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Forum > Out of State Vehicle > Question

2003 Ford Mustang California Catalytic Converter

I just moved to California and before I could take my Ford Mustang for a smog check the check engine light came on. I was told the trouble code read one of the catalytic conveters is bad. Being this is a 49 state emission car will a California CAT work on it or do I need a 49 state CAT? And if I need a 49 state catalytic converter can someone in California replace it? If it is only one cat and I have to put on a CA CAT do I have to replace the whole system?

Answer:

If in fact your Ford Mustang needs a new catalytic converter you'll need to replace it with an OEM CAT designed to function with your vehicles engine and ECU. The only type of CAT you'll find in CA will be a California Air Resources Board (ARB) approved CAT. 49-State emission catalytic converters can not and are not sold in California (nor are they allowed to be shipped to CA). If you were out of state it would be a different story; you'd be able to replace the CAT with only one which was required for your vehicle (49-State Emission Certified). The aftermarket OEM catalytic converter you purchase in California will be designed for use specifically for your 49-state emissions Ford Mustang. It will have an Executive Order (EO) number indicating it's been approved for use in California. You should not be replacing your vehicle's CAT with a 50-State emission CAT. You should use an OEM catalytic converter designed specifically for your vehicle which has an EO number stamp and has been approved for use on your 49-state emission certified Ford Mustang. posted by SmogTips Support

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