The catalytic converter is normally fitted to most vehicles and is one of the most essential parts of the car’s emissions system. They are always part of the exhaust system and they vary in size depending on the engine size of your Toyota highlander.
Generally, a Toyota highlander has three catalytic converters, one on each side that is built into the exhaust manifolds and another one beneath it. It is a crucial part of forming the emission system. The emitted gases are converted into harmless gases.
How Many Catalytic Converters Does a Toyota Highlander Have

Your vehicle is a multifaceted piece of machinery with a diverse mechanism in place that keeps it running effectively. The exhaust system in this case is fitted with a catalytic converter that is a key component in making your car environment-friendly.
Toyota highlander just like any other vehicle has three catalytic converters, one on each side that is assembled into the exhaust manifolds and another one beneath it.
Do Toyota Highlanders Have Catalytic Converters?
Generally, catalytic converters are in all vehicles, and car manufacturers have improved exhaust cleansing techniques.
Toyota highlander has a catalytic converter which most of the most important parts of the car’s emission system. They are three in number, one on each side of the exhaust manifolds and another one beneath it. They also differ depending on the engine size of your highlander.
What Duration Can a Catalytic Converter Take on a Toyota Highlander?
No one wants to drive a noisy and low-performing car. If at any time the catalytic converter is not performing well, you will have issues such as engine misfires and a general engine power loss during acceleration.
Basically, the catalytic converter usually lasts for around ten years, that’s when you can contemplate changing it. Though you can also change it if you experience other problems such as clogging, physical damage, or when it’s stolen.
What Are the 3 Most Leading Failures of a Catalytic Converter?
Catalytic converters, just like any other part of a vehicle don’t fail on their own, usually, a failure is a sign of a larger problem. You should find the problem before repairing or buying a new converter.
Ideally, catalytic failures are categorized into three:
- Overheated or broken converters
- Coated substrate
- Structural damage.
Overheated or Broken Converters
In case of any glitch causing an extremely high level of HC or CO to come into the converter, will automatically increase its temperature. Some of the possible causes of high HC levels include, misfires, poor spark or no spark, and low compression.
Coated Substrate
A catalyst can be poisoned when the converter is exposed to emissions containing elements that coat the working surfaces.
Possible causes for the coated substrate may include; the use of non-converter safe gasket sealant, excessive oil consumption, improper fuel, or an excessive carbon buildup in the exhaust.
Structural Damage
Ideally, the main primary cause of structural damage is road debris striking the converter and some of this indication of effect is visible on the converter shield.
However, there are other possible causes of structural damage such as corrosion, thermal shock, metal fatigue, or flex pipe.
What Cars Have the Most Valuable Catalytic Converters?
What makes a catalytic converter valuable are the precious metals inside them. The most valuable converters are the ones on hybrid vehicles; this is because hybrid vehicles put out fewer emissions than fully gas-powered vehicles.
Other vehicles with the most valuable converters include;
- Ferrari F430 has the most catalytic converter valued at $3,770, and the F430 has two converters thus both will go for $7,540 before you include the cost of labor.
- Lamborghini Aventador is considered one of the most expensive in the market, just like the F430 it uses two converters, valued at $3,120 thus bringing the total value to $6,240
- Another one is the Ram 2500, which also uses two converters valued at $3,460, though it’s not as fancy as the one for Ferrari F430 or the Lamborghini it boasts as a much-respected vehicle.
- The other vehicle with the most valuable catalytic converter is the Ford 250 which is valued at $2,804.
Generally, we can conclude that the bigger the engine the more valuable the converter.
Can You Drive a Toyota Highlander Without a Catalytic Converter?
Undoubtedly, you can drive your highlander without a catalytic converter as a general rule. The catalytic converter is part of the exhaust system that helps to reduce air pollution. So, driving without it will not harm your car engine either way.
In some states it is a crime to drive without a catalytic converter, this is because they conduct emissions tests which you will automatically fail and might land you in trouble. It is not advisable to drive without a catalytic converter, even if it works.
FAQs
Final Words
In conclusion, your catalytic converter is incredibly important and keeps your emissions at a healthy acceptable level. Thus it is always recommended to have your converters in check and replace them whenever they are damaged to avoid cases of engine failure and air pollution.
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