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How to tell if my catalytic converter is stolen?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by Happy_Prius_Owner, Nov 28, 2020.

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  1. Happy_Prius_Owner

    Happy_Prius_Owner New Member

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    Sadly, like some members here, the number of cat converter thefts is on the rise in my area. I have TWO Gen 3's and they are parked on the driveway. I have a pretty bright motion-sensored porch light, but I heard that the culprits are not deterred. So, I think it's only a matter of time when mine get stolen.

    Due to an injury, I cannot bend my body to look under the car. So, how will I be able to tell if the cats are stolen when (1) the car is not running and (2) the car is running? Many thanks.
     
    #1 Happy_Prius_Owner, Nov 28, 2020
  2. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

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    Well not sure, but they are cutting away your exhaust pipe, so I presume it would sound a little like a older Boeing 747.
    However, I am not sure the car would even start without errors because you would lose your temperature and O2 readings the hybrid system is looking for.
     
    #2 wjtracy, Nov 28, 2020
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  3. Grit

    Grit Senior Member

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    That excuse is not good enough. I was in a push-up position and couldn't even visually see the converter either.
     
    #3 Grit, Nov 28, 2020
  4. Grit

    Grit Senior Member

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    That excuse is not good enough. I was in a push-up position and couldn't even visually see the converter either.
     
    #4 Grit, Nov 28, 2020
  5. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    How about a mirror on a pole;).

    Should be able to do the trick(y).
     
    #5 Raytheeagle, Nov 28, 2020
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  6. Grit

    Grit Senior Member

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    Great idea. I thought about after a drive, put marshmellow, chocolate, grahmcracker mounted to stick then hold it near the converter location. If it's still there, it should be a least 1000F and make instant s'mores :LOL:
     
    #6 Grit, Nov 28, 2020
  7. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    Just start it. It will be very loud. No need to look at it. There are steel cages becoming available to protect the cat if desired. The exhaust pipes are easy to cut with a battery recip saw. Steel is not.
     
    #7 rjparker, Nov 28, 2020
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  8. bettergolf

    bettergolf Active Member

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    "and couldn't even visually see the converter either"

    Is there a way to see other than visually?
     
    #8 bettergolf, Nov 28, 2020
  9. Grit

    Grit Senior Member

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    I use a cell phone on a self stick at times to see under the car. That’s another way to see it visually not using my eyes.
     
    #9 Grit, Nov 28, 2020
  10. Austin Longenecker

    Austin Longenecker Member

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    I guess technically using a thermal camera will allow you to see beneath in a way that is not visual. The Infrared the camera picks up does not fall under the visual light spectrum. (Now of course the image representation is visual). Does that count?
     
    #10 Austin Longenecker, Nov 28, 2020
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  11. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    You beat me to it. Just start it. You'll know it the instant the ICE fires up. Absolute quickest way to tell if someone cut a chunk out of your exhaust system in front of the muffler. But if you're deaf, it might take a little longer before a neighbor finally comes over to see what the heck you're doing.
     
    #11 jerrymildred, Nov 28, 2020
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  12. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    #12 rjparker, Nov 28, 2020
  13. BZzap!

    BZzap! Senior Member

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    I would assume that the exhaust note would be very loud. Another clue would be no exhaust pressure at the tail pipe when the engine is running.
     
    #13 BZzap!, Nov 29, 2020
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  14. Fubar1764

    Fubar1764 Member

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    Turn it on. It'll sound like a tractor. Give it gas, and your neighbors will open their windows and throw tomatoes at you.
     
    #14 Fubar1764, Jun 29, 2021
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