Second- and third-generation Toyota Tundras (model years 2007 to the present) have four catalytic converters—two located near the engine’s exhaust manifold and two underneath the vehicle closer to the mufflers. First-generation Tundras have two catalytic converters, both located under the truck.
Toyota is well-known for using expensive precious metals in its catalytic converters. And because of this, they are frequent targets of theft. With catalytic converter thefts increasing each year, it’s important for you to understand where your cat is located and how to prevent its theft.
We’ll break down the facts and explain how to protect your catalytic converters from thieves.
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Second (2007-2021) and third-generation (2022-present) Toyota Tundras have four catalytic converters. Two are located close to the engine near the exhaust manifold, and two are slightly further back underneath the truck.
First-generation Tundras, which include model years 2000 through 2006, have two catalytic converters located underneath the vehicle.
What are the benefits of a catalytic converter on a Toyota Tundra?
What’s the point of installing catalytic converters on your car, especially if they’re such prominent targets for thieves? Well, catalytic converters are actually critical components of your truck’s exhaust system, and they’re one of your vehicle’s primary defenses against the release of harmful emissions.
The catalytic converter’s job is to reduce the number of toxic pollutants that exit your car’s exhaust system into the atmosphere. It does this by converting the most harmful gases—like hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide—into less toxic molecules, like oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide.
The reason catalytic converters are so expensive—and such attractive targets for thieves—is that the catalysts used to convert highly toxic gases into less harmful ones are made from precious metals. Toyota, in particular, is known for using high-value metals in its converters, such as platinum, rhodium and palladium.
How to protect the catalytic converter on your Toyota Tundra
Toyota Tundras are frequent victims of catalytic converter theft and are some of the most popular cars targeted by catalytic converter thieves
. That’s because, as pickup trucks, Tundras sit high enough off the ground to allow thieves easy access to the cats. And with Toyota’s notorious use of costly precious metals, these trucks are easy targets for both opportunists and professional thieves. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to minimize your risk of falling victim to catalytic converter thieves. Here are some of the most effective ways to prevent catalytic converter theft:
Install an anti-theft device on your Tundra. For SUVs and trucks like your Toyota Tundra, the most popular anti-theft devices are large metal shields like these from CAT SHIELD™
and Cat Security™
. But other devices, like straps, cages and alarms, are available and serve similar functions. Park your truck in a garage or well-lit lot. Parking your vehicle in a secure garage is one of the best ways to protect your cat. But if that’s not an option, a well-lit parking lot or driveway with motion-activated flood lights is helpful for deterring thieves.
Scratch or paint your VIN on the cat. Although this probably won’t stop a thief from taking your cat, it will make it easier to trace and more difficult to sell on the black market.
Besides the methods listed above, there is one more way to protect yourself from catalytic converter theft. Choose a car insurance policy that includes comprehensive coverage
. If your catalytic converter is stolen and you don’t have this coverage, you won’t be able to file a claim with your insurance company to cover the cost of your replacement cat. What to do if your catalytic converter is stolen
If you fall victim to catalytic converter theft, try not to panic. Instead, follow these steps:
Take pictures and videos of your exhaust system and the missing converter(s) to document the theft.
Contact the authorities and file a police report.
File a claim with your insurance company if you have comprehensive coverage.
Consider replacing the stolen cat with an aftermarket part to reduce the risk of future theft and to cut down on expenses.
Explore anti-theft devices to prevent future theft.
When to replace the catalytic converter on a Toyota Tundra
You can typically expect a catalytic converter to last about 10 years or 100,000 miles. But, like most car parts, they are subject to wear and tear and will degrade over time. Keep an eye out for the following signs of a bad catalytic converter:
Reduced engine performance and slow acceleration
Dark or unpleasant-smelling exhaust smoke (sulfur or rotten egg smell is a classic sign of catalytic converter problems)
Vehicle undercarriage overheating
If you notice any of these signs, you can use an onboard diagnostics (OBD) tool to check for engine codes and problems with the exhaust system. You can also take your Tundra to the Toyota dealership or an independent shop for inspection and repairs. Some independent shops even specialize in exhaust system repairs.
Sometimes, you might only need to replace part of your catalytic converter, like a heat shield. However, in other instances, you might need to replace the entire converter, as well as accessory components, like oxygen sensors. The average cost to replace a Toyota Tundra catalytic converter is between $3,800 and $4,000.
New Toyota vehicles come with a basic warranty that covers emissions components for three years or 36,000 miles. So, if your catalytic converter fails during that time period, you might be able to get your replacement covered by the manufacturer. However, if the cat fails due to normal wear and tear or the warranty window has closed, you’ll have to cover the replacement cost yourself.
How to replace a catalytic converter
Unless you’re mechanically inclined and have access to the proper tools, catalytic converter replacements aren’t the greatest DIY job. Often, you’ll need access to a pipe cutter or torch to cut off a welded-on cat, gasket cleaners, pipe expanders and more to perform the replacement.
If you decide to replace your catalytic converter yourself, be sure to confirm that you purchase the correct replacement part and make sure it’s OEM-grade. Aftermarket parts can help prevent theft, but you still need to ensure that you buy a quality cat that fits your vehicle.
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