Tag: catalytic

Catalytic Converter Replacement – California Certified ( 50 State Legal )

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We are an official California licensed Smog Test & Repair Facility.  Our technicians have the appropriate training and certifications to diagnose and repair your vehicle.  When it comes to replacing your defective catalytic converter, it is paramount that the exact California approved converter is installed. Many installers do not understand the intricacies of the California Air Resource Board’s Aftermarket Catalytic Converter Program.

We install both aftermarket and OEM converters. Our aftermarket catalytic converters carry a 5 year / 50,000 mile warranty. If you would like a quote or catalytic converter advice, please feel free stop by or give us a call: (714) 596-1019. The JUST SMOGS team is here to help.

Catalytic Converter Stolen in Huntington Beach ( Toyota )

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UPDATE (May 2023):
We recommend shields if there is one available for your specific vehicle:

Your best option is to install a Catalytic Converter Shield.
We install two different brands converter shields. The one pictured on the left is a CAT SHIELD manufactured by MILLERCAT. For Toyota Prius models, I believe these stainless steel MILLERCAT shields are a superior product.
MILLERCAT offers this shield in aluminum and 304 stainless steel. The stainless steel version costs $60 more than the aluminum.

CAT SECURITY is another company the offers these shields. I believe CAT SECURITY only offers their shields in aluminum. I actually installed a CAT SECURITY shield on my 2019 Toyota Tacoma after I had my converters stolen in 2022.

This Toyota Prius had it’s catalytic converter stolen recently in Huntington Beach. According to local law enforcement, the theft can take less than 90 seconds. Our customer had us install a theft security device called the CatClamp. Apparently the Prius is a major target for catalytic converter theft locally. In our experience, SUVs and trucks seem to get hit more often because of the easy underbody access.
Common targeted vehicles are: Toyota Prius, Honda Element, Honda Pilot, Toyota Sequoia, Toyota Tacoma

Check Engine Light: P0420 – Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 1

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HELP, my check engine light is on because of a P0420 fault code.

Catalytic-Converter-Filtration-ProcessThe P0420 code means that the vehicle’s computer has detected that the three-way catalytic converter is not working properly (is not as efficient as the factory is expecting). This does not necessarily mean that you have to replace the catalytic converter to fix the problem. Replacing the oxygen (O2) sensors may sometimes fix the code because the vehicle’s computer interprets data from the oxygen sensors to determine if the catalytic converter is working properly.

If the catalytic converter is in fact defective, you must replace it with either a factory (OEM) converter or a California Air Resource Board (CARB) approved aftermarket converter. Be sure that the aftermarket converter is the correct part by confirming:

  • Year/Make/Model/Engine Size
  • Test Group Name or Engine Family Number *
  • Manufacturer Part Number
  • Executive Order Number
  • Converter Location

* Exception: Federally certified vehicles (Non-California) may not have a matching Test Group/Engine Family number listed on the Aftermarket Catalytic Converter Database. So as long as all other criteria matches, the converter should be approved for the application.

If there are no options listed for your vehicle application on the Aftermarket Catalytic Converter Database, an OEM converter is required.

Many mechanic & muffler shops mistakenly install incorrect converters. If you are unsure, feel free to contact us with any questions.

** This information is accurate as of July 2016. For the most up-to-date rules and regulations, please contact the California Air Resource Board.