Honda Civic 173k miles aftermarket catalytic converter in California installed without informing or consent

VIKKU

MEMBER
2001 HONDA CIVIC
173,000 MILES

I have a 2001 Civic EX (173000 miles) in California and had got my Check Engine light inspected at a local repair shop. The car had 2 codes P1457 and P0420. The mechanic said that the Catalytic Convertor was bad and needed replacement (in addition to some 3-way purge valve in the EVAP system). He quoted a price of $400 for the cat (parts + labor) and I asked him to repair. However, he installed an aftermarket Catalytic converter (without my knowledge) and mentioned it only when I went to take my car back as a matter-of-fact FYI statement. I didn't know the implications, but on coming home and reading up some stuff online, I realised that aftermarket catalytic convertors are not legal in California and can also cause issues with smog checks in the future. I'm not sure what my options are and what exactly should I be doing. Pls help!

1 Reply

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

You could ask him to put a legal one on the car and see if he will comply. If ntot you can always use a lawyer. But dont' tell him about the lawyer. If California has a bureau of autor regs you might ask them and turn him in. But don't expect much they don't do much except take a mechanic's money for licensing. It may be ok for an older car anyhow. Even in California