Can someone help me? (Need catalytic converter: which one? Cali/Federal?)

[2K85]

I live in NY, have a 2004 Chevrolet Aveo LS 4 door 1.6L engine, my catalyst converter is bad. I'm tring to find a decent price on a new one, but a question came up, is the emissions federal or Cali. The converter part number is GM96536865, interim non-Tier2 Bin 8 I can't find any info on this, and there is no sticker that states what emissions it is. The other # on the converter are: MK D D3K04-D3K05 32031A. Any help can be appreciated, or I'll call the dealership but before that I figured I'll try this.

Thank you very much.

[Daox]

According to the EPA's site, there is no differentiation between Federal and California emissions 2004 Aveos.

[2K85]

Daox, tht means any converter will pass emissions? Cuz federal is cheaper than Cali one and the car has 100k miles. Thank you

[Daox]

Are you sure the CAT is bad? Its not often they actually go bad. What is the problem with the car?

[2K85]

Cat fell apart when I took it out. I'm gona try to put pics how it looked like.

[2K85]

This is how it looked like when i got the cat off the car. Sry I can't shrink the pics. It's been a long time since I used forums and posted pics.

[Daox]

Haha, yeah that looks bad to me! BTW the pics auto shrink.

Go for the cheaper converter. Or, check car-part.com or a local salvage yard for a probably even cheaper option.

[2K85]

Haha, yeah that looks bad to me! BTW the pics auto shrink.

Go for the cheaper converter. Or, check car-part.com or a local salvage yard for a probably even cheaper option.

I got one from Auto Zone, a bit more cash but has a 5 year warranty. Now I'm waiting for it to come in. everything is waiting nice n clean. Im hopping this is the only problem cuz Friday i have to get my inspection done lol

[jimzdat]

Just for future reference; in most cases, unless your vehicle has a specific VIN character that specifies it as "California", it can generally be assumed it's a "Federal" (or "49 state") car. If memory serves, the emissions sticker under the hood will also specify.

And federal law prohibits wrecking yards from reselling catalytic converters now, so if they are still doing it in your area, it's likely a major no-no.

[queenmoomba]

I remember that Chevy put out a recall for the catalytic converter. I actually had it done a couple years back