Catalytic Converter Stolen. Yup.

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Ana Hernandez, Apr 1, 2017.

  1. Ana Hernandez

    Ana Hernandez Junior Member

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    I know the Prius has 2 catalytic converters (from what it looks like) idk if one is the converter and the other is called HCAC Cat./Chamber/ or Valve?

    But they stole a whole giant piece of metal about 2-3 feet in length.

    The vehicle sounded crazy, like a number car having electrical difficulties, I took the car to a muffler shop they installed a cat con. Melded to a pipe/ or metal tube, made a whole on the cat and entered a new O2 Sensor (oh that was stolen too).
    The engine light went off for a couple of days but now it's back on, took it to autozne code is for the cat. con. (Either a hole, leak, or something) my guess is somethings missing.

    The guy at the shop told me to add another cat converter of the same type he installed since the Prius supposedly has 2.

    I am confused and I am not trying to waste so much $, what should I do?
    Should I take everything g off and put a universal cat? Or order an after market and have it install?

    What went wrong? Maybe the hole he placed on the cat. Wasn't suppose to be done?

    HELP!
     

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    #1 Ana Hernandez, Apr 1, 2017
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    You can order a complete unit from eBay, 2 cats and the proper placement hole for the 02 sensor. I think they run about $260.

    Not sure what that muffler shop did but seems it wasn't done right. And yes, there's suppose to be 2 cats on the car
     
    #2 JC91006, Apr 1, 2017
  3. Ana Hernandez

    Ana Hernandez Junior Member

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    Thank you for your prompt help!
    I've been searching and the prices are just as you said, what should I do with the one the shop places? Should I demand a refund?


    Would the item on this image be right? (2004 Prius)

    Thanks again!
     

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    #3 Ana Hernandez, Apr 1, 2017
  4. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Not sure you can ask for a refund, maybe ask to install the new one for free
     
    #4 JC91006, Apr 1, 2017
  5. jzchen

    jzchen Newbie!

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    Not sure how strict they are in New York, but just in case: Do they allow using the eBay ones. (I know NY is a CARB state. I know CA has special versions of catalytic converters specific for it. I also heard, at least here, that the muffler shops aren't supposed to install used ones. Who the heck comes up with all these rules?!)
     
    #5 jzchen, Apr 2, 2017
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    sorry you got taken ana, my daughter is in nyc with her 2008, i better warn her. do you park on the street?
    do the ebay ones have all the precious metals the oem's do? is that all they are worth? seems like a lot of work.
     
    #6 bisco, Apr 2, 2017
  7. bkcriz20

    bkcriz20 Junior Member

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    If your catalytic converte is stolen (cut off) the check engine light up pop up on the dash but would that cause the Red Triangle to pop up in the dashboard as well ?.
     
    #7 bkcriz20, Jun 17, 2017
  8. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Insurance claim out of the question? I guess it depends on the deductible.
     
    #8 Mendel Leisk, Jun 17, 2017
  9. Scott Nolte

    Scott Nolte New Member

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    IMG_3619.jpg I had my local auto repair shop add this for me. $20 parts, $100 labor
     
    #9 Scott Nolte, Mar 29, 2019
    Mash8sg and bisco like this.
  10. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    how long will it take a savvy thief to get through it?
     
    #10 bisco, Mar 29, 2019
  11. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    I guess the logic is it'll take long enough that he'll move on to an easier target. Are those maybe torx screws, that could be what tips him to take off.
     
    #11 Mendel Leisk, Mar 29, 2019
  12. jzchen

    jzchen Newbie!

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    Look like rivets to me! Gonna have to cut through that!!!
     
    #12 jzchen, Mar 30, 2019
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