QuestionI recently failed an emissions test and took my 1997 Toyota Rav4 to a AAA certified mechanic who told me that I need a new catalytic converter. This would be around $1170.00 before taxes. He also advised me to change my tires from 225s to 215s or 205s. My check engine light never went on and I wonder if I truly need this repair, why the light didn't go on and is this a reasonabe fee for this service? And, will the tires really affect this test?
Thank you!
AnswerI would be a little careful here before spending that much money, in most cases a failing catalityc converter will make the check engine light turn on and set a trouble code in the computer, did they tell you what the trouble code was if there was any?
If there was never a trouble code stored it's almost impossible that the converter has a problem because converter performance is closely monitored by the computer, just doesn't sound right.
What I'd like to recommend is that you get another opinion, it may be worth it to pay the diagnostic fee and have the toyota dealer test the cat converter to see if it's working, take the failed smog printout with you to give to the dealer so they can look at the emission readings, this will help diagnose why it failed the smog test.
With an engine and emission control system working normally the tire size has basically no effect on emissions so I don't buy that one at all.
Before going to the dealer I may be able to help a little more if you could tell me the reason they said the converter needs to be replaced and if there were any trouble codes and also the smog test emission readings from the printout that said "failed" if you could do that I may be able to some more.
