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Can I Replace CA Emission Certified CAT with the Federal Version?

I need a catalytic converter for my vehicle. The car has the CA emissions label under the hood. I have two questions:

1. Will a federal CAT fit the car or will the connections by different?

2. Will a federal CAT set off an oxygen sensor (O2) error because it is not a California catalytic converter?

Thank you.

Answer:

EPA guidelines do not allow mismatching emission components. A California emission certified vehicle must maintain its California emission component configuration, regardless of the state in which it is registered. Installing a federal CAT on a California emission vehicle (even if the CAT is an exact fit) will cause your vehicle to fail the smog inspection. The federal CAT may even cause the check engine light to turn on, as both components (CA & Fed) may not function identically. California ARB certified catalytic converters have passed CARB (California Air Resources Board) bench tests, and posses an executive order (EO) number specific to California emissions components. posted by SmogTips Support

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