Catalytic Converter Replacement

[Cris]

This past weekend my "Check Engine" light came on in my 1996 Land Cruiser. The vehicle is running fine, however, I had my wife run by the dealer to check it out. Their diagnosis was bad Catalytic Converters which the parts only quote was around $2,500!!!

Has anyone run into this problem? Are there any cheaper alternatives out there?

 

[phishtaco]

Take it to autozone or similar. They run the codes for free. Hopefully its just the o2 sensor

 

[nyk438]

If it's the cat, pic up a used one www.cruiserparts.net

 

[tiorio]

Where are you located? Your options vary considerably by state...

 

[Cris]

I live in Northern Virginia

 

[tiorio]

IIRC, then you can legally install an aftermarket high-flow catalytic converter. Your decent local muffler shop should be able to get that squared away for significantly less than the dealer parts...

You can search 'catalytic converter' and you'll get a lot more info. on this one, including legal and performance considerations!

 

[WildYoats]

We were just discussing this locally in our club as well. I recommend Magnaflow hi-flow cats. They have versions that are OBDII compliant which is what you will need. I have a set running in my BMW and as long as you do not tamper with the positions of the 02 sensors, you will be fine. Good luck.

Johnny

 

[Koffer]

This past weekend my "Check Engine" light came on in my 1996 Land Cruiser. The vehicle is running fine, however, I had my wife run by the dealer to check it out. Their diagnosis was bad Catalytic Converters which the parts only quote was around $2,500!!!

Has anyone run into this problem? Are there any cheaper alternatives out there?

Change both the O2s and all will be fine . When its on your dime the dealer will say its the Cats (big money) when its was their dime (like under warrentry) its the O2s .
I had the same codes come up on my 96 20K ago and it was just the O2s. Been fine ever since.
The FSM says check the o2s first when the OBDII cat flow codes come up.

 

[Cris]

Thanks for the info guys. I think I will see about having the O2 sensors replaced and see what happens.

 

[Tools R Us]

This past weekend my "Check Engine" light came on in my 1996 Land Cruiser. The vehicle is running fine, however, I had my wife run by the dealer to check it out. Their diagnosis was bad Catalytic Converters which the parts only quote was around $2,500!!!

Has anyone run into this problem? Are there any cheaper alternatives out there?

The light came on once? What code did it set? If it's an O2 sensor code was it the front or rear? How are the O2 sensor wire connectors, loose or corroded? It's not affecting how the truck runs? I would want to see the light come on with the same code more than once before tossing my money at it. Go to the parts store and get the code read, make note of it and clear it, drive the truck and monitor it. If the light comes back on repeat the code reading, then diagnose and fix the problem. It's problems like this where a FSM can save big money (call C-Dan) it would suck to replace the O2 sensors and have it reset then replace the cats, only to find the problem was a corroded wiring connection or bad ground, been there done that.

 

[concretejungle]

Tools, i agree with you. I had the insufficient cat. code, cleared it, it came back on a week later, cleared it one last time threatening my truck to replace the 02 sensor if it came back on again and it hasn't. Yet, knock on wood.

 

[semlin]

i agree with the o2 sensor check first. if it is your cats then kansas city converters sell rebuilt OEM cats with original precious metal loads. Cost me under $400 for a pair. They looked like new and passed our strict 4 wheel dyno local emissions with flying colours.

 

[Cris]

Great advice everyone. It sure seems like it makes sense to really check out the o2 sensors before replacing the cats.

One question, if I have the codes read by a local auto parts store, can they clear the code to shut the idiot light off also?

 

[cruiserman]

The MIL will go out once the problem goes away. You can always pull the battery cable.

 

[landarcht]

Is there a performance cat that matches OEM both for installation and working with the engine?
I'm in CA so I understand certain ones are not legal to be sold in CA.

 

[emanting]

My light just came on as well. Code P0420. Now, my exhaust system is crap. PO took out the first cat and welded in a straight pipe and the muffler is rotted in the back. Truck sounds awful. O2 sensors are nasty and the first one was only bolted in with one bolt. So, I ordered a complete system from bosal and 2 new Denso O2's. Will have it installed next week and hope it takes care of it. Might be overkill but I wanted to replace the exhaust as soon as i got the truck.

When the dealer scanned it for the code they came back with a quote for an entire exhaust for $3900.00!

 

[tominboise]

Is there a performance cat that matches OEM both for installation and working with the engine?
I'm in CA so I understand certain ones are not legal to be sold in CA.

I don't know about CA law but Magnaflow makes a replacement y pipe with the front cat and also the second cat. Bu them on Amazon and have your local exhaust shop install. Be sure to order OEM gaskets. I just did this to mine and the rig runs better and sounds great (also installed new magnaflow muffler and resonator). I also installed new OEM O2 sensors that I bought from overstockoem.com.

 

[midfat]

Easy fix. MagnaFlow #447103 and #447127. Stainless cats that are plug and play. Build quality if beautiful and they are 100% California emissions compliant. I run them on my 1997 and breezed through smog. They even rotated the cars 90* so they tuck much better.
California 447103
California 447217

 

[landarcht]

The above two models are for 1997 LC's. I did a quick search on MagnaFlow, they listed 458005, 459005 for 2005 LC and both required some cut and weld instead of bolt on. I'm hoping to find bolt on performance Cat's if possible.
Also, does LC have one or two Cat?

 

[LINUS]

Easy fix. MagnaFlow #447103 and #447127. Stainless cats that are plug and play. Build quality if beautiful and they are 100% California emissions compliant. I run them on my 1997 and breezed through smog. They even rotated the cars 90* so they tuck much better.
California 447103
California 447217

Nice to see these! It's been a few years since I pulled my cats & did the offset / eccentric ones in their place, but for those that don't weld this is a great setup.

Hint for guys new to exhaust work: copper never-sieze the bolts, if you ever need to pull for whatever reason you stand a chance not having to cut hardware.

@landarcht - we have 2 cats in series for the 95-97, I forget the layout of early 1FZ exhaust since I only have done inspections for others in that era, seems there was a exhaust reroute but IDK how/if that has any bearing on the downpipe & cats.
-Judging from pics we order both parts to bolt 2 new cats to your 80, or if you want to gamble you could just swap one cat-might save yourself some work & $$$.