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Catalytic / check engine light

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by toobz4this, Jul 16, 2020.

  1. toobz4this

    toobz4this Junior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 9, 2015
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    Location:
    North Carolina
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    I had a top engine clean done on my '08 and then the check engine light came on and the tech said the Catalytic converter is bad. Car was fine going in for oil change came out with needing converter replaced. I was angry and told them that they broke it doing the engine clean. So now I am stuck. Is there anything I can add to the fuel to clean the catalytic converter? I had someone tell me to put about 3 gallons of racing fuel in the gas tank and it will burn the crud away. I hesitate to do this without chatting it out with you all. BTW, my Prius has over 200K miles, runs great, gets 45mpg. I cannot afford to replace the converter, part alone was going to be $2200.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #1 toobz4this, Jul 16, 2020
  2. jimontheocean

    jimontheocean Member

    Joined:
    Jul 1, 2020
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    Location:
    SC
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    You could try cataclean from auto store. I have had about a 50% success rate with it.
    To me, it would be worth a try.
    Did you check the codes yourself?


    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #2 jimontheocean, Jul 18, 2020
  3. TMR-JWAP

    TMR-JWAP Senior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 12, 2016
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    Location:
    Columbia, SC
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    I had someone tell me to put about 3 gallons of racing fuel in the gas tank and it will burn the crud away.

    Most 'racing' fuel has lead as an additive. Lead is a contaminant for catalytic converters and will cause failure. Granted, I am not a catalytic converter expert, but I would be very hesitant to follow this advice. I would be much more likely to disconnect the 12v battery for a few moments to reset all codes and see if it ever comes back.

    What are your car inspection requirements in NC? Is there an annual inspection or similar? Even with that code, your car is likely to have emissions better than 90% of the cars on the road.

    I cannot afford to replace the converter, part alone was going to be $2200.

    If this becomes a necessity, I could help you out with some much less costly options, including potentially no cost.
     
    #3 TMR-JWAP, Jul 18, 2020
    Last edited: Jul 18, 2020
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