Depending on the type and model of your car, where you live, and other factors, catalytic converter repair might be very expensive. The following prices are typical for a catalytic converter replacement service:
- (Parts) Catalytic converter: $1000 to $2500
- Cost of labor: $100 to $200
Therefore, you should budget between $1100 and $2700 for the installation of a new catalytic converter (including labor charges). If your car requires more repairs, these prices can rise.
In This Article...
Can I swap a catalytic converter out on my own?
Maybe you’ve observed that your car isn’t running smoothly anymore. Your fuel efficiency seems to be less than typical. Even a bad stench coming from the exhaust could be detected. It is obvious because the check engine light is also on. It’s time to start planning the replacement of your catalytic converter right now. Cost is important because, depending on the make, the part alone can cost anywhere from under $100 to $2,000 or more.
You stay near the lower end of the range if your vehicle is an older model or a diesel. The north end can be reached by a more recent vehicle, such as a Toyota SUV. Fortunately, because less time is required, the labor cost is lower.
The part itself accounts for the majority of the expense of replacing your catalytic converter. It is one of those things that could make the job unworkable. That may influence your decision to forego it and look at new car or used truck prices instead.
Usually, getting there doesn’t take much effort. The component is right there in plain view because it is situated between the exhaust manifold and the muffler. Usually, the repair takes less than an hour. Depending on how it’s attached to the vehicle, you can either do it or you can’t.
Many automakers will weld components into place. The catalytic converter replacement process will probably take longer if yours is OEM. To make the repair, the old one will need to be removed using a Sawzall. Where the rubber hits the road is there. If you have the necessary equipment and knowledge, you can complete the task and save yourself about $100 on labor.
A catalytic converter may be bolted into place on some cars. It now falls under the DIY category. The likelihood of the hardware being rusty increases the difficulty of the repair. Using penetrating oil, the job can be completed quickly. However, if a bolt breaks or you are unable to remove them, you are left at a loss and must return to the store.
A catalytic converter is simple to replace. One piece of specialist equipment, which costs under $20, is necessary for the process. What you’ll need is as follows:
- substitute catalytic converter
- Set of ratchets and sockets
- Jack postures
- sensor socket for oxygen
- oil that penetrates
Purchase the proper component for your vehicle’s make, model, and year. Instead of buying rebuilt, buy new. Place all four wheels of your car on the jack stands to begin. Before you start working on it, let the air circulate to cool off the components.
Track down the catalytic converter. The oxygen sensor and its connections must then be removed using the unique socket. Then, working from the back and moving forward, remove the bolts at the flanges using a ratchet. Do not pressure them. Spray penetrating oil on them as an alternative, and then give it some time to work. Give it one more go.
Then, all that remains is to replace the worn-out component with the new one. The oxygen sensor and its fittings should be changed. You’re ready to go once the catalytic converter is firmly installed.
As you can see, the fix is simple. The only things that make it more difficult and lengthen the catalytic converter replacement process are rusty bolts or a welded component. The task is easily manageable by a do-it-yourself mechanic.
When you’re finished, turn on your car to make sure the check engine light is off. It may indicate a damaged catalytic converter, but it may also indicate an issue with the oxygen sensor. Use a diagnostic scan tool to see if further repair is necessary. You might find it useful.
The catalytic converter in your car is crucial for minimizing the poisonous emissions that contribute to air pollution and climate change. Fortunately, there is a quick repair that won’t take much time. To catch any issues early before they worsen, pay attention to any odd sounds or odors coming from your car.
On a Lexus RX, where is the catalytic converter located?
The catalytic converter is often found in the exhaust system on the underbelly of an automobile or truck, between the engine and the muffler.
How much does a Lexus catalytic converter cost to replace?
Your ability to pass an emissions test will undoubtedly be impacted by a missing catalytic converter. A new catalytic converter for a Lexus RX 350 might cost between $1,000 and $2,200.
Unfortunately, catalytic converters are frequently stolen since they are made of pricey metals. The final cost to replace a catalytic converter on a Lexus RX 350 will depend on both the cost of the parts and the cost of labor in your location.
Fortunately, if you have comprehensive coverage as part of your auto insurance policy, catalytic converter theft is protected. Only the deductible is your responsibility.
Hopefully your insurance provider is helpful in this situation, however if you determine after this experience that your auto insurance needs to be replaced, download the Jerry app. Jerry is the top-rated insurance super app in America, saving users more than $800 year on vehicle insurance.
Starting up only takes 45 seconds, and Jerry will begin comparing dozens of comparative bids from the leading insurance providers in the country to find you the best offers available.
The number of catalytic converters in a 2005 Lexus RX330.
20042006 Lexus RX330 | STD | 6 Cyl 3.3L | 3MZFE; 3MZFE; MCU33LAWAGKA, MCU33LCWAGKA, MCU38LAWAGKA, MCU38LCWAGKA discovered to have 2 catalytic converters.
Is there a catalytic converter on a Lexus?
The majority of older automobiles continue to be targeted since newer Lexus catalytic converter generations contain significantly less valuable metals while performing their functions exactly as well or even better. As a result, they have very little value for recycling.
How can a catalytic converter be fixed without having to buy a new one?
Power Sources and Fuel Additives Try driving your car for a few tanks of high-octane fuel, for instance, if you usually fill it up with the cheapest low-octane fuel. At your next fill-up, you might also try adding one gallon of lacquer thinner to ten gallons of gasoline to remove catalytic converter deposits.
Does it make sense to repair a catalytic converter?
Replace your catalytic converter as a last resort due to the expense involved. This is particularly true if your vehicle is really old, has a lot of miles on it, isn’t very reliable, and you reside in a state with strict smog regulations.
Before shelling out cash for a new catalytic converter, there are a few things you should try if yours isn’t actually broken. To begin with, have a mechanic rule out any further potential reasons of your symptoms by looking for items like:
- wiring issues
- emissions leaks
- Is routine maintenance essential for proper engine operation?
- faulty oxygen sensor
- Computer error codes unrelated to catalytic converters
Try the Italian tune-up first, followed by the catalytic converter cleaner, once all non-catalytic converter problems have been resolved. You will need to make a choice if these don’t work and you need to spend the money on a new catalytic converter. Here are some queries to consider:
- How much does your automobile cost?
- Are there any other recurring problems with your car that could require a costly repair soon?
- How much would a new catalytic converter cost, including installation?
- Is it time to sell your car and take your losses?
- How many kilometers are there?
- Will the tires or brakes need to be replaced soon?
Can you continue driving without a catalytic converter for how long?
How long is a catalytic converter necessary for driving? You can essentially drive without a catalytic converter indefinitely because they are frequently removed. But if the converter was stolen, you should get in touch with your insurance provider right once because your plan might pay for the price of a replacement.
How should a catalytic converter be parked to prevent theft?
When feasible, always park in well-lit locations. When the automobile is not in use, park it in your garage if you have one and keep the door closed. When parking in a public lot, pull up close to the door of the building or the closest access road. This is a result of the higher volume of foot traffic in those regions.
There are security accessories that can be attached to the converter to deter theft. The converter is considerably more challenging to remove when it has been welded into place. If your car has a security system, tune it such that vibration activates it. This makes sure that if a criminal tries to saw off the converter, the alarm will go off. If you have the money, video surveillance surrounding your garage or driveway is also handy. If your catalytic converter does get stolen, engrave your VIN number on it to make it easier to identify.
What is the value of a stolen catalytic converter?
Because catalytic converters are simple to steal and its components can be sold for high prices, they are frequently stolen.
To accelerate the chemical reactions in catalytic converters, priceless metals like platinum, rhodium, and palladium are used.
Catalytic converters are targets for thieves who profit by selling the parts to scrapyards or metal recycling facilities because they contain valuable elements. A regular catalytic converter can be stolen for anywhere between $25 and $300, and hybrid car ones can fetch up to $1,400.
Additionally, it’s not too difficult to reach these components from underneath the car. In general, catalytic converters dangle lower from the vehicle than other parts, making them simple targets for thieves to slide beneath the vehicle and cut them off.
Can my catalytic converter be cleaned?
You can, indeed. You will need to evaluate the structural integrity of the catalytic converter with an unblock catalytic converter hammer as part of the diagnostic procedure. Every catalytic converter has a substrate, which is susceptible to breaking down through physical damage or overheating.
Efficacy of catalytic converter cleansers
The quick response is no. Because these products contain additives that remove carbon buildup from your engine’s fuel and exhaust systems, using one of them is likely to alleviate symptoms. They won’t, however, totally get rid of them or magically fix your broken catalytic converter.
Why is replacing a catalytic converter so expensive?
If you’ve ever had to replace a catalytic converter or are currently in that situation, you’ve undoubtedly previously wondered why it costs so much to do so. Why should this minor element eat up a sizable portion of your savings when it’s not like the complete engine or anything? Actually, there’s a solid reason you’ll have to spend so much money fixing it. This is why.
Expenses of replacing a catalytic converter
First of all, replacing a catalytic converter can easily cost more than $1,000. Why is this, then? The catalytic converter’s construction material comes first. The converter uses particular pricey metals that not only keep the exhaust clean but also extend the life of the component.
Second, the labor cost can be higher when servicing the catalytic converter on newer vehicles because it can be labor-intensive and challenging to access. On the other hand, if you have an earlier model, it can be rather simple to do it yourself.
In other words, replacing the catalytic converter is pricey mostly because it is made of precious metals and can be a bit tricky to change on some models. But since your car won’t run without it, it’s preferable to just get it changed if you need to.