If you own a Toyota Prius, you likely purchased the vehicle, at least in part, because it is relatively environmentally-friendly. One way you can help ensure your vehicle is as low-impact as possible is to learn to work on it yourself. At the very least, you can be certain you are handling oil recycling properly. In more extreme situations, you can handle problems such as fixing your catalytic converter.

Symptoms of a Failed Catalytic Converter

There are several warning signs that your catalytic converter has failed or is failing. In general, you can expect the check engine light to illuminate and a diagnostic trouble code to be set. However, if you don’t have a scanner or are not getting a code for some reason, there are a few other notable symptoms:

• Your vehicle struggles to start.
• Your engine misfires.
• You have little power when accelerating.
• Your exhaust system makes loud and/or strange noises.
• Your exhaust smells or looks unusual.
• Your fuel efficiency is significantly lower than usual.

These symptoms may indicate a problem with your catalytic converter. It is worth noting, however, that they can also be problems elsewhere.

As you may notice, the issues with a catalytic converter can have a major impact on your vehicle’s performance and environmental impact. Between worse emissions and a higher fuel bill, fixing catalytic converter problems quickly is a good idea.

Even the best Toyota Prius catalytic converters will eventually fail. Most have a lifespan of about 100,000 miles. However, this may be lower or higher depending on the quality of the cat and how well you take care of it.

Fixing a Failed Catalytic Converter

If your catalytic converter has completely failed or been significantly damaged, the solution is to replace it. This is a job you can do in your own garage. The process is not very complex, but it does involve an O2 sensor. It may be worth buying a new catalytic converter and bringing your Prius to a trusted mechanic.

You may be able to fix a clogged catalytic converter by cleaning it. You can do this manually, using a fuel additive or by performing an “Italian tune-up.” The latter simply involves driving your car harder than normal for a few miles. It gets its name from Ferrari mechanics who would use it to fix the famous sports cars.

Making sure to drive your Prius regularly and keeping up with scheduled maintenance can help to keep your catalytic converter in good condition. Additionally, address any check engine light promptly. Engine issues may cause damage to the cat.

Get Started

Fixing a catalytic converter is certainly more challenging than changing your wiper blades. Nonetheless, it is sometimes necessary and being able to diagnose and fix the problem is a valuable skill.

Working on your Toyota Prius can be a very rewarding experience. It is a great chance to get to know your vehicle more closely. Additionally, it is a nice feeling when you fix a problem by yourself. Get started wrenching on your Prius or any other vehicle today and see what you can accomplish.