How expensive is a catalyst converter?

Question

How expensive would it be to replace the catalyst converter on a 2000 Honda Civic? Would it be cheaper to just trade it in? Actually what is the catalyst converter, what function does it perform on a car?

Answer 1

The catalytic converter is the FINAL emissions device in your car's emissions control system. They are not very cheap.
They are used to CONVERT the exhaust gasses, which consist of Hydrocarbons, Carbon monoxide, Nitrogen oxides (all pollutants), nitrogen, water vapor and carbon DI-oxide into water vapor, carbon dioxide and nitrogen (all relatively benign gasses).
If you have a computer code identifying a poor catalyst efficiency, (P0420), I recommend that you have the diagnostics performed by a reputable and licensed SMOG repair facility. There are tests to determine if it is the catalytic converter, or the SENSOR that monitors the cat. It can save you a great deal of money, not to mention the frustration and inconvenience of an incomplete or unnecessary repair.

Good Luck

Answer 2

Its about $100 +/- $100

What it does is when heated there is a honeycomb of tubes lined with platinum and there is a chemical recation where the unburnt fuel is consumed and it essentialy scrubs the exhaust gases for cleaner emmisions. Perhaps someone else can give a more accurate description but that is the basic thing it does.

It you look under your car it looks like a "muffler" to most people and will be located somewhere between the engine and the rear wheels.

Answer 3

they have universal fit cats that can be installed go to cole muffler they will be the cheapest y would u want to trade in a honda

Answer 4

A universal fit cat should be around $150.00 installed. If it is a manifold mounted cat it will be more.