Hello, my mom has an 09 JK unlimited X that two mechanics have told her needs the cats replaced. They also say the parts are around $2k.... I would love if I could find a California compliant option for less that I can slap on there for her and save her the cash.

Has only 125k miles on the stock, which seems pretty low to need replaced from what I've been reading here. Am also looking into swapping the o2 censors though the mechanics have assured her it is the cats needing replacement.


If anyone knows an option or two I would appreciate the reccs. I've checked on rockauto and Google searched for options and no one seems to display a CARB compliant replacement for the 2009 JK unlimited X


*Vehicle is currently past its registration and needs to pass smog before she can renew, and will not pass currently with the CEL and code is what I am told.*

 

This is another active thread on this. You get some info from there.

 

Yep. You should find this informative.

https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/stoc...cement-352917/

Skipping to the end of that thread, when my JK had the P0430 code, I replaced all four O2 sensors. It seemed to fix it--for a few miles. But, ultimately I needed to replace the cat. After reading posts from folks whose aftermarket cats were not resolving the code, I went with an OEM. Part was about $800 a couple years ago. FYI, I have a very old parts manual and it shows only one part number for the 3.8L cats. 52059930AG. There was, apparently, no such thing as a non-CARB compliant cat. Which makes me question why anyone is offering them for sale. Anyway, searching that number, it appears Mopar has become quite proud of the OEM version--over $1700 after an $800 discount! I checked the fit for a 2009 JK, and there was no differentiating between what state the vehicle is in. It fits all 2009 JKs with a 3.8L motor. This comports with my very old parts manual, which shows no special coding for a 2007 CARB JK. Again, I question why the aftermarket is saying "EPA 49-states certified".

 

I wonder if the emission laws have changed over the years so replacement cats are now different. I never could find one that was CA compliant. I wonder if there is way to know if it would pass a Ca. emissions test with the non-compliant version of the cat.

 

In the distant past, California used to have different requirements than the other 50 states. So, when you bought a new vehicle, there was a line item option for California emissions equipment that you paid extra for. However, the manufacturers did not like making different vehicles for different states, and some of the states were as equally concerned about the pollution effects as California. So, that option disappeared and all vehicles being sold were identical, and CARB compliant. I'm only speculating here, but maybe CARB requires a certification test and the aftermarket manufacturers just don't want to do it. They know their product will pass this certification test, but that's money and time they'd rather not expend to comply. So, they just say "49-State Compliant". I would caution that there are also scam sellers who'd sell something that is no-state complaint, but label it otherwise. I'd never buy anything off of eBay, or Amazon anymore, for that matter. Too many counterfeits out there. I wish my bother were still alive; he was a California smog mechanic and could've have added some insight.

BTW, if you don't stay on top of the news, this issue of different vehicles for different states is resurfacing. I don't wish to get into the politics behind that, but don't be surprised if we return to those days.

 

My advice for anyone doing this on their own is that even though you may need a new CAT it's worth trying the 02 sensors first. Make sure to get an O2 socket ($10) and I kept it cheap with NTK sensors which are half price of the Mopar. Try those first and then see if you need a new cat.

 

Thank you all for the replies. Going to give the O2 sensors a try over the next couple weeks and move onto the CAT if necessary.