Catalytic converters are one of the most-ordered parts on our phones and one of the easiest to get wrong. The same vehicle needs a different converter depending on the engine, which bank the code points to, and the state it is registered in. We ask all three before quoting, and the quote carries the EO number when a CARB unit is required.
What changes from one converter to the next
- Engine family and model year. Converter approval is per engine, so a 3.6 V6 converter for one year range may not be listed for the next.
- Bank. V6 and V8 engines have one converter per bank, and the two are different parts. P0420 points to bank 1, P0430 to bank 2.
- Position. Close-coupled converters bolt to the manifold or are built into it; underbody converters sit further back. Some vehicles have both.
- Certification. Federal (EPA) units are legal in 46 states; CARB-certified units carry an Executive Order number and are required in California, New York, Maine and Colorado.
Direct-fit or universal
Direct-fit converters replace the original section with flanges and hangers in place, and they are the only kind CARB approves for most late-model vehicles. Universal converters need cutting and welding and are a shop-only job; we quote them for older vehicles where no direct-fit unit exists.
Before you replace it
A converter code with an intact converter is common. A failing downstream oxygen sensor, an exhaust leak ahead of the sensor, or a misfire dumping fuel into the converter all set P0420. Fix those first; a new converter installed behind an unfixed misfire fails within months and is not a warranty claim.
Catalytic Converters by make
- Chevrolet — Traverse, Equinox, Cruze, Sonic and Silverado converters are frequent orders; the 3.6 V6 uses close-coupled converters per bank.
- Ford — F-150 converters differ by engine and by EcoBoost vs naturally aspirated; Explorer and Escape use close-coupled units.
- Toyota — Tacoma, Tundra and Highlander converters are theft targets in California; direct-fit CARB units are stocked for the common engines.
- Honda — Ridgeline, Pilot and Odyssey 3.5 converters are per bank, with the front converter built into the manifold.
- Hyundai — Elantra and Sonata use an exhaust manifold with the converter integrated; sold as one assembly.
- Cadillac — DTS, DeVille and CTS front converters are frequent; Northstar V8 converters are per bank.
Read before you buy
Catalytic Converters FAQ
A CARB-certified direct-fit converter with an Executive Order number listed for your exact engine and model year. Federal and universal converters are not legal to install on California-registered vehicles.
No. Federal law prohibits installing a used converter, and we will not quote one.
Yes, the bank the code identifies. Many owners replace both when the vehicle is high mileage, since the second usually follows within a year.
The state where the vehicle is registered, not where it is driven or bought. Tell us the registration state and we quote accordingly.