California catalytic converter

[Bob356]

I may have to change the catalytic converter and so have a few questions. This is in California and so far I can not find a CA compliant Cat, that is one under the 1200 from the dealer. The question is, will a 48 state converter work and pass smog if I install an ox sensor somewhere in the system? Any ideas on which parts and where to purchase? what is the drill here, how do I do this?

[carlsson]

Hi Bob356...a non CA compliant cat will pass smog...but muffler shops won’t install one on your car. They will be fined if caught. They say the only difference between a CA cat and the 48 state legal cat is the CARB sticker.

[Bob356]

Hi Bob356...a non CA compliant cat will pass smog...but muffler shops won’t install one on your car. They will be fined if caught. They say the only difference between a CA cat and the 48 state legal cat is the CARB sticker.

What about the sensor that is in the pipe, cut downstream and leave it? I can get a cat installed at a welder rather than a muffler shop. Any particular cat or just one that fits?

[carlsson]

If you change cats,you still need the upstream and downstream o2 sensors....Any cat will most likely fit but not sure if they would be compatible or even be close to the OE cat converter’s performance. Besides,aftermarket cats doesn’t really last that long. Let’s wait for the experts here and see what they have to say.

[Astro14]

It's rare that the converter itself goes bad, usually, it's an O2 sensor. Most of the converters available, including aftermarket, for this car are really, really expensive, so I would be darn certain of your diagnosis...

[Bob356]

It's rare that the converter itself goes bad, usually, it's an O2 sensor. Most of the converters available, including aftermarket, for this car are really, really expensive, so I would be darn certain of your diagnosis...

I agree. The muffler shop told me that he has not had any Volvo bad cats. He banged and shook it and said it was alright that there was nothing loose in it. I tend to believe him.

[carlsson]

So what made you think you need new cats?

[Bob356]

The independent Volvo mechanic said that it sounded like it did from the symptoms. I went to the muffler shop after and he said no. My post was then "IF" it were a plugged up cat what would the symptoms be. That is what puzzles me. I bad cat will just not pass the smog test but still flows alright. Plugged? What would make one plug up and then what happens?

[Tahoe_XC]

Hi Bob356...a non CA compliant cat will pass smog...but muffler shops won’t install one on your car. They will be fined if caught. They say the only difference between a CA cat and the 48 state legal cat is the CARB sticker.

A non California cat will not pass CA Smog. The tech must look at the cat and fail the car. Call Erie and have them ship you a used stock (50 state compliant) cat this will be the most economical fix

[Bob356]

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