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What kinds of problems will a stolen cat cause (getting it fixed)

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by golfmk681, Jul 9, 2021.

  1. golfmk681

    golfmk681 Active Member

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    My cat was stolen and in the process they cut the O2 sensor. When I get the cat replaced with a OEM cat from Toyota will I need have issues with the O2 sensors working correctly and providing accurate reading?
     
  2. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

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    Presumably, you will also replace the cutoff O2 sensor with an OEM one at the same time as replacing the catalytic converter, so why would you expect it would not work as designed?
     
  3. golfmk681

    golfmk681 Active Member

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    Honestly I just feel ultra paranoid about spending so much money to get this car back to smog ready status and afraid it might not work.
     
  4. ETC(SS)

    ETC(SS) The OTHER One Percenter.....

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    If you throw enough money at it.....it'll work, presuming your 310,000 ++ mile car does not have any other underlying issues.

    Since it's a G2 you CAN put a temporary straight pipe on it and drive it until; you get it smogged - whenever that is, and since there's a 5% chance that you're going to have a major earthquake there in the next little while (according to dot.gov) why take the chance?
    In fact....you can drive your car even without the straight pipe but I'd go under the car and make sure that the 02 wires aren't touching each other or something metal.

    Besides....unless you get a used cat installed at a 'no questions asked' garage....maybe even YOUR original used cat.....you might be in for a significant wait for your $1,000 OEM replacement since you "may" not be the only one in the market.

    Good luck!
     
  5. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    Only risk with the O2 sensor part of the theft is if when you started the car up those wires shorted out, which could damage car's ECU, but that's very rare.
     
  6. golfmk681

    golfmk681 Active Member

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    Hey guys just to clarify my car has an o2 sensors again. The guy who fixed mine with an aftermarket cat replaced th o2 sensor. I can’t pass smog however because the right levels aren’t being displayed by the cpu when they scanned my car. So I either replace it or get a replacement car.
     
  7. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    In California it's usually the visual inspection that shows Cat is not OEM, which leads to the conclusion aftermarket cat is not good enough. I've not heard of an aftermarket cat failing based on actual emissions. And if that was the case we'd all be more skeptical about aftermarket cats. If you have an opportunity for further clarification and documentation please let us know?
     
  8. golfmk681

    golfmk681 Active Member

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    Ok let me get the documents. I’ll also try again at the smog Wednesday morning. I’ll try warming up the car. Maybe that’s the issue. You post just spark an idea since it was 10 mins away from my house and I took the side streets. This is a good suggestion. I’m willing to try anything before dropping 3k on anything at this point.
     
  9. audiodave

    audiodave Active Member

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    I've used a aftermarket cat and the gas station I go to does not look under the car. 3 smogs so far. No problems.
    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
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  10. golfmk681

    golfmk681 Active Member

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    So you know guys thank you so much! Let me try it again and retest but I’m gonna drive my car for an hour before the smog test.
     
  11. SFO

    SFO Senior Member

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    Did the "guy" doing the replacement use an OEM or Denso equivalent sensor?

    Did the repair come with a warranty?
    Usually the smog shop will tell you why the vehicle failed (visual, which OBD2 codes, gas cap, pressure test, etc).

    Do you have an OBD2 code scanner?
     
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  12. golfmk681

    golfmk681 Active Member

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    No no warranty. It’s a Facebook marketplace deal. He said he used OEM. I just needed my car back on the road so I didn’t expect anything more than that repair. I have a scanner and there is no codes popping up. No check engine since the install back in February.
     
  13. golfmk681

    golfmk681 Active Member

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    Ok update! I want to thank you “audiodave”and “priuscamper.” Your post clicked a light bulb in my brain that perhaps I needed to warm the car up by driving it around. Your replies made me think I need to retest. Anyway I went back drove the car 40 mins, and then went to the smog place. I passed SMOG. The readings were normal you two saved me from spending 3k on the car and security upgrades! Thank you so much.
     
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