Catalytic Converter Education

Proper identification of a California emission system

IMPORTANT NOTE: Before servicing any vehicle’s catalytic converter, you must determine whether the vehicle was manufactured to California or Federal (EPA) specifi cations.

Vehicles manufactured for sale in California could have exhaust systems components that may be different from 49-state vehicles. Vehicles that are not registered inCalifornia but are labeled as having California Emissions can use catalytic converters in this catalog except for those labeled “With a Federal Emissions System”.

All converters in this catalog are intended for 49-state vehicle applications and are not legal for sale or use in California.

Typical label showing a California system	Typical label showing a L.E.V. System (Low Emissions Vehicle)
Typical label showing a Federal system	Common vehicle emissions label locations are: 1. On the front radiator support 2. On the strut tower plate 3. Under the engine hood