Catalytic Converter

1. Yes, if you feel that it is anti-social to be driving around with a car that has a failed emissions control system.
2. Find a local muffler shop and ask for a quote for an aftermarket cc to be installed. The price will probably be three-digits.

 

It is not possible to reset the air/fuel ratio sensor or oxygen sensor. It is possible to clear the DTC logged by the engine ECU, which was the likely meaning of the post you saw.

If the check engine light goes on and off then the cc is at a marginal condition. After a while the cc will get worse and then the check engine light should stay on solid.

 

They're trying to gouge you. If you're skeptical, read this thread.

Take Patrick's advice and go to an independent.

If you are still determined to let the stealership do it, then ask them to explain in detail what you're getting for $2,425. That would be a fun conversation to have. Probably most of it is unnecessary.

 

There is one catalytic converter, a couple of gaskets, and springs which are associated with the mounting hardware.

You can buy the correct catalytic converter for $1,249 (plus shipping) here:
Toyota Parts - AutoNation Toyota Gulf Freeway Parts

 

Before you spend any money, try this as I have noticed in New England a lot of our Prii get faulty codes and they seem to be related to the drastic temperature change this time of year.
1) Run your gas low (1-2 dots)
2) Get a bottle of decent fuel injection cleaner that goes in your gas tank
3) Pour the fuel injection and fill up your tank with quality gas (Shell Vpower is my favorite, Mobil, or something branded)
4) Reset your check engine light and drive the car.

If the check engine light comes back on, then you will know you have an issue, if not you just saved yourself a cat.
In the past week we had 3 Prii that triggered cat and o2 sensor codes and we followed that process. Each one has logged over 1500 miles since and none have had the check engine light come back on. Hope this helps and best of luck.

 

1200$ for the (correct) converter?? How about 150$ for a universal aftermarket cat. that will meet emissions?

 

Yes, that is a reasonable alternative, however don't expect a very long service life from an universal aftermarket cc that is not approved for use in California.

 

I saw the dreaded (maybe not so) P0420 code once in my 2008. It wasn't a major deciding factor in my eventual decision to upgrade to a 2011. But that and the first hints of worn wheel bearings, ICE using increasing amounts of oil, and worries about the HV battery pack sort of pushed my hand when a good deal on a 2011 Three came along. I miss my 2008. I put over 123K on that car in three years. The most dependable car I've ever owned. I traded it in on the 2011 and the dealer said they would most likely auction it off instead of part it out. I watch for it in traffic even though it is probably hundreds of miles away by now.

 

I don't have any experience with Prius emissions controls, but in my day job I design emissions control systems using catalytic converters for large industrial engines. Take care of the easy and cheap things first. Replace the two (or three?) O2 sensors and see if the codes stay cleared. The recommendation for industrial engines is to change the sensors quarterly (approx 2500 hours), though most go to 5000 hours. I've seen them still working fine at 10000 hrs. At 155k miles your sensors are probably due to be changed anyway.

Too Much Information (most people should skip this): There are only two types of modern O2 sensors, Narrowband (1, 2, or 4 wire) and Wideband. As far as I know, all cars made within the last 10 years or so (complete guess) use wideband O2 sensors (6 or 7 wires). The actual sensor is made by either Bosch or NGK. The difference between a Porsche, Rolls Royce, or Prius wideband O2 sensor is only in the wiring and connector itself. The actual sensor that screws into the exhaust is exactly the same. I'd use the same sensor on a 1200hp natural gas engine. The reason I mention this is because last week I bought two O2 sensors for $7 each on Ebay. The wires are too short, the connector is wrong, but for what I want to do it will work the same as any other sensor. You don't have to spend a lot of money on O2 sensors. O2 sensors also have semi-standard wiring colors. If you find an O2 sensor on Ebay with the same number and color of wires, you can be almost certain that it is a valid replacement.

One other thing - it is the catalyst itself that is different between gasoline and natural gas engines. The O2 sensor is the same.

 

My fully dealer maintained 2007 Gen II Prius with 130k miles is sucking 1 quart of oil per 600 miles (see bad ring design discussion). Now the Check Engine Light is on and Toyota San Diego wants $3,000 to replace the catalytic converter. They quoted $2,400 just for the part. Of course they say the problem will recur since the engine is dumping so much oil into the exhaust. After a little research on Prius Chat, I found that the Emission Warranty in California is 15 years or 150k miles. After much hassle, the dealer is going to replace it for free under that warranty. And then it will be my former car.

 

If this is a california car, it's under warranty until 150k miles. trade it in for a new 2015, they are giving them away