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Catalytic converter theft design by Toyota?

Discussion in 'Prime Main Forum (2017-2022)' started by Marine Ray, Feb 3, 2022.

  1. Marine Ray

    Marine Ray Senior Member

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    This screenshot is from a recent video of the 2022 regular Prius. Can any 2022 Prius Prime owners confirm that they have this? By design or not, helps prevent catalytic converter theft. Screenshot_20220203-144354_Facebook.jpeg

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
  2. Georgina Rudkus

    Georgina Rudkus Senior Member

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    You van go to the Toyota dealer and order one. Instead of the standard fasteners, you cam use security Torx screws.
     
  3. Marine Ray

    Marine Ray Senior Member

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    Looks like this OEM piece does nothing to deter the thieves. Pic shows where the cross member was cut to access the front of the catalytic converter. Screenshot_20220203-150634_Facebook.jpeg

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
  4. Marine Ray

    Marine Ray Senior Member

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    90069WH, Northerner and don_chuwish like this.
  5. Marine Ray

    Marine Ray Senior Member

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  6. MikeDee

    MikeDee Senior Member

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    I put catalytic converter shields on both my Priuses. Almost sorry I did because they are a source of noise. I think the convertor may be rubbing under high power.
     
  7. pghyndman

    pghyndman Active Member

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    We installed a Miller Stainless Steel cat shield 9 months ago and have had no issues. The kit included Torx style anti-theft security bolts and bit as well as spacers to alleviate scraping the frame.
     
  8. eow

    eow Member

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    Yes the 2022 Prius Prime has the crossmembers and the cat is stuffed closer to the engine. Although harder to access, I decided to still add the Miller shield to my 2022 PP and I have no rattle noise by following the instructions.

    Because it is a pain to install, it seems like some are not installing the shields properly and it results in rattles.
    Here are a few insights: Miller Cat Shield Gen4 | PriusChat

    iPhone ?
     
    #8 eow, Feb 5, 2022
    Last edited: Feb 5, 2022
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  9. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    upload_2022-2-5_9-3-13.png

    I think you've gotta take that guy with a grain of salt. He is pretty deep into the Toyota "culture". There's a stiffener plate, with a few regular bolts, which happens to be near the cut point? It'll help, but I doubt that's it's intent.
     
  10. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    That probably adds about 20 seconds to the time needed. The saw will go through that aluminum like butter.
     
  11. MikeDee

    MikeDee Senior Member

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    Probably easier to cut those much thinner cat shields too. Hopefully, it makes it more than enough trouble and the thieves move on to easier pickings.
     
  12. Trollbait

    Trollbait It's a D&D thing

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    Depends on what the metal is.
     
  13. MikeDee

    MikeDee Senior Member

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    Usually aluminum. One I saw was stainless steel.
     
  14. Jayne K

    Jayne K Member

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    I just checked with my Toyota dealership. There are no shields fire the Prime!!!


     
  15. MBurch

    MBurch Junior Member

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    maybe not at your Toyota dealership, Millercat has the right one for a prime - fits perfect and rather easy to install (I thought)

    MILLERCAT 2016-2022 Prius Gen 4 Cat Shield™
     
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  16. prius16

    prius16 Active Member

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  17. BiomedO1

    BiomedO1 Senior Member

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    Yep, Someone cut one out of our gen4 Prius at work, when it was at the depot for maintenance. We got security cameras in all our parking garages; but for some reason - none at our fenced in repair depot parking lot. Go figure????(n):whistle::censored:
     
  18. Pdog808

    Pdog808 Active Member

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    I have the stainless Miller Cat shield on my 2018 Prius. No rattles or noticeable noises in either EV or HV at slow or high speeds.

    Then again, I had it installed by a local Miller Cat authorized installer.
     
  19. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    I don't know about other generations, but when we install a cat shield on a Gen 2, we replace the rubber exhaust hangers behind the cat with shorter ones so it won't rattle on the shield.
     
  20. Washingtonian

    Washingtonian Senior Member

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    Wouldn't your theft insurance for your car cover theft of a catalytic converter? I am assuming that since I park my car in a locked garage every night that the chances of cat theft are pretty minimal for me.