Catalytic converter

SYLWOLF86

MEMBER
2001 DODGE DURANGO
4.7L
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
110,000 MILES

The catalytic converter on the passenger side seems to be broken and is making metallic noise. I was told the ceramic inside is broken. The vehicle is a California compliant vehicle and due to that, I was quoted $1,100.00 to fix it. I was also told a standard replacement could be used as long as I am not taking the truck back to California. The cost for that was $300.00 installed. I do not have $1,100.00 for this. I am wondering will the vehicle run correctly with the non California pipe? And will the check engine light not be on? Any information would be much appreciated. Thank you!

1 Reply

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
13,466 POSTS

As I answered before to your earlier post.

It depends on what state you are in. In California and New York it is illegal to use a non-carb certified unit. Technically it is a violation of Federal law in the other states to install a Federal approved unit on a vehicle that was built under California emissions.
As such I try not to break the law and tell someone else to because the fines for a shop doing that work are very high.

As for the CEL, The design of the old system does not monitor the rear converter so the ECM would not even notice if it was gone from the system. As long as the front units work it should run okay.