Catalytic Converter Theft Replacement

Typical Cost: Medium
Mobile Repair? Yes
Typical Lead Time: 24 - 48 hours depending on the vehicle

Catalytic converter theft.

In 2019, there were nearly 13,000 recorded thefts of catalytic converters in the UK, with a large proportion of these being in London. This is a huge rise on the previous years 2,000 recorded thefts. And sadly, these figures are no doubt set to rise.

Why are catalytic converters being stolen?

Catalytic converters contain three important precious metals, rhodium, platinum and palladium and the prices of these metals has increased hand over fist in recent times, with palladium being worth more than gold, weight for weight.

The catalytic converters are being removed from cars and sold to unlicensed scrap metal dealers for big sums of money and once sold on the parts are untraceable.

Are certain cars particularly vulnerable?

There is one car in particular that is the easiest target of all and that is the Honda Jazz. It can literally take less than 5 minutes from pulling up alongside the vehicle, to be away with the part, some professional thieves taken even less time.

Other vehicles we get a lot of enquiries for are the Toyota Prius, Honda CR-V and Lexust RX range.

Replacing the stolen catalytic converter.

Unfortunately, not only do the thieves make off with your catalytic converter, the all important exhaust gas sensors (Labda or O2 sensors) are usually screwed into the unit and therefore the wires to them are cut and they are made off with as well.

ClickMechanic can advise on the most likely scenario of what has been taken and what therefore needs to be replaced. Obviously we do not know what other damage has been done by the thieves in order to remove the part, but generally they use the quickest method which is to cut the section out, so minimal other damage is made.

What happens during a stolen catalytic converter replacement?

Replacing a stolen catalytic converter is becoming a routine repair for all mechanics and can be done both kerbside as well as in the workshop, providing it is safe to do so.
Whilst there are variations between manufacturers, the basics are pretty similar.

The mechanic will;

• Raise the vehicle
• Inspect the area from where the catalytic converter was positioned for any further damage
• Remove any remaining, yet, damaged sections
• Install the new exhaust sensors into the catalytic converter and fit it to the vehicle
• Plug in the exhaust sensors to the wiring loom and ensure every thing is secure
• Start the vehicle and ensure there are no exhaust gas leaks and clear any error codes that were created by the theft

What does this repair cover?

Unless otherwise stated, the quote for your stolen catalytic converter to be replaced will cover;

• The catalytic converter
• The expected missing exhaust sensor(s)
• The fitting kit
• Coming to you
• Fitting of the parts
• Disposal of the old parts (unless you request to keep them)
• VAT (if applicable)
• 12 months parts and labour warranty

What doesn’t the quote cover?

As you can imagine, it is not always possible to tell for certain what has been sawn, broken or bent in order to steel the part. Whilst we use our experience to quote on the most common requirements, we cannot cover every eventuality.

Therefore, if an additional exhaust sensor is required, or exhaust section or even wiring loom repair is required, this would be in addition to the cost.

What to search for on the ClickMechanic site?

Catalytic converter (theft) replacement

How much does it cost to have a stolen catalytic converter replaced?

The cost of replacing a stolen catalytic converter on your car and what parts your car's manufacturer recommends. It also depends on time scales, what parts are readily available and if the options if there is a lead time.

As each scenario is different, we need to manually quote for the replacement, so please do complete the enquiry form and we will email you back the quote. Therefore could you please complete the following form
https://www.clickmechanic.com/mir-requests/diagnostic-help

FAQ’s

What happens if there is more damage that needs to be repaired than the quote covers?

Whilst this doesn’t happen very often, we do not know for certain what further damage there is that will require parts. Once the mechanic is on site, they can quickly review the situation and discuss with you what is going to be required over and above what was quoted.

How quickly can you replace my stolen catalytic converter?

This very much depends on the car and what parts are in stock. As this problem continues to rise, the demand on the parts suppliers for the catalytic converters increases and some models are subject to delays due to this. Generally though, the parts can be with the mechanic in 24 - 48 hours.

Can you protect my new catalytic converter from being stolen?

There are a number of devices on the market that claim to deter thieves from stealing the part. However, any determined thief is likely to be unhindered by them and may cause even more damage in order to steal the part.

If you wish to have such a device fitted, you will need to purchase it yourself and then inform us that you wish to have it fitted. We can then discuss this with the mechanic and they usually can fit it as part of the replacement for you.

Can I supply my own parts?

No, we will not fit customer supplied parts unless they are a brand new item, purchased from a dealership with the receipt as proof of purchase. There is no flexibility over this due to insurance and warranty issues.

What happens if the mechanic finds that the catalytic converter isn’t required and the problem is due to another issue?

In this scenario, the mechanic will provide a no obligation quote for the correct repair. Should you accept this, the mechanic can alter the booking accordingly. If you decide not to go ahead with the alternative repair, the mechanic can change the booking to a call out and diagnostic booking and charge according to the time spent with the vehicle and call out.

Associated repairs

Catalytic converter replacement
Catalytic Converter Inspection
Exhaust pipe replacement - middle/silencer
Exhaust pipe replacement - front/downpipe
Exhaust pipe replacement - rear/tail/silencer
Lambda sensor replacement