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Catalytic Convertor at 107K

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by dkahl, Aug 19, 2009.

  1. dkahl

    dkahl Band Member

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    So I just got back from the dealer because my check engine light was on. They found code PO420 and recommended a replacement of the catalytic convertor. It seems many on here have had problems with this for Gen. 1, but not Gen 2 Prius, so I wanted to let you all know and see if a new cat is the way to go. I didn't see any similar issues on my PC searches. BTW, cost estimate was $2119!

    Luckily for me, Steve over at autobeyours is only 30 minutes away and he's taking care of me in the morning.
     
    #1 dkahl, Aug 19, 2009
  2. richard schumacher

    richard schumacher shortbus driver

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    Huh. Where did you typically buy gas? Did you ever use any kind of fuel additive/gas treatment/injector cleaner/mothballs etc.?
     
    #2 richard schumacher, Aug 19, 2009
  3. icarus

    icarus Senior Member

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    Isn't the cat covered on the emissions warrantee? (100k I think. A failure at 107 and I would be on my dealer to cover it,, probably to no avail).

    Icarus
     
    #3 icarus, Aug 19, 2009
  4. dkahl

    dkahl Band Member

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    Nope, no weird gas or additives. Normal Circle K or Thornton's gas. Dealer was no help, either (other than the estimate).

    I had it repaired today, and Steve didn't think it was anything unusual. I still think it was pretty early for one to go, but who knows?

    Thanks for the replies, guys.
     
    #4 dkahl, Aug 20, 2009
  5. ceric

    ceric New Member

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    Emission warranty on PZEV:
    Fed: 8yr/80K
    CA/NY (and states adopting CA emission rules): 15yr/150K
    Well, I think you are out of luck in term of warranty.
    Please research Indiana's emission rules at state level.
    I don't think Indiana adopts CA rules.

    A new CAT at 107K is not unheard of. You may have a heavier foot than others, or you may simply have a worse CAT that others. Too many factors.

    STP Gas Treatment is simply jet fuel. It does not hurt CAT in any way. I have used it in all my previos vehicles for 7-8 years of ownership. No failed CAT yet.
     
    #5 ceric, Aug 20, 2009
  6. richard schumacher

    richard schumacher shortbus driver

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    Really? 'Cos jet fuel is nearly Diesel fuel. Good luck putting that in a gasoline engine :_> I see that STP does call the carrier of their additives "Jet fuel"...
     
    #6 richard schumacher, Aug 20, 2009
  7. Celtic Blue

    Celtic Blue New Member

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    From what I recall it is primarily kerosene, not diesel. Diesel is a heavier cut.

    107K seems early to me, mainly because I've never had a cat go with less than 150K (and that was an old K-car with massive blow-by.)

    I would be looking for an assignable cause. Who killed the cat?
     
    #7 Celtic Blue, Aug 21, 2009
  8. dkahl

    dkahl Band Member

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    Nothing seemed out of whack, according to Steve. I'm the second owner, too, so no telling how it was driven before I bought it. Thanks for the replies, though! I appreciate the info!
     
    #8 dkahl, Aug 25, 2009
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