The "Check Engine" light came up and an independent mechanic shop read the code - "0421". The service receipt reads "P#0421 - Code - bank 1 Cata system not working properly - hooked up scanner check front and rear O2 voltage - rear switching - the cat need to be replaced".

I read through older threads and looks like there is no aftermarket catalytic converter for us Californians. I just wanted to check if there are any new alternatives? I live in SF Bay Area and would appreciate if anyone knows of any local shops that can take care of this at lower than dealer costs.

Thanks!

 

Hey there, I'm in the same boat..

Well my cat still works, but there are some loose parts in it now that makes a lot of noise.

Anyways in california by law that just passed YOU CANNOT just put any cat on there, EVEN if you will have perfect emissions and pass the actual smog test, if the cat is not stated/documented for THE SPECIFIC vehicle, the smog station can/will fail you.

I know if you go to the state referee they will fail you if you replace the cat and its not OEM or not one specified for your vehicle.

The good news is, unless its the state ref, most smog stations will not really care and as long as they SEE a cat and you pass the emissions test they wont mind..

But again if you go to the state ref or you go to a smog station that are D!CKS then if you replace the cat with a universal aftermarket one, they WILL reference the part #, EO and CARB #s and if it doesnt match to your vehicle, they can/will fail you.

This puts us in a predicament because Monteros have NOOOOO aftermarket here in the USA, not just Montero but also Montero sport..

the default replacement and #1 maker of affordable cats is MAGNAFLOW, i checked though and they do not make a CA. cat replacement for the montero and montero sport..

so your only "LEGAL" option is to buy the $200+ one from the dealership..

I'm not paranoid though because we have an SUV, not some rice rocket that they will scrutinize, I will take my chance and spend $40-50 on a universal cat.

 

Is the OEM one $200+ only? I thought it was $600+. No?

 

Sorry, but there is no real alternative to getting a factory replacement for the warm-up cat. This topic keeps coming up and maybe should be a sticky. '99 Bank 1 pre-cat is available for $525 here: www.mitsubishiparts.com.

Ron

 

Did they specifically say its for the Montero (sport), or a "universal" one

 

also can you give me the part # that it was?

 

I called Magnaflow. For, Montero 1999 Standard with 3.5L engine, the tech guy said they do not have a catalytic converter that is CA compliant.