Catalytic Converters
Keep Your Vehicle Running at Its Best
At Route 40 Auto, we believe in testing and diagnosis before replacing a catalytic converter. Many other shops will see a P0420 or P0430 code and immediatley reccommend replacing the catalytic converter. The issue with this is – it may or may not have fixed your vehicles problem.
Services Provided
- Free Catalytic Converter Testing
- Catalytic Converter Repairs
- Catalytic Converter Replacement
- Keep The Check Engine Light Away For Good
- Backpressure and Performance Testing
Does P0420 Mean My Catalytic Converter Is Bad?
A P0420 or P0430 can be associated with several underlying conditions and proper diagnosis should precede replacement.
Upset conditions can cause a P0420 or P0430 such as:
- upstream/downstream O2 sensor data
- fuel trims
- misfire history
- exhaust leaks
- converter temperature/performance
- excessive oil consumption
- coolant contamination
- rich/lean operation
- damaged or restricted catalyst
Our Experts can test your car or truck and determine whether it is a bad catalytic converter or Oxygen Sensor.
“Route 40 Auto won’t sell you a catalytic converter your vehicle doesn’t need.”
Why Did My Catalytic Converter Fail?
Replacing a converter without fixing what destroyed it can result in another failed converter.
Why Catalytic Converters Fail:
- Engine misfires → raw fuel overheats the catalyst
- Rich fuel mixture → excessive fuel damages the converter
- Oil consumption → contaminates the catalyst
- Coolant consumption → contaminates the catalyst
- Ignition problems → incomplete combustion
- Fuel-system problems → improper air/fuel ratio
- Physical damage/rust → damages the converter or exhaust
- High mileage/age → eventual catalyst deterioration
Finding the cause of converter failure is just as important as replacing the converter.
Check Engine Light With P0420 or P0430?
P0420 — Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 1
P0430 — Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 2
These codes indicate that the ECM has detected catalyst efficiency below the expected threshold. They do not, by themselves, identify why efficiency is low or prove that simply replacing the converter will correct the underlying problem.
Have a P0420 or P0430? —> Schedule a Free Diagnostic Test. Walk-ins welcome, no sppoinment necessary.
How We Diagnose a Catalytic Converter
1. Scan the vehicle for trouble codes
P0420/P0430 and related fuel, ignition, misfire and oxygen-sensor codes.
2. Inspect the exhaust system
Look for leaks, damaged pipe, flanges, flex sections and physical converter damage.
3. Analyze engine operation
Check fuel trims, misfire data and related engine conditions that could cause converter failure.
4. Evaluate upstream and downstream oxygen-sensor activity
Determine whether catalyst-monitoring data supports an efficiency problem.
5. Check for restriction when symptoms indicate it
Especially when the customer reports severe loss of power.
6. Identify why the converter failed
Because installing another converter without correcting the underlying problem can damage the replacement.
7. Recommend repair or replacement
OEM vs. Aftermarket Catalytic Converters
OEM catalytic converters are made by the vehicle manufacturer or an approved supplier to match your car’s original specifications exactly. OEM converters almost always meet emissions requirements even after many years of use. The higher cost reflects reliability, longevity, and guaranteed compliance.
Aftermarket catalytic converters are produced by third-party manufacturers. They are usually cheaper and more widely available, but quality and compliance can vary significantly. There are dozens of Aftermarket catalytic converters being sold on the internet that advertise as being EPA or CARB legal and they are not. Route 40 Auto only installs catalytic converters from reputable manufacturers that comply with EPA and CARB regulations.
Do I Need an Entire Catalytic Converter?
Can We Repair It Instead?
Not every exhaust problem near the converter requires replacing the converter. Rusted flanges, leaking pipe, broken welds and damaged exhaust sections may sometimes be repaired separately when appropriate.
Our in-house fabrication experts can repair some catalytic converter housing cracks and leaks saving hundreds of dollars on a replacement.
Route 40 Auto Technicians are Catalytic Converter Experts
Our Technicians are experts at all aspects of catalytic converter testing, diagnosis, repair and replacement. All of the catalytic converters we sell are backed by a 24 month and 25,000 mile warranty.
Why Route 40 Auto?
Honest & Reliable Service
We believe in clear communication and fair pricing and, no unnecessary repair recommendations.
Experienced Technicians
Our skilled team handles everything from exhaust manifolds to mufflers and everything in-between with precision and care.
User Experience and Safety
At Route 40 Auto, we prioritize vehicle safety first. We will not release a vehicle that is not fit for road use.
Full-Service Exhaust & Muffler Shop
Over 350+ Mufflers, Resonators, Catalytic Converters, Manifolds and Exhaust Piping in-stock ready to install.