Repair 7

Dealing with the catalytic converter on a vehicle tends to be time-consuming. Various federal and state laws mandate how these emission controllers must be installed, modified and removed and disposed. In Michigan, however, no specific laws deal with the disposal of catalytic converters, meaning you are free to dispose of it more or less how you please. The best and most profitable way is to recycle it.

Instructions

1

Locate a scrap yard in your area of Michigan that accepts used catalytic converters. The USA Catalytic Converter Directory provides a list of Michigan recycling and metal companies that recycle catalytic converters (See resources).

2

Take your catalytic converter to the recycling center or scrap yard you have chosen.

3

Request the scrap yard or recycling center to weigh the converter and assess its value, then accept payment for it. You will probably only receive a couple of dollars for it, but it will be properly recycled and diverted from landfills.

Catalytic converters, important to your vehicles emissions, clean exhaust before it enters the atmosphere. A bad catalytic converter can turn on your "Check Engine" light and lead to ensuing engine problems and power loss in your Camry.

Late-Model Camrys

Camrys made after the year 2000 will likely have two catalytic converters whether they have a four- or six-cylinder engine. Typically, the front converter is much less expensive to replace. Earlier-model Camrys from the 1990s and before may have only one converter, depending on the model.

California Camrys

Califonria has particularly strict emission laws. Camrys sold and driven in California will definitely have two converters.

Further Considerations

If still unsure about how many catalytic converters your Camry has, a mechanic can look under the car and quickly tell you. If your "Check Engine" light has turned on, have a mechanic plug the car into a diagnostic machine to determine which, if either, converter has begun to fail and diagnose the underlying engine problem.

Catalytic converters were first used to scrub pollutants from automobile exhaust systems in the United States in 1975. Today converters are required equipment on most passenger cars and light trucks sold in the U.S., where they have helped reduce vehicle emission pollution by more than 90 percent, according to CatalyticConverter.org. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enforces emission performance specifications and other requirements for new and reconditioned converters.

Warranties

For new light-duty cars and trucks, converter manufacturers must provide a performance warranty covering repair of converters that fail emission control system tests in two years or 24,000 miles. Repair of major emission system parts is covered for eight years or 80,000 miles. A separate design and defect warranty covers emission control system parts that malfunction during the first two years or 24,000 miles, and major emission system parts in the first eight years or 80,000 miles.

Illegal Tampering

Any modification that reduces the effectiveness of a vehicle emission control system is illegal. Removing catalytic converters, selling or installing less effective replacement converters, or manufacturing converters that do not comply with federal performance specifications are subject to $25,000 penalties per occurrence. Vehicle owners, repair technicians and repair facilities can all be held responsible for violations.

New Replacement Converters

New aftermarket converters can be installed on a wide variety of different vehicles. They must carry a 25,000-mile warranty to meet federal emission performance standards, and a five year or 50,000-mile warranty on the converter end pipes and shell.

Used Replacement Converters

Used, or reconditioned, converters can only be installed on the type of vehicle for which they were originally manufactured. They must meet minimum EPA performance standards at the time of the sale but are not required to carry a warranty.