Truck Won't Pass Smog/Catalytic Converter

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Sport Edition

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My 03 Sport Edition 4Runner with 247xxx miles failed its smog test. I got a quote for about $2,000 to have it repaired. The mechanic told me I have to replace two catalytic converters and that this part is only available from the dealer. Is that true? I was thinking theres gotta be an aftermarket manufacturer...My truck is probably worth like 3K at this point, I don't know if I want to shell out 2K to have it repaired. It runs like a champ, it just won't pass smog. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
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Are you in a state with strict emissions regulations like California?
I think most aftermarket cats are illegal there.

Rockauto has quite a few cat options for our 4runners, in the $200-$300 range per cat. There's a 5% off discount code in the Vendors section to save a few bucks.
 
lightfreak said:
Are you in a state with strict emissions regulations like California?
I think most aftermarket cats are illegal there.

Rockauto has quite a few cat options for our 4runners, in the $200-$300 range per cat. There's a 5% off discount code in the Vendors section to save a few bucks.
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Yeah, unfortunately I am in California.
 
I'm not familiar with CA laws but there are plenty of good aftermarket cats, I have one on my truck. The cost you were quoted is crazy dealership pricing where they do far more work than is needed. What you want is someone to cut out the bad cat and weld in a new one so the manifold isn't touched as the dealer does it.

Of course it all hinges on your smog laws.

Good luck!
 
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That's literally like my only fear right now in CA... not having well running Runner pass smog.

I was actually hoping I had to do it this year, but I wont need to smog until next year. That said, I have had a P0420 and P0430 code come up when driving off-road, but after I cleared it once with my scanguage it never came back.

I did look at cats online but everything with a CA carb sticker or whatever cost a fortune and or you pretty much need to go OEM.

I have no idea if they can tell, but it doesn't even look like I can get one shipped here.
 
4. Buy required parts from cheapest online Toyota dealer. Have installed at a local shop, so you don't have to pay dealer labor rates.
 
This sucks. I was trying to drive my Runner to 1/2 a million miles. This 1GR-FE motor runs like a top. Only had to perform one repair on it since I got it used from the original owner with 135K on the clock. That repair was due to my own negligence. Truck was making a nasty noise but I ignored it until it was too late.

Do our trucks have two cats? I was told I need to replace two of them. I don't think an aftermarket cat will work cus I live in CA. I asked if I could just get a cheaper aftermarket cat and the mechanic told me it wouldn't pass smog. I don't think I'll be selling out 2K on this truck unfortunately. It's just too much.

There is one last option and it's shade tree if you know what I mean. Lol. If not, I'll be selling the truck. Any ideas on what I could get for a Runner with high mileage that can't pass smog? Will it even sell? Thanks guys.
 
i believe there are 4 cats. one built into each manifold, and two others a little further down that can be individually replaced.
 
CXS said:
I'm not familiar with CA laws but there are plenty of good aftermarket cats, I have one on my truck. The cost you were quoted is crazy dealership pricing where they do far more work than is needed. What you want is someone to cut out the bad cat and weld in a new one so the manifold isn't touched as the dealer does it.

Of course it all hinges on your smog laws.

Good luck!
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There ARE plenty of good aftermarket cats. Unfortunately none will pass smog in CA. Even if the car passes smog, the smog guy will fail it visually for not having a factory Toyota cat installed. Already been there and done that, the smog guys even check the part numbers stamped on the cat to determine if anything was altered.
 
And this is why I can't wait to move out of this state. Well...one of many reasons. It's complete garbage that another cat can't be used when there are so many other gross polluters on the road. You need to find someone that will be lenient on the visual and use an aftermarket cat. They will pass, you just have to warm it up a little before going in. Used to do this with my Audi's all the time. They are out there...and remember "cash is king"
 
SAC-CA-Runner said:
And this is why I can't wait to move out of this state. Well...one of many reasons. It's complete garbage that another cat can't be used when there are so many other gross polluters on the road. You need to find someone that will be lenient on the visual and use an aftermarket cat. They will pass, you just have to warm it up a little before going in. Used to do this with my Audi's all the time. They are out there...and remember "cash is king"
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Where can I find a place that’s lenient? I moved to Cali from out of state.
 
neoguri said:
Where can I find a place that’s lenient? I moved to Cali from out of state.
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Hey. Sent you a PM. The only way to pass CA smog with bad (or hollowed out) cat converters is with my mini cats. All other methods do not work in CA. You will get caught with anything you try and that can be really bad because if you get caught you then have to go to the BAR as a registered gross polluter and make an appointment in which they check all part numbers of every single part on the engine and document it.

I have had to do it before. They even got out an inspection scope to check the fuel injector part numbers. CA is not the place to try untested methods to pass smog.
 
SAC-CA-Runner said:
And this is why I can't wait to move out of this state. Well...one of many reasons. It's complete garbage that another cat can't be used when there are so many other gross polluters on the road. You need to find someone that will be lenient on the visual and use an aftermarket cat. They will pass, you just have to warm it up a little before going in. Used to do this with my Audi's all the time. They are out there...and remember "cash is king"
Click to expand...

Then move out...people have a right to smog free air. Alabami or Missery might be a good choice for you.
 
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