13 bisco, Oct 23, 2014
  14. Mike500

    Mike500 Senior Member

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    My thoughts, exactly.

    If you want sound, you might change the exhaust from the cat back.
     
    #14 Mike500, Oct 23, 2014
  15. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    the funny thing with sound would be the ice turning on and off so often, would sound more like farting.:p
     
    #15 bisco, Oct 23, 2014
  16. t0pgear

    t0pgear Member

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    Do you mean fail emissions from a state testing standpoint or do mean fail emissions as in my ECU will give me problems and the car won't operate?
    I'm ok with a simple light on my dash as as long as it isn't doing actual damage to the engine components. My car is exempt from state testing, plus even if I did have to test for some reason I can simply bolt the old system back on for that.
     
    #16 t0pgear, Oct 24, 2014
  17. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i mean both, but i'm not an expert. just what i've gleaned from threads over the years. there are some options, but you have to be careful and knowledgeable.
     
    #17 bisco, Oct 24, 2014
  18. Paul Schenck

    Paul Schenck Active Member

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    I'm from Calif. Prius are exempt as partial 0 emission. My O5 exaust is disconnected at the manifold. It sound hike a Harley and has got better gas milage than ever.


    iPhone ?
     
    #18 Paul Schenck, Oct 24, 2014
    Last edited: Oct 25, 2014
    t0pgear likes this.
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