Prius needs new catalytic converter

[saweber]

We have a 2001 Toyota Prius with approx. 75000 miles. On our way home the Check Engine light came on last night. My wife took it to our local Toyota dealer today. The tests revealed that the engine control module (ECM) is defective and that the catalytic converter needs to be replaced. The ECM is still covered under warranty, the catalytic converter is not. The technical adviser told us that the converter problem can harm the engine (gets too hot) and that the car should not be driven until ECM and catalytic converter are replaced. I'm not a car expert. Does this make sense? I've not heard of catalytic converters failing that soon. Could the failure we the result of the defective ECM? I'm wondering if other Prius owners had this problem. I feel like contacting Toyota. The repair will cost us more than $1800. Any feedback is welcome. Thanks !

[ifidie2nite]

Originally Posted by saweber

We have a 2001 Toyota Prius with approx. 75000 miles. On our way home the Check Engine light came on last night. My wife took it to our local Toyota dealer today. The tests revealed that the engine control module (ECM) is defective and that the catalytic converter needs to be replaced. The ECM is still covered under warranty, the catalytic converter is not. The technical adviser told us that the converter problem can harm the engine (gets too hot) and that the car should not be driven until ECM and catalytic converter are replaced. I'm not a car expert. Does this make sense? I've not heard of catalytic converters failing that soon. Could the failure we the result of the defective ECM? I'm wondering if other Prius owners had this problem. I feel like contacting Toyota. The repair will cost us more than $1800. Any feedback is welcome. Thanks !

It could have been just this one converter. I would buy a converter myself usually costing in the $100 range, and replace it myself.

[meromance]

Originally Posted by saweber

We have a 2001 Toyota Prius with approx. 75000 miles. On our way home the Check Engine light came on last night. My wife took it to our local Toyota dealer today. The tests revealed that the engine control module (ECM) is defective and that the catalytic converter needs to be replaced. The ECM is still covered under warranty, the catalytic converter is not. The technical adviser told us that the converter problem can harm the engine (gets too hot) and that the car should not be driven until ECM and catalytic converter are replaced. I'm not a car expert. Does this make sense? I've not heard of catalytic converters failing that soon. Could the failure we the result of the defective ECM? I'm wondering if other Prius owners had this problem. I feel like contacting Toyota. The repair will cost us more than $1800. Any feedback is welcome. Thanks !

try mom and pop shops before taking in the dealer they usually mark up the repair price and trying buying your parts online such as ebay.