Emissions Information
Shop Tour Stop #1

Catalytic Converters

Does facility replace CC's that are the correct type based on vehicle requirements?

Yes--The facility does either 1 or 2 below.

  1. routinely check a converter catalog or chart to ensure the correct type converter (i.e.,oxidation, three-way, or three-way plus air), if an inventory of new converters are kept in stock at the shop or

  2. order converters one at a time as needed from a local parts store and provide the parts store with the vehicle information so that the parts store can send the correct converter for that car.

No--The facility does not do either 1 or 2 listed above.

N/A--The facility is not in the business of replacing catalytic converters. Can skip this section and move on to the Fuels section.

Does facility replace CC's covered under the vehicle manufacturer's warranty?

Installers are prohibited from installing aftermarket catalytic converters on vehicles still covered under the vehicle manufacturer's emission control warranty. The original catalytic converters on 1994 and older vehicles are covered under the manufacturer's warranty for 5 years or 50,000 miles. Models 1995 and newer are covered for 8 years or 80,000 miles.

Yes--The facility does replace converters still under vehicle manufacturer's warranty.

No--The facility only replaces converters not covered by vehicle manufacturer's warranty.

If yes, was original CC missing or due to State/local inspection program requirement?

Yes--The facility installed a converter on a vehicle still covered under manufacturer's warranty that came into the shop with the converter missing or with authorization from the state or local vehicle/emission inspection program that has determined the existing converter had been lead poisoned, damaged, or otherwise needs replacement. The authorization from the state or local authority should be attached to the work invoice.

No--The facility installed an aftermarket catalytic converter on a vehicle still covered under manufacturer's warranty and the vehicle's original converter was still present and the vehicle owner had no authorization from the state or local vehicle/emission inspection program.

Does facility properly mark and keep replaced CC's onsite for at least 15 days?

Used converters removed from vehicles must be kept on-site, usually in the bay area or outside, for a minimum of 15 days from date removed and must be marked to indicate which customer's vehicle they came from.

Yes--The facility must (1) either write with a marker, chalk, or equivalent, the work invoice number or the date of removal and customer's name on the removed converter and keep onsite for at least 15 days or (2) attach a copy of the work invoice to the removed converter and keep onsite for at least 15 days.

No--The facility does not do 1 or 2 above.

Does facility completely fill out customer paperwork and maintain onsite for at least 6 months?

Customer work invoices for replacement must include the customer's name and complete address and the vehicle's make, model year, and mileage, as well as the reason for replacement. Copies of work invoices, statements and warranties must be retained at the facility for six months.

Yes--To receive a "yes" the facility must do all of the following:

  • Completely fill out the work invoice and warranty for the replaced catalytic converter. Work invoices must include the following:

    • Customer's name
    • Customer's complete address
    • Vehicle's make, model year, and mileage
    • Reason for replacement (damaged, clogged, missing...);

  • Fill out the catalytic converter manufacturer warranty card completely. Usually the facility will attach a copy of the warranty to the work invoice; and

  • Maintain completed work invoices and warranties on-site for at least 6 months.

No--Any of the above are not done.



Source: US EPA Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance, EPA 305-8-97-005, July, 1997.


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