Starting at the front of the car and moving to the back, here is an useful breakdown of your Prius exhaust system and the key parts: Manifold, Catalytic Converter, Resonator, Muffler, and Tailpipe make up the engine. A 2 around series of pipes links these parts together.
Your Prius’ catalytic converter is located below your car and runs along the middle of it, beginning around the front wheels and terminating roughly around the middle of the length of the car.
Actually, your Prius has two catalytic converters that are connected by a short pipe run. The term “the catalytic converter on a Prius” is typically used to describe the entire component.
The first cat can be seen from the engine area peeping out at an angle, and the second cat is right in your line of sight, roughly where the back of your front seats are.
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What is the Prius value of a scrap catalytic converter?
Depending on the car, you may require one or two brand-new Toyota catalytic converters, which cost roughly $2000.
At best, you can receive $1,000 for a Toyota cat converter, with Land Cruiser and Prius converters being the most desirable. Their scrap price is extremely high, but it’s still less than half of the original.
How much are catalytic converters for Toyota Prius vehicles worth?
Estimated cost to replace the catalytic converter in a Toyota Prius. Replacement catalytic converters for Toyota Prius models typically cost between $2,124 and $2,151. Between $87 and $110 is the expected cost of labor, and between $2,037 and $2,041 is the projected cost of parts.
How can I tell if my Prius’ catalytic converter is missing?
If your catalytic converter is missing, the engine will start making a loud roaring or rumbling noise. When you press the gas, this noise becomes louder. The vehicle also drives rougher than usual since the exhaust isn’t functioning properly, frequently sputtering as you change speeds. Look underneath the automobile by going to the back. The catalytic converter is a cylindrical canister that joins two sections of exhaust piping. If the converter is missing, your exhaust will have a huge hole in the centre, and you’ll probably notice that the piping has been chopped away.
How is a Prius catalytic converter stolen?
Catalytic converters must be removed by thieves from below the car. Typically, they will cut through the connecting exhaust pipes with a small, battery-powered saw, separating the part from the automobile in a matter of minutes. You may have observed that a Prius doesn’t have a particularly high seat.
What motivates criminals to steal Prius catalytic converters?
Toyota Prius owners might want to leave their cars in the garage tonight since, according to a new list from Carfax, these hybrid cars are the #1 target for catalytic converter theft in the West.
This week, the vehicle history company published a list of the top cars in the nation that are prime candidates for their catalytic converters. Ford F-Series pickup trucks from 1985 to 2021 and Honda Accords from 1989 to 2020 are at the top of the list nationwide, but the Toyota Prius, which was ranked No. 10 nationally as a target, is No. 1 in the West.
In order to create its lists, Carfax examined service records for new catalytic converter installations from more than 60,000 repair facilities nationwide between 2019 and the first three months of 2022.
The top vehicles in the West that catalytic converter thieves target are:
- 2001–present Toyota Prius
- Ford F-Series from 1985 to 2021
- Honda Accord 1989–2020
- Ford Econoline 1990–2022
- 1999-2021 a Chevy Silverado
- Subaru Outback, 2007–20
- Jeep Patriot, 2007–2017
- Element Honda 2003–2011
- Forester Subaru, 1998-2020
- Toyota Tacoma, 1995–2021
The National Insurance Crime Bureau reports that during the pandemic, catalytic converter thefts increased dramatically across the nation, rising by more than 325% in just one year. Due to the rising value of the precious metals used in catalytic converters, these thefts increased, with thieves earning up to $300 for a typical catalytic converter. Due to the higher amount of precious metals used in hybrid vehicles, a catalytic converter stolen from one can fetch up to $1,400.
While waiting for their vehicles to be repaired, owners may have to spend between $1,000 and $3,000 out of pocket.
Vehicle owners should aim to park in well-lit places and be mindful of their surroundings if parking in a garage is not an option. Owners of vehicles might also think about installing an anti-theft device or having their converters laser-etched with the VIN.
A Prius can be operated without a catalytic converter.
Oh, no! That breaks my heart, dear. The worst are thieves. Although it is possible to operate a Prius without a catalytic converter, this is not a recommended long-term option. You won’t get as much out of your Prius, and it won’t pass an emissions test.
What to do if a catalytic converter is stolen is as follows:
- Make a police report and contact the police.
- You can drive the automobile there if you bring it to a repair shop!
If your catalytic converter is not replaced, you can anticipate
- driving recklessly and accelerating suddenly
- unsuccessful emissions tests
- obnoxious engine noise
Hopefully, this was useful. I’m so sorry you fell victim to theft, but I hope you can obtain some assistance with the cost of your replacement catalytic converter!
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Which model year Prius had stolen catalytic converters?
Though catalytic converter theft has increased in model years up to 2015, thieves primarily target Prius from 2004 to 2009.
Other things you can do
- We are looking towards battery-operated wifi inclinometers that could alert you if your car is being jacked up even while the manufacturer alarm is not sounding.
- If you notice something occurring to your car, don’t risk getting into a physical altercation; instead, phone 911 without telling the thief that you are watching them.
- Make sure to submit a police report online if this occurs or if you hear about it. If they can’t find it, nothing will ever get done because no one in law enforcement is aware of it. https://www.portlandoregon.gov/police/cor/
- Tell every Prius owner you know about this (feel free to send a link to this page)
- Park underground or in a well-lit place. on a main thoroughfare, not a side street.
- Install a steel plate-style catalytic converter theft deterrent device.
Palladium, a very expensive metal, is used in the catalytic converter used by the Prius emissions control system. As a result, the converter has grown increasingly popular with thieves lately.
If my Prius doesn’t have a catalytic converter, how can I sell it?
You can sell your Prius straight through the SellMax website if it has a damaged or missing catalytic converter. You may instantly get a quotation for your trash automobile online. There is no need to worry that your automobile won’t pass the smog test because SellMax will provide free junk car removal and will handle the pickup and liability. Simply sell your automobile to SellMax, and they’ll handle everything else.
What can I do to keep my catalytic converter from being stolen?
Use a locked garage, regularly shift your car’s place, or park in well-lit areas close to exits for the general public. Install a theft prevention device. Install cameras and motion-activated lights in your parking area. Some local police departments even provide free painting programs to dissuade purchasers by painting your catalytic converter.
How can I determine if my catalytic converter was stolen?
Can I drive without a catalytic converter? is a common question that many customers ask when faced with the recovery costs of a stolen “cat?
Both yes and no are the responses. A automobile can theoretically run without a catalytic converter. This, however, is not a viable long-term solution. Here are several issues that arise when you drive without a catalytic converter.
Loud Vehicle Noises and Missing Catalytic Converter
Extremely loud engine noises are the first indication that a catalytic converter has been stolen. Driving without a catalytic converter may cause your car to sound like it is roaring, especially when you start it or give it gas.
Rough Driving and Acceleration
Your car will drive rougher as your exhaust isn’t controlled. Normally, your engine pushes exhaust through the catalytic converter. Without this part, the intense exhaust push will result in unpleasant acceleration that is uneven.
Annual Vehicle Inspection Failure
You will fail both the NC safety inspection and the NC emissions inspection if you don’t have a catalytic converter. You might be asking why a missing catalytic converter would result in you failing your safety inspection, even though the failure of the emissions check may seem evident.
An exhaust system check is part of your annual safety inspection, and it specifically looks for components that have been altered or removed. Among others, this pertains to your catalytic converter, muffler, exhaust pipe, PCP valve, and EGR valve.
As a result, without a catalytic converter, you will not be able to renew your vehicle’s registration. On our list of everything checked during your yearly safety inspection, you may find more details on exhaust system inspections.
Harmful Car Emissions
Because it transforms pollutants into less dangerous byproducts like water vapor and carbon dioxide, your catalytic converter is termed as such. Without this part, your automobile won’t be able to filter and reduce dangerous emissions including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons. This not only harms the environment, but it can also result in dangerously low air quality. For instance, these dangerous contaminants may enter your home when you park in your garage.
Avoiding a $250 Fine
Not every driver who does not have a catalytic converter experiences theft. To increase horsepower, some people decide to remove their catalytic converters. A $250 fine may be imposed by the police if they discover that you removed your catalytic converter on purpose.
Theft-related catalytic converters are not covered by this. The penalty is given “for ordering or permitting a person to tamper with a vehicle’s emission control device so as to render the device inoperative or malfunction.” However, if you use workarounds to avoid replacing your catalytic converter despite the fact that it was stolen, your actions may resemble those of a driver who is trying to tamper with their emissions system. This is another reason why it’s crucial to report a stolen catalytic converter as soon as possible.
The most popular vehicles for catalytic converter theft are what cars?
These are the vehicles that need catalytic converters the most.
- Ford F-Series pickup trucks from 1985 to 2021 (F-150, F-250, etc.)
- Honda Accord: 1989–2020.
- Jeep Patriot, 2007–2017.
- Ford Econoline vans from 1990 to 222.
- Chevrolet Silverado pickup trucks from 1999 to 2021.
- Chevy Equinox, model years 2005–21.
- Honda CR-V, which is available from 1997 until 2020.
- Toyota Camry, 1987–2019.