Smog check requiring additional fee to remove catalytic converter cover

Discussion in 'Gen 4 Prius Main Forum' started by Jenny867, Feb 13, 2021.

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  1. Jenny867

    Jenny867 Member

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    Hi friends, Does it sound right to you that a smog check place in California is charging me extra to remove the post-market catalytic converter cover? Thank you in advance for any thoughts.

    ----

    Addendum:

    I just went back to the smog check place (small business in my neighborhood), and the owner was there. He and another guy looked under the car, but did not remove the catalytic converter cover. They popped the hood and looked around in there. I think they may have found the number they needed under the hood. Then, they did the smog test from scratch and asked me to pay $40, as if it were my first and only visit. I reminded them that I already paid $40 - $8.25 (for the certificate which was not issued on the first visit earlier this week). Then, the owner asked me to pay $20. I gave him a $20 at that point. There was a begging quality to his voice, and they did spend time looking under the car and talking amongst themselves as to what needed to be done. Everyone is having a hard time now with the pandemic in this area, especially small businesses. I figure if the original quoted price for the smog check was $40, I ended up paying a total of around $52 ($32ish from first visit + 20 from second visit), not such a big deal for me. Thoughts welcome!
     
    #1 Jenny867, Feb 13, 2021
    Last edited: Feb 13, 2021
  2. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace 2025 Camry XLE FWD

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    My understanding is the check requires an OEM converter in California.
     
    #2 Prodigyplace, Feb 13, 2021
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  3. Jenny867

    Jenny867 Member

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    Sorry, I forgot to use the word, "cover." I just made an edit to the post. Thanks!
     
    #3 Jenny867, Feb 13, 2021
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  4. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace 2025 Camry XLE FWD

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    Perhaps they need to remove the cover to verify an OEM converter. I would think charging extra for that would make sense.
     
    #4 Prodigyplace, Feb 13, 2021
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  5. Jenny867

    Jenny867 Member

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    Thank you. I just going to pay the extra $50 for that then.
     
    #5 Jenny867, Feb 13, 2021
  6. ETC(SS)

    ETC(SS) The OTHER One Percenter.....

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    Yes.
    They have to check to make sure that you have an OEM cat.

    As far as "sounds right to me" ....er.....well let's just say that it's LEGAL where you're at.
     
    #6 ETC(SS), Feb 13, 2021
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  7. Baysho_510

    Baysho_510 Junior Member

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    California smog technicians are not allowed to remove any parts from a vehicle for a visual inspection.... it's just that, a visual inspection.... that the oem catalytic converter is on there. I guess we're in a big gray area concerning our vehicles & smog checks right now.



    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #7 Baysho_510, Feb 13, 2021
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  8. Jenny867

    Jenny867 Member

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    Yes, today, the guys did mention that they are not allowed to remove the cover.
     
    #8 Jenny867, Feb 13, 2021
  9. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace 2025 Camry XLE FWD

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    Does that mean you need to get the cover removed so they can inspect the converter?
     
    #9 Prodigyplace, Feb 13, 2021
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  10. Kaptainkid1

    Kaptainkid1 Active Member

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    Smog check places are business that make money on services. I would ask before starting any service is there additional charges for having a Catalytic Converter Cover. If they will smog and pass your vehicle without additional services. Then I would take their word and let them smog my Prius. If they say it will cost more and they need to remove rivets. More than likely they will not put Catalytic Converter Cover back on properly. I would find another smog place that will pass it on a Visual Inspection or find a smog check place that have remote cameras for tight places.

    SM-J737T1 ?
     
    #10 Kaptainkid1, Feb 13, 2021
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  11. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Witness Leader

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    Confusing title? Maybe a mod could add the suffix “cover”? @Tideland Prius

    Seriously? Drilling out pop rivets? Essentially destroying its integrity? I believe all the major cat cover manufacturers have integrated strategic cut-outs, specifically for such inspections.
     
    #11 Mendel Leisk, Feb 13, 2021
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  12. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Done.
     
    #12 Tideland Prius, Feb 13, 2021
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  13. kithmo

    kithmo Couch Potato

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    Sounds a bit of a faff, I'm glad the Prius is exempt from emissions tests here in the UK. :)
     
    #13 kithmo, Feb 14, 2021
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  14. Jenny867

    Jenny867 Member

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    I'm honestly not sure at this point. On my second visit (yesterday), my cover was not removed and my vehicle passed the smog test. That was when the owner of the smog test place was there. On the first visit, the owner was not there, and the technician who was working would not remove my cover and told me I would need to come back when the owner was present, which I did.
     
    #14 Jenny867, Feb 14, 2021
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  15. Jenny867

    Jenny867 Member

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    I love the word, "faff." Just googled it and will try to use it. So much of modern life is faff.
     
    #15 Jenny867, Feb 14, 2021
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  16. Jenny867

    Jenny867 Member

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    ---

    BTW, I had the word,
    ----

    Very interesting points, thank you. I am attaching information on where I bought the cover, including a photo from the seller's site. Thoughts on if a smog test technician could see what's needed?

    Catalytic Converter Protection - GetCatSecurity
     

    Attached Files:

    #16 Jenny867, Feb 14, 2021
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  17. ETC(SS)

    ETC(SS) The OTHER One Percenter.....

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    #17 ETC(SS), Feb 14, 2021
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  18. roadwarrior28

    roadwarrior28 Member

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    Which brand do you have? Both Miller and Cat Security covers should have cutouts to verify the serial number on the Cat, which is all that the California smog should require. If there is no cutout for the serial number, then you may have to get it removed.
     
    #18 roadwarrior28, Feb 14, 2021
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  19. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace 2025 Camry XLE FWD

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    I think that applies to life in California generally especially during the past year.
     
    #19 Prodigyplace, Feb 14, 2021
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  20. Jenny867

    Jenny867 Member

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    ----

    Addendum #2:

    I emailed the manufacturer of the cover, and this is what he wrote back:

    The logos are designed as windows to view the converter so that a smog tech can authenticate it.

    Regards

    Richard Tamagni
    President

    Cap City Muffler LLC.
    Cat Security™️
    916.550.0278
    CapCityMuffler.com
     
    #20 Jenny867, Feb 14, 2021
    Last edited: Feb 14, 2021
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