Converter Tips
- EPA Converter Basics
- CARB Converter Basics
Certification - EPA
Catalytic Installation Requirements Guide Attention: Professional Installers
In August, 1986 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued new proposed guidelines for the construction, efficiency and installation of aftermarket converters. The EPA guidelines state that replacement converters may be installed only in the following situations:
- The vehicle is missing a converter
- A state or local inspection program has determined that the existing converter needs replacement
- The vehicle a 1995 or newer model that is more than eight years old or has more than 80,000 miles on it, and a legitimate need for replacement has been established and documented
The installer must include the customer's name and address, the make, model, year and mileage of the vehicle on the service invoice, along with a stated reason for replacement. Where a state or local government has determined that a converter is damaged or needs replacement, the service or repair facility must retain a copy of the written statement or invoice. Where a proper state or local government representative has not verified the replacement need, the customer and a representative of the service or repair facility must sign a statement verifying that replacement is justified.
Furthermore, the EPA has issued the following installation requirements:
- The converter be installed in one of the three situations outlined above
- The converter be installed in the same location as the original converter
- The converter be the same type as the original converter (i.e., oxidation, three-way or three-way plus oxidation)
- The converter be the proper one for the vehicle application as determined and specified by the manufacturer
- The converter be connected properly to any existing air injection components on the vehicle
- The converter be installed with any other required converter for a particular application
- The converter be accompanied by a warranty information card to filled in by the installer
- Federal law prohibits removal or replacement of properly functioning OE catalytic converter
Engine Family Number
To determine which catalytic converter to use on a vehicle, it is necessary to determine the specific vehicle emission system that was installed by the Original Equipment Manufacturer. This information is included on the Vehicle Emission Control Information label required by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (see examples below). This label is located in the engine compartment in a visible position on the hood underside, strut tower, radiator support, fan shroud, or firewall. The label will provide the Emission Family Number (EFN, also known as the Engine Family code or Test Group Number) and other important emission specifications. Be sure to verify your EFN in order to avoid misapplication of the catalytic converters in this catalog. If the label is missing, it is necessary to contact the OE dealer for the information, or to order a new Emission Control Information Label.
California Installation Requirements
Effective January 1, 2009, new aftermarket catalytic converters sold or installed in California must be designed to meet the following requirements:
Aftermarket converters are required to last for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Aftermarket converters for newer vehicles must be compatible with OBD II catalyst monitors. This includes making sure converters won't cause false catalyst fault codes, while also making sure that the OBD II system will correctly set a catalyst fault code if the aftermarket converter fails.
The warranty must be for five years/50, 000 miles and cover the cost of parts and labor if a replacement is needed. Determining the proper replacement converter for a particular vehicle takes a little research. This catalog will specifically indicate which converter models are legal for use in California and which exact vehicle models they may be installed on.
Installer's Checklist for New Aftermarket Catalytic Converters
Installer's Checklist for New Aftermarket Catalytic Converters
- The vehicle is specifically included in the application list for the catalytic converter and the converter is legal for use in California
- The vehicle's warranty for the OE converter has expired. Warranties range from 7 years/70,000 miles to 15 years/150,000 miles. Consult the owner's manual
- The installer has confirmed the need for a replacement catalytic converter. If the OEM converter is still present, a diagnosis that it is malfunctioning is required
- The replacement converter will be installed in the same location as the OE converter (the front face location will be within three inches compared to the OE)
- All oxygen sensors will remain installed in their OE locations(s)
- The catalytic converter will be installed on a "one-for-one" basis (a new converter is installed for each OE converter being replaced). Decreasing or increasing the number of catalytic converters (compared to the OE configuration) is prohibited
Engine Family Number
To determine which catalytic converter to use on a vehicle, it is necessary to determine the specific vehicle emission system that was installed by the Original Equipment Manufacturer. This information is included on the Vehicle Emission Control Information label required by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (see examples below). This label is located in the engine compartment in a visible position on the hood underside, strut tower, radiator support, fan shroud, or firewall. The label will provide the Emission Family Number (EFN, also known as the Engine Family code or Test Group Number) and other important emission specifications. Be sure to verify your EFN in order to avoid misapplication of the catalytic converters in this catalog. If the label is missing, it is necessary to contact the OE dealer for the information, or to order a new Emission Control Information Label.