Can I replace a Catalytic Converter myself? Toyota Matrix 2003?

Depending where you are located, all emissions parts like the catalytic converter have secret emissions warranties that last 7 years or 160,000kms. You should look into this as that replacement should not cost you a dime.

Cheers, hope this helped.

I would really advise you to get a second opinion. A catalytic converter is not something that goes wrong very often. I would be very surprised if it happened on 2003 Toyota Matrix. Taking it to the Toyota dealer might cost more per hour but it's not $1300. If it was the catalytic converter the car would run rough and lack acceleration. The check engine is not a serious problem its telling you that the car is running rich and maybe needs some adjustment. Its not the catalytic converter. Don't change it !

If the diagnostics tool tells the oxygen sensor is bad, then replace the oxygen sensor. The catalytic converter on my 97 Honda Civic LX, which I replaced it myself every 90,000 miles, which is always have a crack on the exhaust manifold.

I think you are being ripped off. My 2 oxygen sensors on my 97 Honda Civic cost about $200 for parts (brand Bosch), which I replaced it myself. Could you replace the catalytic converter yourself? Take a look where the catalytic converter on your Matrix. It is located at the back of the engine. Oxygen sensors for the Matrix, you have to go underneath (I have a 2006 Toyota Corolla which has the same engine layout as the 2003 Toyota Matrix). Oxygen sensors is fine and it doesn't cost a bundle. Catalytic converters should last about 5 years or 90,000 miles in my opinion. Catalytic converters are the last one to replace and the most expensive especially when you want to pass the California enhanced smog check.

You cannot just assume a problem unless you have a OBD II scanner (a diagnostics tool).

Toyota Matrix 2003

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Can I replace a Catalytic Converter myself? Toyota Matrix 2003?

My "Check Engine" light recently came on and I took my 2003 Toyota Matrix to AutoZone for diagnostics. The computer said that I just need a new oxygen sensor. Not knowing how to do this myself, I took my car to a mechanic with whom I'd had good experiences in the past. He said that...

Catalyst converter is part of the emission control, not part of engine control. Just think cars twenty some years ago were not equipped with cats, they still ran around. I do not understand why your mechanic tried to scare you like that: your car needed to be towed to a dealer, have it repaired and "reset"only at a leader, or it would not start. The code should be "P0420 Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold". It is a generic code, not Toyota specific. So you can use any OBD II reader/scanner to clear the code, or ask Autozone friendly guys to clear the code for you. With the check engine light ON or OFF, you do not feel any difference when driving. But with light on, you can not pass the emission. The cat failed at your car's mileage is not very uncommon, as a tech working at a Toyota dealer, I've seen many cars with lower or much lower mileage than yours having cats failed. BUT if this is the first time the code appeared, just clear the code, and continue to drive it as usual. The code will re-appear after you drive it for some miles (maybe a few hundred miles), if the cat really has failed. Or the code may even not re-appear. Why the dealer's price is so high? They use OEM parts. The cat is part of a long exaust pipe, which is about $1,000, and two gaskets at each connection should also be replaced, which are about $100. When loosening the nuts, if you live in north with ice and snow in winter, it is highly likely one or more bolts will break and result in hours of drilling and retapping. Therefore, there might be a few hundred dollars labor cost. You can get it replaced with an after-market cat at a muffler shop. They can cut the cat off and weld the new on in place. But remember to get warranty as long as possible. We've heard stories about after-market cats: some last long time without problem, and some failed in a short time. My suggestion at this time is: CLEAR the code and drive it as usual since this is first time the code has appeared. This is also our shop's usual practice. If the code comes back, then you need to worry about repairs. I hope this could be of a little help, and good luck.

I don't know about the Toyota Matrix specifically, but in general catalytic converters are not difficult things to replace if you're comfortable working on your car. You will need to raise your car up (ramps and/or jack stands should be sufficient). You will need an O2 sensor wrench (you can rent one from AutoZone) to remove the O2 sensor that should be immediately downstream of the catalytic converter, then unbolt the pipe that contains the catalytic converter. Put the new catalytic converter and pipe back on, screw in the O2 sensor, and you should be good to go.

Make sure you buy a catalytic converter specific to your vehicle. If you buy a generic one, you would need to get it welded in. A vehicle specific one will already be welded onto the piping necessary to make it a "bolt on" part.

OMG that totally happened to me 2 years ago! Except the dealer told me that it would cost that much to fix my Corolla.

So I bought a Cat Converter and had it installed at the local maintenance shop for $250 total. Just see the shop asap and they can special order one for your vehicle- or they may have it in stock.

Mine is still on my car and working great!

Good luck!

The oxygen sensor and cat converter are two completely different things. O2 sensor is also much cheaper--get a 2nd opinion.

Exhaust shops weld in a universal cat. thats cheaper and works fine, sometimes better (hi-flow) You can change it yourself if its a bolt on with gaskets or flange type but they are expensive. universals go for about $150.00 installed