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CALIFORNIA OBDll GUIDELINES
Replacing Your Converter
A converter needs replacement periodically. A good warning sign is the Check Engine Light, which indicates a malfunction of any number of components. In such a case, a thorough diagnostic of the vehicle identifies the cause of the malfunction. In some cases, the code will indicate a converter malfunction. Under the current California OBDII policy, the OE converter can be replaced with a new “aftermarket” converter (only if it meets the California OBDII rule regulations) when the OE manufacturer’s OE warranty has expired (typically, after 8 years or 80,000 miles).
If, after a converter has been replaced, a Check Engine Light still exists, it may be because the installer did not reset the fault codes on the vehicle’s computer. This is because the computer still believes that a fault condition exists.
Tier 1, LEV, TLEV and ULEV OBDII certifications are important because, without Application Guides, the many OBDII levels that exist in California would be confusing. Perhaps the best method of determining Tier 1, LEV, ULEV and ULEV applications is to determine the Emissions Family Number (EFN), which is also often referred to as the Emissions Family Code (EFC).
EFN and OBDII certifications are directly related, so it is important that you use the California OBDll Application Guide to determine the correct converter for the vehicle. MagnaFlow provides the EFN numbers exactly for this reason.
Locating the EFN number on a vehicle can be challenging, as there are several possible mounting locations on your vehicle. Typically, a decal or tag on the firewall, radiator support or under the hood can be found.
Consolidated Converters vs. Universal Converters
A rule exists within the framework of the California Interim OBDII rules that basically require the installer to strictly adhere to the California OBDll Application Guide as the SOLE source of information to determine the correct converter for the vehicle. This is primarily because there may be multiple OE certifications for an application and the new aftermarket replacement converter may not meet all of the OE certifications. If the vehicle or application is not listed in the California OBDll Application Guide, the consolidated converter CANNOT be used.
Downstream Converters
Despite the fact that some rear converters lack a sensor downstream, this does NOT change the requirements. Emissions certifications apply only to complete systems and, as such, whenever a converter is present, the converter must meet all California OBDII requirements.
Two Converter Systems
California does not provide for consolidating split converters and, as such, the replacement converter system must have the same number of converters as the OE system it replaces.
Warranty Considerations
Under Interim California OBDII requirements, converters are designed for a longer life. Part of these requirements stipulate that, at 50,000 miles, the converters must still meet OE performance at useful life (100,000-120,000 miles).
Switching to Better Converters
There is not yet an EPA ruling on this matter. Since California Interim testing varies from Federal testing procedures, California converters do not exactly meet Federal requirements.
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