Replacing Cat Converter in California

[rrodness1970]

And yes, I know what you mean relative to some shops knowing every piece of info and detail. It passed the emissions step twice, even at the Smog Referee. The Smog Referee called his supervisor J. Baltazar, nice name drop, to ask for an exception, but no, he would not allow it. I had thought that was the purpose of the Smog Referee? Emissions is allegedly the vital piece but, California loves screwing the little guys so, I was not shocked, disgusted, but not shocked.

 

[octanejunkie]

I have a federal emissions truck that was brought in from out of state, smogged and registered successfully in CA. Then I swapped hoods with my CA emissions vehicle... can't wait for the fun to begin on my next smog check.

MagnaFlow makes a federal emissions Cat that is legal for sale and use in CA, with all the correct registrations with CARB, etc

MagnaFlow Universal Catalytic Converter California Grade CARB Compliant 334006 - Stainless Steel 2.5in Inlet/Outlet Diameter, 16in Overall Length, No O2 Sensor - CA Legal Replacement https://a.co/d/bnCqGYZ

I don't need it yet, no emissions codes have been thrown, but at that price I'd like to have it on the shelf.

Now to figure out the best course of action for the hood sticker connundrum...

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[phattyduck]

Sorry, I'm an idiot.

SFI, HO2S(2), TWC

And actually i do live in California. I'm in Sacramento. My mistake for not being clear. Sorry for causing all of the trouble by having you reiterate needed information. I appreciate your help and patience.

That text hints at non-CA spec vehicle. Very confusing.

in '99, the CA spec was an AF sensor, O2 sensor and two cats (TWC)
in '99, the Fed spec was 2 O2 sensors and one cat (TWC)

Does the exhaust look modified?

-Charlie

 

[gamefreakgc]

Sorry, I'm an idiot.

SFI, HO2S(2), TWC

And actually i do live in California. I'm in Sacramento. My mistake for not being clear. Sorry for causing all of the trouble by having you reiterate needed information. I appreciate your help and patience.

That text hints at non-CA spec vehicle. Very confusing.

in '99, the CA spec was an AF sensor, O2 sensor and two cats (TWC)
in '99, the Fed spec was 2 O2 sensors and one cat (TWC)

Does the exhaust look modified?

-Charlie

Yeah I'm thoroughly confused too. That code means this:

SFI = Sequential Fuel Injection
HO2S (2) = Oxygen (O2) sensors, two (2)
TWC = Three way converter, just one

I looked up your engine family code XTYXT03.4DBP and the California Air Resource Board thinks you have a 1999 Toyota Tacoma. Is that correct?

XTYXT03.4DBP Test Group / Engine Family Toyota Emissions

The 4Runner and Tacoma share a lot of things but they have differences as well. It may be that the 1999 Tacoma doesn't have a 2 catalytic converter version. Also I live in Citrus Heights, like 15 minutes away from you ha.

 

[octanejunkie]

Yeah I'm thoroughly confused too. That code means this:

SFI = Sequential Fuel Injection
HO2S (2) = Oxygen (O2) sensors, two (2)
TWC = Three way converter, just one

I looked up your engine family code XTYXT03.4DBP and the California Air Resource Board thinks you have a 1999 Toyota Tacoma. Is that correct?

XTYXT03.4DBP Test Group / Engine Family Toyota Emissions

The 4Runner and Tacoma share a lot of things but they have differences as well. It may be that the 1999 Tacoma doesn't have a 2 catalytic converter version. Also I live in Citrus Heights, like 15 minutes away from you ha.

90% correct
That engine family code is for a federal emissions vehicle, yes.

My 4WD 4runner with federal emissions has the same codes except the engine family code ends with the same 4DBP, same as the [MENTION=303874]rrodness1970[/MENTION]

Here's my sticker for reference

[MENTION=303874]rrodness1970[/MENTION] can you just post a pic of your hood sticker and validate, visually how many cats you have?

EDIT: just reread, understand now.

You need the sticker that came with the cat the PO installed that has the EO# for the installed equipment so the tech can validate what was installed.

Without that, and it's a good thing you are in Sacto, you will have to make an appt with a DMV smog referee, located in Sacramento, and get a review and an exception, and have it documented on the CA registration database under your trucks VIN that your installed equipment conforms with the original equipment of the vehicle - which they can validate using the VIN.

It's a PITA

 

[gamefreakgc]

90% correct
That engine family code is for a federal emissions vehicle, yes.

My 4WD 4runner with federal emissions has the same codes except the engine family code ends with the same 4DBP, same as the [MENTION=303874]rrodness1970[/MENTION]

Here's my sticker for reference
can you just post a pic of your hood sticker and validate, visually how many cats you have?

EDIT: just reread, understand now.

You need the sticker that came with the cat the PO installed that has the EO# for the installed equipment so the tech can validate what was installed.

Without that, and it's a good thing you are in Sacto, you will have to make an appt with a DMV smog referee, located in Sacramento, and get a review and an exception, and have it documented on the CA registration database under your trucks VIN that your installed equipment conforms with the original equipment of the vehicle - which they can validate using the VIN.

It's a PITA

Sometimes the EO# is stamped on the underside of the cat itself. It should start with a "D-". I think you might be on to something, there may be a non-legal catalytic converter on there. A unaltered federal emissions 4Runner will pass in CA with no trouble as long as it passes the tailpipe emissions but it seems once you change the cat to aftermarket it gets tricky for some. Mine passes just fine but like I mentioned, I have a "good enough" smog shop I go to.

I still think the fact that the engine family code brings up a 1999 Tacoma is throwing off the smog techs. Might be why it got refereed in the first place.

 

[Endlessblockades]

Yep - the OP inquired about a 97. As an aside, a good thing about the 2000 and up - no tailpipe sniffer (all emissions data from ECU) and a lazy tech often won't bother with a visual.

 

[phattyduck]

Yep - the OP inquired about a 97. As an aside, a good thing about the 2000 and up - no tailpipe sniffer (all emissions data from ECU) and a lazy tech often won't bother with a visual.

Yup, '96-'99 kinda is in a murky wasteland of California smog rules. Pre-'96 = no OBD-II crap to worry about. Post-'99 = visual and plug-in only. Which reminds me, I have my pre-OBD-II car to smog soon...

-Charlie

 

[Norcalclassic]

I recommend registering in a no. Smog county to avoid this. (Smog on transfer technically) then you can just use any standard car. You’re complying emissions wise but not for the bureaucracy. They want their “approved” cat. Sorry you had to deal with thisx

 

[octanejunkie]

I recommend registering in a no. Smog county to avoid this. (Smog on transfer technically) then you can just use any standard car. You’re complying emissions wise but not for the bureaucracy. They want their “approved” cat. Sorry you had to deal with thisx

I'll bite...
How does one do that?

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[gamefreakgc]

I'll bite...
How does one do that?

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You have to put your permanent address in Modoc, Alpine, Del Norte, Inyo or other rural counties. There's some zip codes in other counties like El Dorado, Riverside, Placer, San Diego, San Bernardino, and Sonoma that will show up on Google search results but I can tell you right now the vast majority of those counties require a smog check as I used to live in Placer and right next to El Dorado counties.

You would need to have a close friend or family member have permanent residence and then put through a change of address before your next smog check and registration is due. Make sure you trust them as they'll need to forward mail to your house and would have all your registration paperwork. I don't think they could ever seize your vehicle but since you would have it registered at their house, it could really messy if there's a falling out between you and them.

You are less likely to get caught doing this then registering the vehicle at your second cousin's house in Idaho and having out of state plates. Eventually the DMV catches on to that one.

 

[phattyduck]

You are less likely to get caught doing this then registering the vehicle at your second cousin's house in Idaho and having out of state plates. Eventually the DMV catches on to that one.

You might be surprised at how many high end (Lamboghini, Bently, McClaren, etc.) vehicles I see around LA with Montana plates. You'd think it would be pretty obvious... A friend actually just got his Subaru registered in Montana, but funny enough, left his Cayman GT4 registered in California. But one is stock and the other isn't. :eyebrows:

-Charlie

 

[rrodness1970]

Hey all, have not forgotten this. Just had a crisis unfold. I will be back with the requested details soon. Your help is very much appreciated. Rich

 

[octanejunkie]

Hey all, have not forgotten this. Just had a crisis unfold. I will be back with the requested details soon. Your help is very much appreciated. Rich

Hope it all worked out

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[rrodness1970]

Had to forget all about this until now....again.
I have basically been using my truck for the grocery store and the very very rare drive to the credit union. I have not been able to focus on this as I became main caretaker for homebody elderly loved one. I need to get this fixed. Has anyone figured out how, or by chance have any clues into a "nice" shop in Sacramento that might assist with Smog magic? Or, know where to buy the part number locally, meaning in California. My God any help is appreciated.

Regards
Richard

 

[giguchan]

I went to the dealer and just purchased another cat. if i am understanding the question right.

 

[octanejunkie]

I went to the dealer and just purchased another cat. if i am understanding the question right.

Every Toyota dealer site I look at says that PN is not available... DISCONTINUED

Magnaflow 27301 is available in the aftermarket, however

 

[brillo_76]

Every Toyota dealer site I look at says that PN is not available... DISCONTINUED

Magnaflow 27301 is available in the aftermarket, however

I figured CA wouldn't accept aftermarket cats because most of the time, they are not loaded with the correct amount of platinum. However, lots of other states accepted CA CARB rules....crazy...

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[giguchan]

Thats a tough break man... I thought they still might be around.

MF wouldn't work for me here in NY either.but i do have their exhaust system.