Hi all! First post here. Fan of Scottys straightforward car advice. Thanks in advance for any advice & information!
I was so lucky as to join the Prius stolen catalytic converter club last month. I decided to make an insurance claim on it. The shop my insurance referred me to claimed that my insurance company directed them to use a universal catalytic converter. Im trying to understand how it's possible that this will work (as opposed to a direct fit or OEM), seeing that the OEM exhaust appeared to have 2 catalytic converters in it; one before the O2 sensor and one after, then the resonator. From my understanding, the 2 catalysts work together to clean up the exhaust in a specific way, and there are more precious metals in the gen 2 Prius CC's to compensate for the lower operating temps with less running of the I.C.E when the hybrid battery is being used. If that is correct, how will a single cheap universal catalytic converter match the performance in any way of the OEM for a Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle like a Prius? The insurance company claimed the repair would "meet or exceed OEM standards", and right now that is looking like a joke of a claim.
I called Walker Exhaust directly and asked this same question, and they told me they DO NOT recommend using a single universal CC for a Prius. They said that the direct fit model is recommended.. with the universal its very likely that my MPG's will suffer, I will soon trigger a 'catalyst inefficiency' code and I will automatically fail an emissions test (the decreased MPG's and check engine light have both already happened). Im in the process on returning the car to the shop so the repair can be rechecked. Ive explained all this to my insurance and they said that if it turns out the universal part they installed shows to be no good they will install a direct fit catalytic converter, or even an OEM. I also talked to my mechanic and he said he would not use a single universal cat for a Prius himself
So my question is; is a single universal aftermarket catalytic converter ever appropriate for a hybrid S/LUEV car that originally had both pre-and-post O2 sensor catalytic converters? Seems pretty obvious my insurance company is just being typically cheap and trying to get away with the cheapest repair possible. Very disappointing for a company that charges such high premiums and supposedly takes such "good care" of its customers.
*I did do a search before submitting and did not find the specific subject matter. Also I already purchased and installed a Miller Cat Shield to protect the new part.
Thanks again!
Nope. Universal catalytic converters typically do not work on many cars, and I can tell you they definitely do not work on the Prius. You need to have a direct fit replacement done or you will start throwing engine codes and it will not run correctly.
Thanks! It seems to just be common sense that this little universal cat can't match the oem performance..do you know any technical or specific reasons why though? The oem cat had 2 catalysts in it, so obviously that's the starting point. I could really use that information to prove to my insurance company that the replacement they gave me is incompatible with my car (the bastids!)
Many universal cats are made of metal (as opposed to ceramic ones used as OE cats in modern cars nowadays), and they're not as effective.
They also do not contain the same amount of precious metals as the OEM cats, which is why it does not do a good job. Insurance companies are just extremely cheap. Here is an article, specifically about Prius, that explains why OEM is a much better idea. https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.torquenews.com/8113/should-i-replace-my-toyota-prius-catalytic-converter-original-or-aftermarket/amp
You will pay through the nose for an OEM converter. However I also don't recommend a universal converter either. The direct fit is definitely the one that you want. However, insurance companies are always going to go the cheapest route possible. You can always talk to the shop and/or insurance company about using a direct fit and paying the difference out of pocket.
Don't let your insurance off the hook.
They owe you the correct repair.
Talk to an adjuster who understands the situation.
They don't want to have to pay for a second repair when the universal parts cause a problem.
Thats an excellent point, thanks. Actually I've been dealing with an adjuster for the past week. The service has definitely been lackluster (all very surprising because it's Allstate). Our conversations are sparse and he prefers text and email. I believe he knows Im right (hence our sparse conversation) and doesn't want to admit that Allstate is testing out a cheap-o repair on my car.
I do believe they will correct it in the end though as they were willing to pay a lot for an OEM Toyota part initially but I decided against it because if it gets stolen again it'll be maddening
To add what was said above, depending on what state you come from, it is necessary to get an OEM or direct fit cat. Certain states like California have a special stamp they put on the catalytic converter. Which adds to the cost because the only way to get one is through the dealer. And it won't pass emissions inspection, unless it has that special stamp.
If you are in a state other than California (and a few others), you may be able to order a direct fit. Check out the MagnaFlow website for a direct fit catalytic converter.
If you are in California (and a few others), you may have to go to the dealer.
Im in a non-CARB state so that's not an issue for me.. I am a little confused about the requirements for the car itself though as the catalyst sticker under the hood says it conforms to both California and EPA standards. I was told this does not mean a OEM/ CARB cat is required however
The car probably initially was built for the strict standard of CA emissions, but sold in any State.
A direct fit should suffice IMHO.
I had a friend who replaced their cat with a direct fit from MagnaFlow. And worked fine. This was maybe 5-7 years ago. And still going strong.
I had my eye on a Magnaflow 49752..you read so many mixed reviews on different cats but that MagnaFlow looks to be one of the best options for a gen 2 Prius
The catalyst sticker under my hood reads:
"This vehicle conforms to U.S. EPA regulations applicable to gasoline-fueled 2004 model year new Tier 2 Bin 3 motor vehicles and to California regulations applicable to 2004 model year new LEV-ll SULEV passenger cars."
Im not in a CARB state but does this mean I need a CARB approved cat/ OEM? The "Tier 2" and "California" mentions are questionable
Bury them with documentation and evidence-based arguments. Back it up with data, expert letters, documents, etc. Check your policy. They may be out-of-compliance. Send what you've found via Certified Mail, Return Receipt Requested. Get in writing ever excuse they make. Post on Social Media, send to local news stations, hell, even to Toyota and the EPA. Create a persona that you're both the wronged consumer and that the insurance company is fostering global warming and pollution.
And report them to your local consumer complaint entity, and your state's insurance regulators.
Make it expensive, in terms of evidence gathering and public relations, for them to deny you . . . it changes the cost/benefit equation.
This is a common tactic with insurance companies. (Even more with medical procedures, BTW). Lie, baffle, deny, delay, obscure, etc.
You have to outlast them, if you want it done right.
thanks..they definitely shouldn't mess with you, ha.
I finally got through to a higher up and he took care of everything for me. Not so happy that Im getting a Walker direct fit (would've rather had a Magnaflow) but I at least want to be sure that my car doesn't require a CARB or OEM cat specifically due to the phrasing on catalyst sticker. The muffler shop where it's being done doesn't seem to be too savvy on hybrids
Thanks and good luck to you.
Your car would pass emissions testing in California before the theft. To meet or exceed specs it must pass again. It won’t with a low cost universal cat. Make your insurance company fix it correctly. Get something from the dealer showing the difference between the universal and the OEM cat.
Finally got my insurance to have a direct fit cat put on..what a hassle
I don't know how this muffler shop gets away with using single universals for Priuses as they claim..