Attention New York Residents
While the State of New York has required California Air Resources Board (CARB) compliant catalytic converters for some vehicles since 2013, an update to the regulation will impact all converter repairs performed in the state effective January 1, 2023. With this update to the regulation, New York has adopted stricter rules regarding catalytic converter repairs.
CARB Legislative Details
According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), only the sale and installation of catalytic converters manufactured to CARB standards will be permitted in the state of New York.
This applies to all aftermarket catalytic converter repairs on vehicles registered in the state of New York, regardless of the vehicle’s OEM emissions certification. Federal EPA-certified vehicles will also require aftermarket catalytic converters manufactured to CARB standards.
Replacing a Catalytic Converter in New York
For any pre-OBD vehicle (most 1995 and older models), simply use the Walker New York Converter Catalog to look up the proper part by the year, make, model, and engine configuration. Under CARB standards there is no Engine Family Number (EFN) verification required for pre-OBD vehicles.
Walker® has a full line of CalCat® catalytic converters that meet New York’s updated requirements. WALKER CALCAT CONVERTERS feature catalytic technology providing the proper catalyst material and design -- including the right loading of precious metals paired with a precise OE-style, substrate coating process and a high-technology washcoat -- for consistent performance and assured compliance with CARB emissions standards.
As of January 1, 2023, follow these steps to identify the part number you need to complete the repair:
For any pre-OBD vehicle (most 1995 and older models), simply use the Walker New York Converter Catalog to look up the proper part by the year, make, model, and engine configuration. Under CARB standards there is no Engine Family Number (EFN) verification required for pre-OBD vehicles.
For any vehicle 1996 and newer, use the year, make, model, engine, and EFN Number.
- First, locate the VEHICLE EMISSIONS CONTROL INFORMATION (VECI) LABEL to identify the EFN.
- Then, lookup the part by Year, Make, Model, Engine and EFN in the Walker New York Converter Catalog to find the correct CARB-compliant converter.
- Some vehicle catalog listings may have several different EFNs and some may require different converters.
Identifying a Walker CalCat Catalytic Converter
A CARB-compliant aftermarket catalytic converter will have an Executive Order (EO) number/stamp, part number, date, and flow direction arrow on its body. The stamped number on the converter body must match the correct EO number listed on the CARB website for approved replacement aftermarket catalytic converters.
Identify a CARB-compliant converter by referencing the details stamped on the shell of each Walker CalCat catalytic converter.
What Is Different about a CARB-Compliant Catalytic Converter?
Catalytic converters feature a substrate containing precious metals like platinum, palladium and rhodium. These precious metals serve as catalysts that process harmful raw exhaust gases and convert them into the less harmful gases of water, carbon dioxide and nitrogen. CARB-compliant catalytic converters typically use a higher precious metal load due to longer service life requirements in the CARB standards, as well as mass-based emission standards for CARB rather than the conversion efficiency standards used by EPA.
What Happens if I Don’t Use a CARB Converter?
If a vehicle is registered in the state of New York and you fail to install a CARB-compliant catalytic converter when completing a converter repair, you’ll likely fail New York’s emissions inspection. To pass the inspection, make sure to install a CARB-compliant converter. Any person who installs, sells, offers for sale, or advertises an improper replacement catalytic converter may be subject to fines.
Learn more about CARB-compliant catalytic converters, find the right car part, or find a local repair shop today.
The content in this article is for informational purposes only. You should consult with a certified technician or mechanic if you have questions relating to any of the topics covered herein. Tenneco will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on any content.
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