1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

2007 Prius Catalytic Converter for California. Where to get for best price?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by simple2code, Aug 4, 2017.

  1. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 10, 2013
    16,463
    8,377
    0
    Location:
    Los Angeles, CA
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Most shops will pass you if there's no warning lights on. They don't want to fail anybody unless it's absolutely obvious
     
  2. Kon_rouge

    Kon_rouge New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 22, 2019
    3
    2
    0
    Location:
    93933
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    ----USA----
    Recap:
    1) get rid of original problem. For me, it was a bad sparkplug
    2) try the lacquer thinner in your gas tank. Approximately 80% of responders on the Scotty video said it worked including 3 Prius owners. It did not work for me because I am beyond 1 to 2% fowling. Had the check engine on for months.ratio is 1:10. Or a gallon of thinner to full tank.
    3) clean your downstream o2 oxygen sensor. Mine was real fowled. ** Note..it takes an average of 35 to 50 miles to get new reading or CYCLE after each change. Clear codes quick with battery disconnect in trunk.
    4) try spacers on o2. They are called spark plug spacers at Auto store. Require 1/2 drill bit to bore for sensor. See YouTube videos.
    5) confirm that your model is only checked via OBD2 port. My smog guy says my 2005 is computer only, no muffler check.
    6) we are screwed in CA due to CARB law that backdated regulations by 3+ years. (2009 law verse 2005 Prius. Note that a non CARB cat should be appropriate but not allowed). Thus, current factory is 900 -2500$ part as of last week. The state website offers no options for Prius. Usual online cost is less than 150$ for cat part.

    Maybe drive East and fix.

    I have additional g2 and am considering swapping the part. It is a very expensive oversight by our state.

    One could argue that the state has motivated catylitic theft? Mine is full of rhodinium, not platinum.
     
  3. emendia

    emendia Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 18, 2018
    10
    4
    0
    Location:
    Norwalk, Calfornia
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Base
     
  4. emendia

    emendia Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 18, 2018
    10
    4
    0
    Location:
    Norwalk, Calfornia
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Base
    Well, crap. I changed the PCV valve and SeaFoamed the engine and the PO420 code on bank two code went away. I drove 500 miles with no CEL light or codes. But today the PO420 code is back... but this time it says it's on Bank 1.

    What the heck could that mean?!
     
  5. emendia

    emendia Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 18, 2018
    10
    4
    0
    Location:
    Norwalk, Calfornia
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Base
    ps - this is on my 2007 Prius. It had/has been burning oil. The PCV valve change definitely improved engine performance. Too soon to tell if oil consumption normalizes.
     
  6. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

    Joined:
    May 14, 2012
    7,447
    3,751
    0
    Location:
    Wellington, New Zealand
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    That is interesting as the Pruis does not have a Bank 2. Doesn't build faith in your code reader.
     
    SFO likes this.
  7. emendia

    emendia Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 18, 2018
    10
    4
    0
    Location:
    Norwalk, Calfornia
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Base
    Thanks for your input. How many cats does the 2007 Prius have and where are they located? I looked through previous related threads and didn't see any specific input on this or photos.
     
    #27 emendia, Nov 5, 2019
    Last edited: Nov 5, 2019
  8. emendia

    emendia Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 18, 2018
    10
    4
    0
    Location:
    Norwalk, Calfornia
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Base
    PS - Thanks for blaming the code reader and not me. Reality is I probably misread it. It is a PO420 code, but the reader shows three "areas" where I can access codes. It showed up in a different area, so I thought that meant different bank of sensors. I'm going to be putting the car up on jacks within the month. I've seen where cats can be tested with a thermometer... is there live data I should be looking at on the scanner to help diagnose if it's indeed the cat versus on O2 sensor?
     
  9. SFO

    SFO Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 7, 2017
    5,286
    4,225
    0
    Location:
    Northern California
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Techstream offers live data, including temperatures.
     
  10. GoaVsGoat

    GoaVsGoat New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 6, 2020
    2
    0
    0
    Location:
    Los Angeles
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Toyota Priuses in the state of California require the oem catalytic converter to pass smog, even if the aftermarket part suffices for CARB standard labeling? Does anyone know where these people got their information? I have been unable to find any law that distinctly defines this as the case. You would think the hybrid engine's efficiency would lead to less harmful hydrocarbons and toxic pollutants being exhumed versus the standard competitor vehicle without a cat.
     
  11. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 10, 2013
    16,463
    8,377
    0
    Location:
    Los Angeles, CA
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    II
    You want to find information that states CA requires an OEM catalytic converter on the car? Just try ordering one from out of state and see if you can. You'll get information on every website stating you cannot order it into CA
     
  12. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

    Joined:
    Apr 14, 2009
    12,470
    6,862
    2
    Location:
    Greenwood MS USA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    SFO likes this.