A catalytic converter is a device that is normally installed behind the exhaust manifold of your Chrysler Town and Country to convert harmful emissions into harmless gases. The converter contains a catalyst, this may be platinum or palladium, which initiates a chemical reaction that breaks down the harmful emissions.
Considering the age of your Chrysler Town and Country, you may be looking at upgrading its catalytic converter already either to better conform with emission standards or to get rid of all sorts of troubles that your old one is causing to your auto. Regardless of your reasons, we have the information that will help you out here.
Things You Will Learn Here
In this article, we will provide you with a guide on how to make the most value out of your old catalytic converter through the following:
- Understanding how they work
- Updating you about their prices
- Good reasons why you should sell your old unit
- Tips on where to get the best value for it
- Bonus tips on how to replace it
What are Catalytic Converters and How Do They Work?
Catalytic converters were first introduced in the 1970s as a way to reduce air pollution from vehicles. Today, they are required by law in most countries in order to help keep the air clean.
The catalyst inside the converter causes a chemical reaction that breaks down harmful emissions into harmless gases. The converter then releases these gases into the atmosphere. The most common pollutants that are reduced by catalytic converters are carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), and nitrogen oxides (NOx).
CO is a colorless, odorless gas that is produced when fuel is not burned completely. HC is also produced when fuel is not burned completely, and they are the main cause of smog. NOx is formed when the engine's combustion chamber gets too hot. Reducing these pollutants helps to improve air quality and protect the environment.
What Determines the Price of a Catalytic Converter?
There are a few key factors that go into determining the price of a catalytic converter. The first is the type of converter you need. There are two main types of converters: ones for gasoline engines and ones for diesel engines. Diesel converters tend to be less expensive than gasoline converters because they typically don't require as much precious metal to function properly.
The second factor that affects the price is the size of the converter. Converters are available in a variety of sizes to fit different engine types and vehicle models. Larger converters will usually cost more than smaller ones because they contain more of the precious metal catalyst.
The third factor is the brand or model of the converter. Some brands or models are simply more expensive than others. This is often due to the use of higher quality materials or a more sophisticated design.
Finally, the price of a catalytic converter can also be affected by the country of origin. Converters made in developed countries tend to cost more than those made in less developed countries because of the higher labor and material costs involved.
How Much is a New Chrysler Catalytic Converter?
The cost of a new Chrysler catalytic converter can vary depending on the model and year of your vehicle and your location. However, you can expect to pay between $200 and $650 for a new converter (aftermarket one) plus the labor cost for its installation. The new OEM cat will cost well over $1K.
How Much is the Scrap Price of a Chrysler Town and Country Catalytic Converter
The scrap price of a Chrysler Town and Country catalytic converter can range from $30 to $220. That all depends on the year or generation of your vehicle as well as the actual quality of your used converter.
The most common type of catalytic converter used in these vehicles is the ceramic type. These parts contain a ceramic honeycomb inside and they contain the precious metals. The amount of these metals is the key factor to identify the price of this cat.
If you are unsure what type of catalytic converter is in your Chrysler Town and Country, you can check the owner's manual or contact a local scrapyard for more information.
Why Should You Sell Your Scrap Catalytic Converter?
There are many reasons why you might want to sell your scrap catalytic converter. Perhaps you're looking to make some extra money, or you need to get rid of an old car part that's taking up space in your garage. Whatever the reason, selling your catalytic converter can be a great way to earn some extra cash.
Here are just a few of the benefits of selling your scrap catalytic converter:
1. You can earn good money for your scrap metal.
Catalytic converters contain precious metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium, which are all worth a pretty decent amount of cash. You can use your earnings to somehow offset the price of upgrading your catalytic converter to a new one.
2. It's easy to find buyers for your scrap catalytic converter.
There are many businesses that specialize in buying and selling scrap metal, so you shouldn't have any trouble finding a buyer for your converter.
3. You can get rid of old car parts quickly and easily.
Selling your scrap catalytic converter is a great way to get rid of old car parts that you no longer need or want. This can be a great way to free up space in your garage or workshop.
4. You can help the environment.
Recycling your scrap catalytic converter helps to reduce the amount of pollution and waste in the environment. When you recycle your converter, you're helping to make the world a cleaner and healthier place!
Where Can You Sell Your Scrap Catalytic Converter?
Now that you know some of the benefits of selling your scrap catalytic converter, you might be wondering how to go about finding a buyer. There are a few different ways to find buyers for your converter, including online and offline methods.
If you want to sell your converter online, there are a few different ways to do so. One option is to use an online auction site like eBay. Another option is to use a classified site like Craigslist. Finally, you can also contact companies that buy and sell scrap metal directly.
If you want to sell your converter offline, there are a few different options as well. You can contact local scrap yards and ask if they're interested in buying your converter. You can also contact companies that specialize in buying and selling scrap metal. Lastly, you can place ads in local forums.
With a little bit of effort, you should have no trouble finding a buyer who's willing to pay you a fair price for your converter.
Hacks to Get the Best Pricing for Your Catalytic Converter
If you're thinking about selling your scrap catalytic converter, there are a few things you should keep in mind, including the following:
- First, be sure to find a reputable buyer who will pay you a fair price for your converter. Choose your market wisely by studying customers' feedback on the seller you are looking to transact with.
- Second, make sure you have all the necessary paperwork before you sell your converter. Due to the prevalence of catalytic converter theft in some areas, there may be stringent regulations in place to prevent their sale, including requiring the sellers to furnish supporting documents to the buyer.
- Third, get your old catalytic cleaned to get a better appraisal for it.
- Fourth, time your sale when the values of the precious metals within your converter are at their peak in the market.
- Finally, be sure to research the different types of converters so you can get the best possible price for yours. Take your time to shop around for the best deals online and in your local shops to get the most out of your used catalytic converter.
Why Should You Upgrade Your Catalytic Converter?
There are several good reasons why you might want to upgrade your catalytic converter, including the following:
- The old converter may not be as effective as newer models and yours is no longer compliant with emission standards in your state.
- Upgrading your converter can help contribute to improving the air quality in your community through reduced emissions
- An upgraded converter can help improve fuel economy.
- If you are simply looking for better performance from your vehicle, an upgraded converter can provide it.
How to Remove Your Old Catalytic Converter?
If you're looking to upgrade your old Chrysler Town and Country's catalytic converter, or if you need to replace it due to damage or wear and tear, here's a quick guide on how to do it.
Start by disconnecting the negative battery terminal to avoid any electrical shorts. Next, locate the catalytic converter near the exhaust manifold or near the muffler. It will be held in place by bolts or clamps, so loosen these and remove the unit.
Installing the new catalytic converter is simply a reversal of these steps - bolt or clamp it in place, reconnect the negative battery terminal, and start enjoying cleaner emissions from your vehicle!
As seen here, the removal of the catalytic converter is fairly easy, which is why it is prone to theft. So, always keep your Chrysler Town and Country parked in a safe location where you can easily access it, and beware when buying cat converters from unknown sources.
Conclusion
We hope that all the information provided here will help you get a better understanding of the current value of a Chrysler Town and Country Catalytic Converter as well as how it functions and the factors that influence its pricing. The prices of catalytic converters may fluctuate depending on different market factors, primarily the prevailing value of the precious metals within the converter, so better time your trade when the appraisals are high to get the most out of it.
About the authors
The CarAraC research team is composed of seasoned auto mechanics and automotive industry professionals, including individuals with advanced degrees and certifications in their field. Our team members boast prestigious credentials, reflecting their extensive knowledge and skills. These qualifications include: IMI: Institute of the Motor Industry, ASE-Certified Master Automobile Technicians; Coventry University, Graduate of MA in Automotive Journalism; Politecnico di Torino, Italy, MS Automotive Engineering; Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Mechanical University in Skopje; TOC Automotive College; DHA Suffa University, Department of Mechanical Engineering
Add comment