catalytic converter - camry

Anyone ever had to replace a catalytic converter?

My check engine light went on in my 2003 camry and the dealer told me it is the catalytic converter

 

I changed one out on a 1996 Camry LE 4 cylinder. It wasn't too hard once I got the bolts loose. Just had to drop the exhaust pipe behind it and take the bolts off where the converter connects to the header. We bought a 2007 and the engine bay basically has the same setup as the 1996 so I would assume that it would be the same for a 2003. The converter I bought was a cheap aftermarket replacement and it fixed the check engine light.

 

so you think what the dealer does is reliable diagnosis?

those things are expensive, and i would like to see if anything else could set off the check engine light before i replace the converter.

 

You can always take it to an Advance Auto or Autozone for a free check engine light code check. They check the codes for free and let you know what sensor is showing a problem. The converter that I bought was less than $200. Just looked on autopartswwarehouse.com and the front ones are just over $300 for a bolt on replacement for the 2003. They also now combine the header and number 1 converter into one part so that would be why it's more expensive.

 

+1 Yes. Be prepared to cut off, bang out and replace the mounting bolts. Just in case.

 

Wife's 02 threw the bad cat code. I was told I had to replace the whole manifold. Try to get a rebuilt one but they were out. Couple years later still not replaced. Engine light only comes on on long trips.