Catalytic Converter in 2009 Prius

If you can get a California-certified catalytic converter for any Prius in the 2004 - 2009 model year range, it should be acceptable for your vehicle.

 

As far as I know, California-certified aftermarket catalytic converters for any Prius in the 2001- 2013 model year range do not exist. Unfortunately, the only "legal" way you can replace your catalytic converter would be with a new, Toyota genuine one. However, I have seen people illegally obtain used converters and have them installed. Also, I have never seen anyone get in trouble for doing so. Keep in mind it is not legal to sell used catalytic converters in California. If you were to attempt to purchase one, you may want to have cash in hand and no need for a receipt.

 

Hi all, I just got the CE light on my 2009 Prius (only owner) which is at 89K miles of mainly highway driving (my work commute is 30 miles each way), and that seems kind of early since most people seem to be posting about their cats going out at 200K+ miles. Of course the Toyota dealership says it's code P0420 and no other codes are coming up, and that the O2 sensor is good, yada yada. They didn't check spark plugs or coil packs or cylinders because they said those have different codes and none of those codes came up, and because issues with those parts wouldn't cause the cat converter to go bad or the P0420 code to come up. I'm in TX so I'm out of luck with the warranty which ended at 80K miles. But does anyone agree that this is kind of early? Should I have those other parts checked, or is the odometer reading really more indicative that the cat is actually bad?? They did say I need a new air and cabin filters so I'll be replacing those, will that make any difference? I really appreciate any advice at all you guys can provide. Thank you!​

 

And btw they want $2,389 to replace it! I called a local muffler shop and they would replace it for $110 if I bring them the part, or $95 if they provide the part, and they want $717.98 for the part. Thanks again.

 

It would be good to go with after market , but would air care not pick up on the fact that it is not a Toyota part? H

 

I would replace the air/fuel ratio sensor first, to see whether that helps and then have the fault codes erased. If DTC P0420 comes back, then have the aftermarket catalytic converter installed by your muffler shop.

Replacing the air and cabin filters will not have any impact on this problem.

 

I bought an aftermarket unit in 2011 for my '05 and it's working as it should. I have the old unit (manifold to tailpipe) in my basement in excellent condition. Had to change it out because pipe rusted through right behind the weld. The rest of the unit was sound. The entire part can be reused some time in the future with modifications meaning that a new muffler would have to be welded to the unit or I would have to have another connector welded on so that the muffler and could be connected in the conventional manner.

 

Just wondering what Cat you used. Magnaflow? Eastern?

 

Eastern.

 

Thanks. I've been getting p0420 off and on for a while. So just trying to get a feel for which one i should get.

 

Is the cat converter covered by the hybrid 8 year 100,000 mile guarantee as in the UK.

John (Britprius)

 

juniperala is in Texas and therefore her vehicle is covered by the US Federal emissions control warranty which has an 80K mile duration.

 

just following up. finally replaced the catalytic converter. drove about 60 miles today and no check engine light. 220K miles for those interested

 

How much did you end up paying? Any gas mileage improvement?

 

$231.23
This is the one I bought.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001AGHFR4?cache=5adceecf0cc5e756684b0c652267e96d&pi=SX200_QL40&qid=1404663466&sr=8-1#ref=mp_s_a_1_1
paid a local shop $100 to install it.

Gas mileage hasn't improved. Still around 40. My next step would be replacing the air/fuel sensor but I'm trading in the car tomorrow.

 

Nice! What are you trading it in on?

 

2014 focus ST

 

Awesome ride! enjoy

 

Thanks and I will. Go from 40mpg to about 27(that's what people are getting according to fully) but oh well