Does the dealer have to replace the catalytic converter on my 2003 Toyota Matrix?

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pwallyd

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The "check engine" light in my Matrix 2WD came on at 105,000 miles so I took it to my regular mechanic. He put it on a tester and said the cat converter needed to be replaced. I asked him what that would involve cost-wise and he said I should take it to the dealership because even if he were to replace it, only the dealer would be able to reset the car so it would start.

I asked him to explain this and he could only tell me that his mechanic said I would have to have it towed to the dealer to reset the car (I am assuming a chip of some sort). I took the car to Autozone for a free test where they also got the same code for catalytic converter. My mechanic said I should not continue driving it much longer because doing so can damage other components. Of course, the dealer is salavating at the prospect of getting the job.

After reading the other postings and the TOO big price of replacing these things, I find it hard to believe that I am trapped into having to fork over $1600 to the dealer for this repair! I can find the catalytic converters online for around $400 ... and I think maybe $800 would include parts and labor.

Can somebody please provide some good information about this issue?
 
You can get a generic magnaflow catalytic converter from Ebay for like $100
A muffler shop should be able to install it for like $50.

Don't let the dealer or muffler shop rip you off.

And Autozone will clear the engine code once the new cat is welded in.

Just get the correct pipe size before you order the cat. As long as the car doesnt smell like rotten eggs or the catalyst is glowing orange then you can still drive it.

What was the engine code that you got?
 
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