I need Catalytic Converter advise......

[Upthevibe]

Mine was stolen in December, 2020. I was able to get what's called an "aftermarket" one since they were a lot less expensive (it still cost $1000)! It passed the smog check in 2021 but I had to bring my "aftermarket" paperwork.

In California, we must have our cars smog checked every-other year before we can renew our registration. Unfortunately, when I took my car in this week, the mechanic said that the "aftermarkets" were only eligible for a couple of years (it may have been because there was a shortage due to COVID).

I ABSOLUTELY can't afford to get one from the dealer because my understanding is they're thousands of dollars ($3,000 +). I can't even afford $!,000!

Does anyone have any suggestions?

[hlthe2b]

1. Unwilling "expert" here. Did your insurance refuse to cover the first one? Mine would absolutely

NOT pay for an after-market (they are outlawed in Colorado) so that was not an issue for me. Besides my substantial deductible, the insurer DID pay for everything else, but I had to fight a bit with them. The fact that I had been proactive in getting my VIN number officially engraved on my old CC and it registered with the international group that AAA and several insurers and police departments have been pushing, likewise gave me some clout. They did not question covering my rental car and it did take a while to get the parts in--given the front range of Colorado was experiencing a flurry of CC thefts.

I had mine replaced at a dealership (even if I was wary of doing so and my insurer actually wanted me to use a shop they typically recommend). I did this in case I had any problems, figuring they would have to stand behind both the work and the materials. And at their recommendation, I paid out of pocket to get the latest/greatest anti-theft steel plates soldered on that include special screws that cannot be cut out or removed sans a special tool. But, although that ended up being another $1000, I saved big time by buying the parts directly from the company and letting my dealership put them on which they were fine with.

Depending on where you had your aftermarket cc put on you may have a strong case that they were negligent in not informing you of the issues with future inspection. If you were eligible for insurance to cover it, you might be able to make a claim now and at least have them help you pay for the replacement. Sorry for your difficulties. I now park (backed into the driveway) almost inside the house--LOL. But, literally feet from the front door-- and I have a strobe light and bear spray available right by the front door should this happen again. Some of these a'holes in Denver have a team with guns so that they can shoot you if you confront the actual perpetrator, so I am cautious (thus the blinding strobe light). My community has been pretty safe and this occurs everywhere, but it was definitely a wake-up call and an expensive $$$ depressing episode. GOOD LUCK

[mitch96]

2. Long shot but have you checked out a junk yard? Look on Ebay? Or try a different smog check

place? If their smog check equipment is not calibrated it might show someting wrong with your cat.
BTW is it a Prius? People steal them like crazy. They even make big straps to make it difficult to steal them.
Just a thought..
m

[MichMan]

3. I don't believe junkyards are permitted to sell used ones

[mitch96]

5. I would check it out. In California you can buy a used one but it has to be from a vendor.

Detroit Facebook marketplace has a bunch for sale. I guess it's a crap shoot as if you buy one you still might fail the test.
m

[MichMan]

6. Facebook marketplace is not a business with a salvage license.

[MichMan]

7. According to this link, it is prohibited by the EPA

EPA considers it a violation of the policy to install a used converter from a salvage yard or sell it for reuse unless it has been properly tested and labeled. Similarly, it is a violation to install an untested used converter brought in by a customer, even if the customer insists that the used converter came off his/her vehicle.

Salvage or junk yards also would be considered liable for causing tampering if they sell converters that have not been tested or do not meet the requirements outlined in the policy and if the converters are subsequently installed by parties named in the Clean Air Act as prohibited from tampering.

So following these guidelines, very few Salvage yards have the equipment to test them and the tampering laws that a salvage yard mite face keep them from even considering it.

https://www.nnawg.com/why-cant-auto-recyclers-sell-used-catalytic-converters/

[hlthe2b]

9. If those are stolen (and I'd bet they ARE) you, the buyer can be charged as well.

REALLY, REALLY BAD IDEA.

[hlthe2b]

8. They certainly are NOT in Colorado; hard to think CA would be less restrictive

[hlthe2b]

10. Please do not advise this. It is illegal and they buyer can be charged as much as the seller

(most likely stolen CC's).

[mitch96]

12. As with anything if you are the buyer check things out in your area and local laws..nt

[hlthe2b]

13. Buying stolen objects (with reason to know, as would be the case with the overwhelming reporting

of stolen CC's) is going to be illegal no matter where you are. And given it is likely being transported/sold across state lines, you could quite readily get caught up in a Federal sting. Sorry, but this is really really foolish to think you would not.

Don't have to believe me... believe the DOJ:

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-announces-takedown-nationwide-catalytic-converter-theft-ring
Justice Department Announces Takedown of Nationwide Catalytic Converter Theft Ring

Not just the "big boys" selling directly to metal refineries, either, lest that be your conclusion...

[mitch96]

21. I don't and have never condoned buying or trafficking stolen merchandise..

someone else mentioned items "probably" stolen.

New law goes into effect in California
https://tinyurl.com/37j7tp8f

m

[hlthe2b]

22. ...

[MichMan]

4. You don't have any options at this point

Other than a couple of illegal options that I can't recommend

[dembotoz]

11. does it still work?

does it fail the test or is it a paperwork thing

might fail and does fail are different

[MichMan]

18. As far as emission laws go, it doesn't matter.

[Niagara]

14. Do you trust your mechanic?

I don't know anything about California vehicle inspections or replacement catalytic converters.



Could you take a chance on getting a 2nd and possibly a 3rd opinion? Also, if your female, I would suggest having a man take it several different repair shops in for a 2nd and possibly 3rd opinion.



According to what I read online, the replacement converter must be from the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or a California Air Resources Board approved. I would think that a replacement would fall under one or both of these categories.

[hunter]

15. Get a second opinion. Or a third opinion. It's much like medicine.

Honest practical automobile mechanics, much like doctors, are worth their weight in gold.

[Niagara]

17. This!

Most mechanics see a woman coming in the shop and they automatically ring up dollar signs inside their noggins.



I would like to add that the vehicle insurance company carried on this vehicle should be paying for reimbursements, including catalytic converter thefts.

[MichMan]

19. The OP never said that insurance paid for the one that was already replaced

[Niagara]

20. I realize that.

But that's why most of us insure our vehicle's with insurance. Comprehensive coverage should cover catalytic converter theft.



The insured should not be paying out of pocket.

[sl8]

16. California Aftermarket Catalytic Converter Database:

https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/aftermarket-catalytic-converter-database

Aftermarket Catalytic Converter Database

CONTACT
Email
[e-mail]
Phone
[phone]

The California Air Resources Board, with assistance from aftermarket catalytic converter manufacturers, has been developing a database to store and retrieve information on aftermarket catalytic converters that have been approved for use in California. These catalytic converters comply with the new regulations that became effective January 1, 2009. The database is currently under construction and contains some of the catalytic converters approved for OBD II vehicles. Once finalized, it will also include catalytic converters for non-OBD II vehicles.

Aftermarket Catalytic Converter Database *
(searchable by vehicle information or ARB Executive Order number)

[...]

[milestogo]

23. So where do all the stolen ones end up?

I've known a couple of people who had their CC stripped off their cars. How are people reselling these? And if they are not reselling them, what is the point of stealing them?

[Niagara]

24. Eric The Car Guy answers this question.

[milestogo]

25. Very interesting.

Thanks for posting.

[Niagara]

28. You're entirely welcome, milestogo.

[Upthevibe]

27. Niagara.........

Wow! Thank you soooooooo much for posting the Eric The Car Guy video!

I may have to buy an ebike or a three wheel motorcycle. I'm 66 years old and basically I just need to drive to work (where I'm a substitute teacher) and back. It's only four miles.

I haven't even called the dealer to see if they even have any catalytic converters in stock because I know I don't have the money to buy one. Having said that, if there's a major waiting list, this is going to be a real issue with a lot of drivers.

I think I'll call my state senator (who thank God is a Democrat) and see if they're giving waivers or extensions on the experation dates.

[sl8]

29. Did you check to see if the aftermarket one you bought is on California's approved list?

Even if it isn't, you could buy another aftermarket one that is approved, probably much cheaper than the dealer's.

[Upthevibe]

31. sl8....

That's a really good idea. Thank you...

I hadn't thought about that. I'll see if I can find the list...

[sl8]

32. CA Aftermarket Catalytic Converter Database

https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/aftermarket-catalytic-converter-database

Aftermarket Catalytic Converter Database

CONTACT
Email
[e-mail]
Phone
[phone]

The California Air Resources Board, with assistance from aftermarket catalytic converter manufacturers, has been developing a database to store and retrieve information on aftermarket catalytic converters that have been approved for use in California. These catalytic converters comply with the new regulations that became effective January 1, 2009. The database is currently under construction and contains some of the catalytic converters approved for OBD II vehicles. Once finalized, it will also include catalytic converters for non-OBD II vehicles.

Aftermarket Catalytic Converter Database *
(searchable by vehicle information or ARB Executive Order number)

[...]

[Niagara]

30. You're entirely welcome, Upthevibe.

I'm sorry that you have to deal with this. It's frustrating enough reading it, I couldn't imagine going through this ordeal.



Would your auto insurance cover or at least help cover the cost of replacing the catalytic converter? I really don't believe an insured person should have to pay for it out of pocket. That's why we have insurance to begin with.



Definitely call your senator and see if they can help.


Best wishes to you, Upthevibe!

[MichMan]

26. Sold for scrap value of the metals inside