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2000 Toyota Camry Catalytic Converter Testing

I am getting my 2000 Toyota Camry ready for smog check testing. My car's exhaust smells like rotten eggs. I read on SmogTips.com that CAT testing can tell you whether or not the problem is the catalytic converter. Is this part of the regular smog testing or do I need to request this separately? BTW, some mechanics treat women like morons, so this is why I'm asking ahead of time. I used to change my own oil and once changed my windshield wiper motor, neither of which most of these smog techs have probably ever done ;) But still ... Thanks so very much for your help.

Answer:

The rotten egg smell is an indication of a defective Catalytic Converter. The smog station (smog inspection) will not test for a defective CAT directly. Instead they will utilize the smog check machine for an overall view of your Toyota Camry's exhaust content. If the catalytic converter is bad it will not reduce emissions to passing limits. The only direct CAT test which will be conducted on your 2000 Toyota Camry is a visual catalytic converter test; where the smog technician will look underneath your vehicle and ensure that in fact a CAT is present and it is the correct fit and model for your Toyota Camry. Asking for a separate catalytic converter test will cost your diagnosis time. Smog stations typically want to charge 2 hours of labor for smog failure diagnosis. If you ask them to specifically test the CAT they may charge a lesser fee, verify that the CAT is defective and suggest you replace it. State law however requires a smog station not replace a CAT until a vehicle's entire emissions system has been inspected. So it's kind of a catch 22. posted by SmogTips Support

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