My cat convertor was stolen; can someone recommend used of aftermarket cats that won’t trigger CEL?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by Ian Simons, Jan 2, 2022.

Tags:
  1. Ian Simons

    Ian Simons Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 19, 2016
    48
    3
    0
    Location:
    Lake arrowhead
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    I have a smog text next month, so as you can imagine, it was the worst time for those a**holes to steal my cat. As long as I can get one that doesn’t trigger the check engine light after installation , I “may” be able to pass.
    “may” being the operative word.

    Anyone recommendations on affordable aftermarket cats that other members have used would be greatly appreciated. If you can mention the pros and cons even better. Thanks
     
    #1 Ian Simons, Jan 2, 2022
  2. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2012
    11,684
    4,730
    0
    Location:
    Pacific Northwest, USA
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Well... If you're determined to save money, buy this aftermarket cat via a friend/family out of state: Catalytic Converter For 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 Toyota Prius 1.5L EPA OBD2 | eBay Then do lots of research of smog check mechanics near you and go to whoever is the laziest most could care less shop you can find.

    You only have to pass the visual inspection where mechanic confirms a Toyota OEM logo is on the Cat. You could even put a Cat cover on it so it's harder to see. However some shops will charge a fee to remove cover to inspect Cat.

    Hard to say which shop will be your lucky day, because derelict ones may be already trying to get out of trouble.

    Alternatively, there's a near $1K aftermarket cat that was recently approved in California that's way cheaper than $2.5K OEM version. So you could simply find a shop that installs those as well as does inspections and get it all done at once in the $1.5K range.
     
    #2 PriusCamper, Jan 3, 2022
    Last edited: Jan 3, 2022
    Ian Simons likes this.
  3. Another

    Another Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 22, 2021
    1,808
    513
    0
    Location:
    Naples, Florida
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    Welcome to California, the land of dreams.
     
    #3 Another, Jan 3, 2022
    Ian Simons likes this.
  4. Ian Simons

    Ian Simons Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 19, 2016
    48
    3
    0
    Location:
    Lake arrowhead
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Prius camper, when they stole the cat, they also ripped a wire that I believe (someone told me) goes to the O2 sensor.
    Is that something they repair during the installation? I’m not exactly sure how it all works, but I would like to know just in case I need to get that part as well.
     
    #4 Ian Simons, Jan 3, 2022
  5. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2012
    11,684
    4,730
    0
    Location:
    Pacific Northwest, USA
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Yes... Make sure those exposed wires don't touch each other or touch the metal body of the car. A replacement O2 sensor costs anywhere between $20 to a $100 depending on which one you buy. There's plenty of Youtube videos on a how to install it, as well as how to install a replacement cat.
     
    #5 PriusCamper, Jan 3, 2022
  6. mathewjg

    mathewjg Member

    Joined:
    Dec 1, 2012
    84
    49
    0
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    When my cat was stolen, the insurance just installed a non Toyota model. Engine light after a few months. I reset it using torque app and a bluetooth OBD adapter. I then had a new Toyota sensor fitted. Engine light came on again after some months. Eventually insurance paid for complete assembly replacement that includes the sensor and heat restore container. No engine light now but rattle from Toyota catlock
     
    #6 mathewjg, Jan 8, 2022
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)