Typically if a state wants to clean up its air quality it will amend its auto emissions standards to comply with
CAlifornia’s. This means it requires new cars sold in that state (after a certain date) to meet CA’s emissions standards. CA standards are higher and auto companies routinely manufacture cars to meet this states standards. The CA standard has become a defacto standard, thus states will have either require meeting CA standards or what is called a 48 state standard (a more lenient federal standard).
Tampering with the emissions system is a federal offense.
Check with the state department of transportation to see if the state has adopted CA standards and if so when this want into effect.
As to the sensors, highly suggest going to a third party repair shop as their parts and labor costs are much cheaper!! Replacing one or more of the sensors is not that difficult and with a few tools you can DIY (TN members do this frequently).
Local auto parts stores sell the sensors or online sites such as
www.rockauto.com. Be sure you obtain the correct sensor, one meeting California emissions standards. There is a difference between non-CA and CA sensors and although they may physically look the same, the non-CA will cause problems in the CA system. The computer will be looking for a CA sensor.
Are the muffler and exhaust pipes bad? Why do you need to replace both CAT’s, typically the first CAT does not fail. Is the second CAT bad? Shop around for after market CAT’s if you need one (both online and at parts stores) and mufflers. If the first CAT try a junk yard. Have the muffler shop install them (if needed) or if OK cut out the second CAT (if OK) and weld it up to new pipes and muffler (if needed).
Replacing the A/F sensor(s) is a much more occurrence then having a bad CAT.
Linear Mode
