cost to Replace Catalytic Converter or Oxygen Sensor for 2008 Toyota Prius?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by SaraKellyHipHope, Dec 31, 2017.

  1. SaraKellyHipHope

    SaraKellyHipHope New Member

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    Auto Zone gave me a free estimate and told me WHY I was losing gas so fast- its either the Oxygen sensor or the Cat converter.


    What is the cost to Replace Catalytic Converter or Oxygen Sensor for 2008 Toyota Prius?
     
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    AutoZone is not really an expert with cars, they just sell parts.

    What is considered bad gas mileage? How many miles are on your car? Have you ever done any maintenance on your car?

    Bad gas mileage usually are from these areas

    1 bad under inflated tires
    2. Weak 12v or hv battery
    3. Cold weather
    4. Dirty throttle body and maf sensor
    5. Old spark plugs
    6. Brakes rubbing on discs
     
    #2 JC91006, Dec 31, 2017
    Last edited: Dec 31, 2017
  3. SaraKellyHipHope

    SaraKellyHipHope New Member

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    Hey JC9- I have 213,200 miles on my 2008 toyota prius. Yes I have replaces the battery and got an oil change early November. Auto Simply read the codes and told me the P0420 is whats causing- and fixing the Catalytic Converter or Oxygen Sensor would help stop the gass leak- Im loosing gas 3 times as fast... Im getting about 20 MPG right now. Its horrible MPG. My tire light is on too so How can I fix that? can I fill it my self at the station?
     
  4. Dxta

    Dxta Senior Member

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    If toj got that code, means your catcon isn't operating within its threshold.

    Like a fellow poster said, they aren't a repair shop.

    Get that car to a repair facility, and have them diagnosed this code. Sometimes, it could be as a result of bad fuel.

    But since that was the code they got, you could replace the catalytic converter yourself. You could get a quote by going online. Remember to log in the part number and necessary info needed.

    Considering the car's high mileage, it would be better you replace the oxygen/airflow sensors at once.

    Dxta
     
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  5. SaraKellyHipHope

    SaraKellyHipHope New Member

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    How much is it to replace the sensors?
     
  6. Dxta

    Dxta Senior Member

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    Checking out online, since you're in the USA.

    Sensors aren't that expensive.

    But the code already showed a P0420.

    Replace the catalytic converter, with the sensors. Not a big deal, isn't it?
     
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  7. SaraKellyHipHope

    SaraKellyHipHope New Member

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    Is it around $1000 to replace or around $200? or around $50? I have not idea
     
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  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    sara, you need to have the codes read at a dealer, or facility with tech stream software and access to the service manual.
    don't drop a grand+, only to find that wasn't the problem.
    did you pass the last emissions test? when was it?
     
  9. Sam Spade

    Sam Spade Senior Member

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    Emission tests not required in Illinois.

    "Real" Toyota cat is not required either.

    Check with a few muffler shops for a "discount" after market cat converter. Seems like I remember that a stock one runs over $800; muffler shop maybe $200. They might be able to do the sensor cheaper too.

    BUT.....given the age and mileage, you REALLY should be considering trading it in on a "new" one.
    Future repairs are likely to be more frequent and expensive in the coming years.
     
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  10. SaraKellyHipHope

    SaraKellyHipHope New Member

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    Thanks Sam- you answered my question! I'll remember $200 at a muffler shop and skip Toyota Dealership. Do you have a ball Estimate for the Oxygen sensor?
     
  11. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace 2025 Camry XLE FWD

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    Until you get the dealer to read the Prius-specific trouble codes you will just be guessing at the issue .
    The Autozone readers cannot read many of the Prius codes.
     
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  12. KK6PD

    KK6PD _ . _ . / _ _ . _

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    take your car to Toyota, get this serviced properly.... you can fiddle around all you want with minor things, this is major, if you have a tire warning indicator showing, which tire is lo/flat, get it fixed, pump them all up to about 40 pounds... this is winter, you are going to take a mpg hit, nothing you can do about that. asking the same questions in multiple threads and not liking the answers you get, just doesn't work.... GO ASK TOYOTA, it's why the are there! Once you get back into the land of 40+ mpg, enjoy the car, keep learning about it!
     
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  13. Sam Spade

    Sam Spade Senior Member

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    You are putting WAY too much stock in answers you are getting here.
    Check with shops in your area for a real cost.

    And you actually are just guessing at what the problem might be.
    That often results in wasting time and money.

    P.S. You already have TWO threads in progress about this same problem. That is not good.
    PLEASE do not start yet another one.
     
  14. SaraKellyHipHope

    SaraKellyHipHope New Member

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    I am actually hoping to get an idea so when I take it into a few different shops for a free estimate I can make an educated decision. I'm sorry you waist your own time and money on your vehicle- sounds like that is your problem- not mine. Hope that gets better for you

    P.S. Definitely not putting stock in your P.S. I may have to sell my car based on what the shop says is the issue and how much it will be to repair it- and I don't expect to see comments from you unless they are proactive. If you're having a bad day stay off Prius chat and ask someone for a hug-
     
    #14 SaraKellyHipHope, Jan 1, 2018
    Last edited: Jan 1, 2018
  15. SaraKellyHipHope

    SaraKellyHipHope New Member

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    It is a different question and I will report you if you start a little critique party on the page- I need actually help here and don't have a lot of money to fix my car- understand?
     
  16. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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  17. KK6PD

    KK6PD _ . _ . / _ _ . _

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    Then report me... just stop posting multiple threads on the same topic. Stop wasting our time, get your car fixed properly. You do not show the necessary skill level required to do the bigger fixes yourself.
     
    #17 KK6PD, Jan 1, 2018
    Last edited: Jan 1, 2018
  18. SaraKellyHipHope

    SaraKellyHipHope New Member

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    Consider your self Blocked on ALL of my posts. Hope life gets better for ya
     
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  19. Sam Spade

    Sam Spade Senior Member

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    The truth is not always warm and fuzzy, Sara.
    Have a nice day.
     
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  20. SaraKellyHipHope

    SaraKellyHipHope New Member

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    Consider your self Blocked as well Sam- Please don't waste anymore of my time or I will report you too
     
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