Don’t buy just any catalytic converter for your Prius!

[@ernieg]

So I bought an aftermarket part and put a guard on it and went to smog it in California. They didn’t even bother trying to look if it was legit. It passed!! I had to do what i had to do!!! Dont judge me.

[@KingJKickz]

I think with the guard they will pass it cuz they know the deal . It’s ridiculous to expect people to pay for a service that cost more than the car

[@stanislavsiromahov9990]

Aftermarket all the way. Visual inspection wtf??? If it pass smoke co2 test what is the difference. Stupid laws just to serve someone make money.

[@RiverCrystal]

Mine was just stolen last night. Thanks for all the info dude, super helpful.

[@geoffkirkpatrick9727]

This is extremely helpful. Our Prius has been sidelined for close to four months now for exactly the reasons you note. Clearly things have only gotten worse in the 2 years since you made this video. Knowing that a non-CARB compliant cat will fail a visual inspection has saved me from wasting money trying to weld in an aftermarket unit myself.

[@bubbadoright9271]

If you have a good Cat remove it and save it for the snog check. Buy an aftermarket Cat for everyday use.

[@nanqixu5356]

I will never buy legal cat ever again, got my cat stolen twice within half year just in front of my house. Buy a legal one so theft can steal again? And cops can do nothing about it!

[@mufflertech]

I understand your frustration. The problem is if you live in California you need an original part (or a specific Magnaflow part that is more expensive then OEM) to pass an emissions inspection. If you do the proper theft deterrent it would significantly reduce the probability of it getting stolen again.

[@manuelcruz4824]

I live in Nj , just purchased one from Amazon for $74 dollars free shipping 30 mins install myself

[@RRR-jd2oy]

Do you have a link

[@jakthebomb]

They need to amend this in response to these thefts, leaving car owners stuck with Toyota only parts.

[@pauln119]

Great info. You speak correctly. Having been a victim myself, I actually tried one of these aftermarket non-CARB legal cheap cats and although they fit just fine, they throw a P0420 code which basically mean the cat is garbage and don't contain enough of the expensive precious metals that provide the catalyst. For the poor victims who simply can't afford a $3000 repair job, it may be viable to install one if they intend to dump the car before their next smog check.

[@fdsaffff]

but do the aftermarket work fine for long time? besides the computer coded exploitation by the california government

[@pauln119]

@@fdsaffff , with the aftermarket, they bolt on and work fine. You just need to find a way to attach it to the remaining exhaust system. Some people weld them, but I use use the supplied clamp. It leaks a bit though. I also used a very cheap downstream oxygen sensor from Ebay. You have to buy the right one with a grommet that is further down the cable connector. For some reason, most of them have the grommet right at the connector which won't seal on the Prius. The cheap oxygen sensors are all pretty crappy quality, and some of them came DOA, but then I just get another. I also had to use a short oxygen sensor extension to eliminate the P0420 code. You will never pass the California smog test using this setup, but it works and it'll buy you some time. I also slapped on a Cat Security plate to protect even the non-OEM cat. I have a real Toyota OEM converter that I keep in my garage, but I use it only during the smog test. I've had my cat stolen twice in two months and I'm sick of it. I would never do this if the theft rate weren't so high caused by the ridiculous emission laws in California.

[@pauln119]

@@e.g.1218 Sorry to hear. It really sucks to have so many thieves out there and they know they can get away with this. I applaud you on writing to the governor but I doubt he cares about this issue at all. Every year, they pass even more stringent laws on catalytic converters. Two years ago, I paid extra for a CARB certified converter for my Honda Odyssey to pass smog. Well, a few weeks ago, the smog check failed because the previous certification is no longer valid. Had to purchase yet another newer CARB certified converter costing $1000, even though my previous one was CARB certified a couple of years ago. How's that for our wonderful government in California?

[@duckwacker8720]

It doesn't have to be carb certified. It just has to be built right. Carb is the worst thing that's ever happened to the car industry.

[@mufflertech]

@@duckwacker8720 it does if you want to pass smog in California.

[@8peterp]

wow 11:00 got a Prius and they stole the same shiny brand new one previous owner got through insurance. car was parked only in secured parking and Police found the thieves but I didn't get back the cat. luckily we can use aftermarket ,since they just jacking up the car around time to time ,can't imagine driving a Prius around with this valuable cat under anymore ,here in Ireland they beat up owner ,break arm etc. now

[@IlIIlllIIIIIIl]

Wait, what? In Ireland, if you're driving a Prius, people will pull you out the car like GTA, fuck you up, and -then- steal your cat?

[@8peterp]

@@IlIIlllIIIIIIl and pre 03 Yaris and Honda Jazz. they didn't pull people out (yet) but if you go near your car while during "neutering" they beat you up with the crowbar used to pump up the jack. yes it's happened ,not once. they take cat from driveway and beat you up in your own front door if you wake up to check the noise

[@Nothinghere5]

I’m in Fresno they got us last night! Help!!!! Where, How? Please 👏🏾🙌🏾❤️

[@mufflertech]

I’m sorry you’ve joined the club. We can replace it for you if you’re willing to drive it up. No one beats our prices.

[@danielsv17]

@@mufflertech same here .😱 I live in Fresno too but my car is really old already, i have a 2008 toyota prius with almost 200thousand miles not sure what to do. I was about to buy an eBay part.but Thanks to you i didn't.you just save me some. Money. I would love to get a quote to see whats better me either fix my car or just to take it to the junk yard.how can we get in contact? Or what's your business name?

[@mufflertech]

@@danielsv17 Call the shop, "Muffler Tech" 916-421-0399

[@danielsv17]

@@mufflertech Thank yo so much i call you tomorrow

[@yaneec6734]

Just happened to me in New Jersey, 2007 and I don’t know if it’s even worth to do a replacement after seeing the price for a decent cat converter. Had it for 15 yrs and runs great with just minimum maintenance, So sad That I have to let it go. T T

[@siriusblack7714]

Did you really let if go instead of getting another cat??

[@TSA333]

Hello! I changed a coolant and transmission liquid couple days ago and after driving a bit there was a smoke between radiator and catalytic converter....I went to the place I changed the coolant and transmission, they checked and filled the liquid again. Was driving today and still smoke is coming...so confused is it from radiator or Cat...no leaking found, less acceleration and rpd. The smoke is light white with burnt smell. Is it Cat is done or radiator or transmission?

[@randy1896]

If the cat is borderline under efficiency, can it be cleaned to get it back ? If so what to use ? I’m willing to take it off to clean. TIA

[@mufflertech]

I know there are cleaners that are marketed out there, we have never found them to work.

[@DecemberSkyfire]

Have a question for you that you're most likely to find very, very weird. I am technically homeless and living in my prius. Someone stole my cat. Now, keep in mind, I keep the prius in ready mode all night for the A/C. What that does, is that it turns the ICE on every 5-10 minutes for a couple minutes to charge up the hybrid battery and then turns off for another 5-10 minutes and continues this cycle all night. Being that the cat is gone and thus these bad fumes are directly going out, am I at a serious health risk being that I am sleeping in the back all night and the ICE is running maybe 10 minutes of every hour?

[@mufflertech]

Yes. Carbon monoxide is most definitely making its way into the vehicle and being that you’re sleeping already you’re in the most compromised environment speaking to your health risk.

[@siriusblack7714]

Dam that's rough bro...

[@puknut]

Imagine actually living in California in the 21st century, what a shit hole!

[@GaramWoondal]

My one is stolen I just found out today So what is the best way to take your car to the garage

[@mufflertech]

Drive it!

[@mufflertech]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/oYGWkJatf7Cifbc

[@michigandersea3485]

My 07 Prius is registered in a rural area where there is no emissions testing or inspection. My cat was stolen in Chicago. The car has a permanently on check engine light that is just a rogue sensor somewhere and I could care less. Can I just have a country mechanic weld a straight pipe on it without long term damaging effects to the car? The car is really beaten up and has 220,000 miles anyway. I don’t want to put tons of money into it.

[@mufflertech]

You will need the proprietary flange that bolts up to the manifold, with that you could do it. You would be turning your partial zero emissions vehicle into a significant polluter though. Why not just buy an aftermarket part? You can get them legally in Illinois and then you’ll have no check engine light and a clean exhaust.

[@coont-tracker-69]

@@mufflertechWho fucking cares about emissions. Straight pipe + spacer for your O2 sensor. Smog guys are not going to check under your car, they plug their magic plug into obd slot and that’s the extent of their knowledge

[@charlesb8713]

Really well-done. VERY informative. Naturally trustworthy guy.

[@duckwacker8720]

This is why you license in Montana.

[@TheMultisportGeek]

Has this regulation changed at all in California? This is so frustrating. My Prius is out of commission for at least 2 months because of lack of inventory. I live in Oakland.

[@mufflertech]

It has, sort of. There’s aftermarket parts on the list now the bad news is they’re more expensive than the Toyota part and currently aren’t in production

[@bj97301]

Ever get in a Prius c? If so about how often?

[@mofoz66]

Is there anything written on the CAT that you can use to determine it is California legal?

[@mufflertech]

Sort of. It’s a little bit more complex than what is actually written on the part. It has to do with an executive order number, however, that executive order number has to match an engine family number on your emissions label for the car.

[@IsaiahLove-go2kx]

I personal would not recommend wielding in a CAT for a Prius I still could not pass State inspection on a 2nd GEN Prius due to multiple failed emissions test. DO IT RIGHT or PAY IT TWICE!!

[@shorts-sc8sr]

I just moved to Los Angeles from Chicago bought 2014 Prius super condition,, next day woke up for work and I found out somebody stole the part of my car 😢😢 now the progressive mechanic saying it’s 6-8 months wait for part 🥺🥺🥺 I’m in so much depression…please help …if you know I can do something 🙏🏾 thanks

[@rodgerdodger3483]

How often they check your cat. Every time I take mine for smog. They never check.

[@mufflertech]

They are supposed to every time

[@chrisbarclay4257]

This is why when I buy my gen 2 this year I will be registering it in South Dakota. No emissions or mechanical inspections. Plus one of the lowest insurance rates, sales tax of 4% and if you become a resident as I intend to do, no state income tax. Do I intend to live there.... No thanks

[@mufflertech]

Be careful. Some states come down hard on cars being operated inside their borders with licensed residents of their population.

[@lorageproductions]

My Geico insurance guy thought he was cute and made the garage buy an ACME converter when the Cat was stolen. Should I get it changed.

[@mufflertech]

What state are you in?

[@futbol1972]

I live in california and 5 days ago they stole my catalyc converter.. I was driving my 2009 prius without catalyc converter..drove it for 4 miles and it worked then I drove it back home and now it does not go into gear. It turns on but does not go into gear. The red triangle came on with exclamation point while driving it back home and then a few min after it did not respond anymore. I parked it a block away from home cause I could not make it home. My insurance is towing it tomorrow to a shop so they can fix it..but now it has an issue with not going into gear..do u think that's because it does not have catalyc converter? Car was running great before it got stolen..no issues at all..I wonder if I messed it up or the prius is doing it on purpose just to be safe since it does not have the cat?

[@mufflertech]

It sounds like you’re hybrid battery is starting to go out. This has no direct connection to the theft except that we’ve seen the cars that have been a victim end up getting parked for long periods of time. If the hybrid battery pack is near the end of its life, being parked for long periods of time will accelerate its failure.

[@futbol1972]

Thank u

[@futbol1972]

Today the shop is putting new $3000 ca on:( I will check the 12v battery on the cars diagnostic screen take sure it's good.

[@futbol1972]

About a year ago I only drove my car about 5x for very short distances Ina period of 5 or 6 months...one day I was fixing passenger mirror and when I was done car was dead no lights on dashboard or nothing. I Gabe it a jump and it was working fine up until they stole my cat .shop called me and told me it does not turn on which I already knew. They think is the battery too. Hopefullynis just the 12v

[@skyemasterson1111]

Here's my story:, Check engine light on. Told it was CAT. Live in Ca., Min. price $2,400 (Installed Magna Flow) Could've been The O2 sensor, too. Only CARB would pass in Ca. I said, "Fuck it" . Grabbed 1 from Ebay for $68.00. installed for $240.00. Passed SMOG today! No qualms.

[@mufflertech]

It happens. Not all smog tech’s do their job the way they’re supposed to. It’s unlikely you’ll get away with again.

[@RRR-jd2oy]

Do you have a link

[@marcorubio5122]

So i bought a prius that had an aftermarket cat because the original one was stolen. Now it wont pass smog. So i need to replace it with one that will. I live in vacaville ca, about 35 mins from your store. What is the process for me to have you guys fix it? Any guess how much it will cost me? Thank you.

[@mufflertech]

What year is your car?

[@marcorubio5122]

@@mufflertech 2012

[@mufflertech]

@@marcorubio5122 please call the shop so we can cover details 916-421-0399

[@RRR-jd2oy]

Alot!

[@aztattookid13]

Just had mine stolen on the 1st. It is sitting at the shop as I type this. Is the one that is being ordered by the shop different than the one that was stolen that factory put on it when it was made at the factory? I have an 09 gen 2.

[@jaredceballos6286]

You should definitely ask your shop since they are the ones ordering it lol

[@gailcahill4006]

$4000 for replacing the exhaust and putting a plate on after the first cat that was stolen...Now that was stolen even with the protective plate installed. I don't know what to do. If my 2009 Prius has a cat it will get stolen. I have a year left till I need to get a smog test...helpful advice please

[@mufflertech]

Hi Gail, I’d recommend getting a low deductible comprehensive deductible insurance policy moving forward. With this and some good theft deterrent items you’ll be safe physically and monetarily.

[@murk93]

Is there any good aftermarket cat you recommend for people living in other place where no emission test applied?

[@mufflertech]

Anything from Magnaflow is of high quality

[@RRR-jd2oy]

Definitely too expensive

[@steveflor9942]

Great video, Colby. I would love to have you guys do the job. But, I'm in Los Angeles. Would it hurt my car to drive it to you? I don't mind listening to it roar for 8 hours. Any other suggestion? Thank You

[@mufflertech]

We have had multiple people drive from LA and further locations. If your car has the same stuff missing as described in my videos you should be fine. It is important to make sure you have fresh air in the vehicle for your safety and you must understand that it is your measured risk in making the journey. If you call us ahead of time we will make plans for your repair so we can get you back on the road very quickly 916-421-0399

[@steveflor9942]

@@mufflertech Cool. Thanks I really like the way you guys make it theft proof. Talk to you soon.

[@jaydebeir5106]

Our Prius had the cat stolen and then a repair shop replaced with a "used" cat. Which didn't work. The car has been out of commission since December, can we order a cat from you? I live in St. Louis.

[@mufflertech]

You didn’t mention what year the car is. I presume it’s a Gen 3 (2010-2015), if so the OEM cats are on at least a 6 month back order. I believe Missouri allows for aftermarket cats. Why don’t you look into a new Magnaflow part and bypass the coolant exchange unit?

[@jaydebeir5106]

Thank you!

[@jvvallejo2012]

Hello, I live in Illinois. My catalytic converter got stolen last year. I've taken my car 4 times to the same mechanic. Each time they put an aftermarket Cat and the check engine light has turned on each time. Is there an aftermarket Cat you recommend?

[@mufflertech]

www.magnaflow.com/products/49752-catalytic-converter-magnaflow-toyota-prius-oem-grade-federal-epa-compliant-direct-fit-catalytic-converter This is not legal here in California, but it is an OEM grade part that will meet the vehicle’s needs for correction on the exhaust.

[@lauramerryfield3743]

Thank you for these great videos. I’m curious if I have this right - CA EO D-193-151 from mid-April authorizes specific new Magnaflow parts for the Prius (so now that drop down menu isn’t blank anymore!). But, it looks like these product numbers aren’t yet on the market. Do you think they’ll come to market soon and could be lower priced than OEM parts?

[@mufflertech]

Yes, Magnaflow has gotten EO numbers for the Prius as of April this year. They are actually available as we speak, however, they cost more then the OEM Toyota part. Look for a new video that addresses this.

[@dh-uo4lt]

@@mufflertech does putting on an aftermarket cat void a toyota warranty?

[@prawnstar502]

after my cat got stolen i just run a straight pipe, they wana come after me but they dont want to go after the people doing to me.. go figure

[@duckwacker8720]

I'm glad my Dodge diesel doesn't have a cat.

[@1k__wish]

My vehicle just had its converter just taken as well . I am so upset myself

[@priusman1234]

how much is your catalytic converter?

[@bikelifeleaf8889]

is it borderline simple to replace it yourself?

[@eteviseleiato184]

Hello, messaging on behalf of my sister in hopes this reaches you. We need advice. Her catalytic converter for 2006 Prius was recently stolen and she is not in a financial position to pay $3k up front to replace it. Her car insurance is not comprehensive-- and won't cover any amount the dealership is charging to replace the converter. Is there a car shop in the SF/ Bay Area region that could sell a Gen 2 Prius converter legally for cheaper?

[@mufflertech]

Check your email😉

[@davidvaldiviamora8974]

@@mufflertech i need some help too please stolen my catalytic last night I and don’t know if the aftermarket can use for check engine light ??

[@mufflertech]

@@davidvaldiviamora8974 it’s not a check engine light issue, it’s an issue for your next smog inspection. The only part that will get you through a smog check on a Prius is a factory Toyota piece.

[@gametime1619]

Wowsers! That is how much I am looking to pay? The car is worth that much per kbb, I don’t even think it is worth fixing. Maybe I should dump it 😬

[@anoshs6352]

We are in the same boat with our 2008 Prius. We moved to Sacramento and in less than a a week our catalytic converter was stolen. We had no ideas the cost of repair, what’s legal or illegal. This video was helpful! At this point we don’t think it’s worth paying 3K plus to get it fixed. It’s such a frustrating process!

[@wenlyan5936]

I got mine from Walmart and I will dump my car next year.

[@mountainmark9947]

This information is out of date. There are aftermarket options now.

[@mufflertech]

True, however, in most cases they cost more than OEM. If you buy them separately as universal parts they are a little less but by the time you add the flange, connector pipe, 02 bung, and add the extra labor for the fabrication it costs more than the Toyota part.

[@MrStretch610]

Toyota company should pay for it or lower the catalytic convertor price down. Your By the thief a in record company. If the car doesn't figure it out. People should BOYCOTT TOYOTA

[@cprpremiumhandymanservices3735]

I need your help man , My cat converter was stolen from this shop and these people screwed me they put the wrong converter on my RV and now it has no power I have a 1999 Ford super duty V 10 6.8 lt Winnebago adventurer. Has No passing power and looses speed going up hill .These people are Idiots and have No clue what fits it . Instead of putting a new donut they just shoved a pipe into the end and welded it terrible job. I cant travel or even sell it like this they put a cheap after market universal pancake p o junk Insurance already paid them I told them I wanted original or equal to OEM cat . I see you guys Know what your doing can you help me with some direction this is ridiculous! please help . I need a part number of the right one so I can get it and try and make them fix it right. When I came out here I was passing big trucks going up hill 90 mph now it bogs down to 35 mph up hill top speed is 62 mph going down hill 58 on strait a way and my foot is on the floor!

[@mufflertech]

There’s a lot going on here, can you call the shop so we can discuss? 916-421-0399

[@cprpremiumhandymanservices3735]

@@mufflertech Yes thank you

[@Nscalemike56]

Holy Moly!!

[@YusufWadud]

I don’t think I will buy a Catalytic converter

[@duckwacker8720]

If you can find a good tuner get the cat delete.

[@wayloncapps9480]

Another reason I’m glad I don’t live in California

[@colbyoncars]

It’s creeping in to other states. New smog laws for RV’s are starting in 2025 with California rules in Oregon, Washington, New Jersey, New York, and Massachusetts.

[@Nehmo]

Muffler Tech needs to learn how to abbreviate his videos. Perhaps he should write the script in advance to find the unnecessary parts.

[@mufflertech]

I appreciate the constructive criticism. I’m certainly not getting a million views and maybe my stuff is too long. I see you have videos up as well, your highest watched is 1:45 long with 81 views, maybe yours should be longer🤷🏼‍♂️

[@Nehmo]

@@mufflertech My "videos" were just short experimental stuff I put up years ago. I wasn't trying to get viewers. I'm actually surprised I got as many as 81 views on anything.

[@age_of_reason]

@@mufflertech Christ, what a f Nancy this Cali guy is.

[@JoseJimenez-nf9cg]

Bruh. Stop

[@aftoy]

What a bunch of baloney. You buy 20 at a time? Well if Toyota wanted to buy enough for all their dealers, it would be in the 1,000s. Nothing stopping Toyota to start stocking Magnaflow instead of backordered OEM for especially the California market. Myself, I am removing my cat on my 2008 Prius and installing a $130 Amazon Cat and storing the OEM cat, my Prius has 150k miles so I'm not concerned if it triggers P codes or if the HV battery conks out. Its a 13 year old car, I'm in Canada so no worries about smog regulations as in California.

[@mufflertech]

Baloney? Are you in the auto parts or exhaust business? If so I’m all about knowledge and would appreciate your point of view. If not maybe keep your misguided opinion to yourself. You and all my viewers should know that putting a $150 part on your car increases the amount of emissions that come out of the tailpipe. Maybe you don’t care., however, just because you don’t have the regulations we have in California doesn’t mean climate change and the move to solve it shouldn’t be a global effort. Bragging about defying this is your right, but maybe keep it off of public forums.

[@age_of_reason]

@@mufflertech Climate change. 🤣 By that you're implying that we should make a worldwide concerted effort to keep the climate from changing (a constant climate) Californians are insane.

[@mufflertech]

@@age_of_reason Climate change isn't a farce. I am not one of the crazy people that think we (humans) are the sole problem, but taking zero responsibility is obtuse.

[@age_of_reason]

@@mufflertech What was wrong with "Global Warming"? That made sense. Why do you think they changed the name? It's because they need to brand it. Anytime something needs to be marketed, renamed and sold it means it is not a noble enterprise. It's elites pushing the agenda. And do you really believe they have the people's best interest at heart? If you do then you're a sucker. You see all the "Don't buy solar!" commercials on YT? Do you really believe THIS is just, right, noble and good for mankind. Do you really believe these people are not doing this with profit in mind? Do you really believe that solar energy has zero carbon emissions? Do you realize how much silver (not to mention other precious minerals) needs to be mined to build one electric car? It's hypocrisy and lies at the highest level. You either didn't do enough research or you are just happy to virtue signal like the rest. Please do some research.

[@neben]

long winded, I stopped watching once I found out the reason to not buy any converter because you are in california and have restrictive smog laws. not applicable to most of united states. you should save us all the time and say something about cali smog laws.

[@matthewjohnson9559]

I'm sorry you found this to be unhelpful. It is important to understand that even in one of the non-regulated 47 states the cheap parts for these cars will often throw a check engine light due to their lack of precious metal content.

[@neben]

@@matthewjohnson9559 glad you said that, cuz it took me 10 minutes to get to the content the title was meant to answer.

[@frankroper3274]

You giving a lot of lip and you are not telling us anything out here from 4 years ago....Sacramento...OK...why don't you just answer the phone?

[@mufflertech]

@@frankroper3274 Frank what can I help you with?

[@raydanton6601]

you talk too too much

[@mufflertech]

Thanks for the criticism. If you have a way of communicating what I’m doing with less talking maybe you can start your own channel.

[@SBK_ALL_DAY]

sound like something a catlaytic converter thief would say