Since the 1970s, new cars have had to have catalytic converters, which are very important for cutting down on harmful emissions. But because catalytic converters have valuable metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium in them, they are often stolen and recycled. In recent years, the price of these valuable metals has gone through the roof, which has led to more thefts of catalytic converters. This article will tell you everything you need to know about the catalytic Converter Scrap Value By Serial Number.
How Catalytic Converters Work
Before getting into Catalytic Converter Scrap Value By Serial Number, it’s important to know how they work. A honeycomb-like structure is covered with valuable metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium in a catalytic converter. The exhaust gases from the car pass through this honeycomb structure, where the precious metals speed up a chemical process that turns harmful pollutants like carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides into less harmful ones like carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas.
How Much a Catalytic Converter Is Worth
Most of a catalytic converter’s value comes from the amount of valuable metals it contains. As of September 2021, these are the three valuable metals that are often found in catalytic converters, along with their current market prices:
Price per ounce: $985
Palladium: $2,312 per ounce
Rhodium: $12,500 per ounce
As you can see, these precious metals are worth a lot of money, which is why catalytic converters are so expensive.
What is The Catalytic Converter Scrap Value By Serial Number
The value of a catalytic converter as scrap varies on a number of things, like the make and model of the car, how old it is, and its serial number. A catalytic converter’s serial number has details that can be used to figure out how much it is worth as scrap. Most of the time, the serial number is on the body of the catalytic converter. Look for a set of numbers and letters to find it.
The first four numbers in the serial number tell you who made the catalytic converter and what type it is. The fifth and sixth characters show what kind of catalyst was used, and the seventh and eighth characters show what year the catalyst was made. The rest of the characters show the catalytic converter’s unique serial number.
Based on the model number, the table below shows how much catalytic converters are worth as scrap.
Serial Number | Estimated Scrap Value |
---|---|
AA01 | $150 – $250 |
AB01 | $200 – $350 |
AC01 | $250 – $450 |
AD01 | $350 – $550 |
AE01 | $450 – $650 |
AF01 | $550 – $750 |
AG01 | $650 – $850 |
AH01 | $750 – $950 |
AI01 | $850 – $1,050 |
AJ01 | $950 – $1,150 |
It’s important to remember that these prices are only estimates and could change based on the market and where the scrap dealer is.
A Comprehensive Guide on How to Calculate the Price of Your Catalytic Converter
If you want to sell your catalytic converter, it is important to know how much it is worth. In this guide, we’ll show you how to figure out how much your catalytic converter will cost.
Step 1: Figure out what kind of catalytic converter you have.
There are different kinds of catalytic converters and the prices for each type range. Most catalytic converters look like the following:
OEM stands for “original equipment manufacturer.” This is the catalytic converter that came with your car when you got it.
- Aftermarket Catalytic Converter: This type of converter replaces the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) converter and is usually cheaper.
- High-Flow Catalytic Converter: This type of converter is meant to make the engine run better and is generally more expensive than converters that come with the engine or that are sold separately.
- junk Catalytic Converter: This is a catalytic converter that has been taken off a car and is being sold for its junk value.
Step 2: Figure out how much precious metal is in it.
Catalytic converters have valuable metals in them that can be reused or recovered. The manufacturer decides how much precious metal is in a catalytic converter, and the amount changes based on the make, model, and year of the car. You can use online tools to find out how much metal your converter has.
Step 3: Check the prices on the market
The price of valuable metals changes often, so before you sell your catalytic converter, you should check the current market prices. On different online sites, you can find out how much platinum, palladium, and rhodium are worth right now.
Step 4: Figure out how much your catalytic converter will cost.
To figure out how much your catalytic converter costs, you need to know how much gold or silver it holds. Here’s a method you can use:
Total Price = Current Market Price x Weight of Precious Metals
For example, say your catalytic converter has 0.5 grams of platinum, 0.3 grams of palladium, and 0.1 grams of rhodium, and the current market prices are $50 per gram of platinum, $75 per gram of palladium, and $200 per gram of rhodium. In that case, here’s how to figure out the total cost:
Total Price = (0.5 x $50) + (0.3 x $75) + (0.1 x $200)
Price = $25 plus $22.5 plus $20
The total cost is $67.50
Step 5: Think about other things.
The price of a converter can also be affected by things like how well it works, what kind of car it is, and how much people want that particular brand of converter. To get the best deal, it’s important to do a study on the market and compare prices.
Which Number is The Serial Number On a Catalytic Converter?
A catalytic converter’s serial number can be different based on who made it and what model it is. The serial number is usually a unique identifier that the manufacturer gives to the catalytic converter. It is usually engraved or stamped onto the metal case of the converter.
There are also different places where the license number can be found on a catalytic converter. Some companies put it on the end of the package, while others put it on the side or top. The model number may be on a small metal plate that is attached to the converter in some cases.
It’s important to know that a catalytic converter’s license number can be used to identify the converter and help police find converters that have been stolen. Because of this, you should write down your catalytic converter’s license number in case it gets stolen or lost.
If you’re not sure where the serial number is on your catalytic converter, you can look at the manufacturer’s instructions or call them directly.
How Do I Know if My Catalytic Converter Is Original?
If you aren’t sure if the catalytic converter in your car is the original or if it has been changed, there are a few things you can look for to help you figure it out. Here are a few ways to tell if your catalytic converter is the first one:
Check the number of the part: Every catalytic converter has a part number, and the easiest way to make sure it’s real is to compare it to the number in your car’s owner’s manual or repair history. If the part number doesn’t match, it’s likely that an aftermarket catalytic converter was put in its place.
Look for markings from the maker. Original catalytic converters will have markings from the manufacturer, such as logos, branding, and identification numbers. Most of the time, these marks are etched or stamped into the body of the converter, so you may have to look closely to find them.
Check for weld lines. If the catalytic converter on your car is welded to the exhaust pipe, it’s probably an original part. But if it is bolted on or clamped on, it might be a new part.
Size and shape are different: Original catalytic converters are made to fit exactly into your car’s exhaust system. If the new part looks different in size or shape, it’s likely not an original.
Ask someone who knows: If you’re still not sure if the catalytic converter in your car is real, you should take it to a trusted mechanic or shop. They will be able to find the original part and give advice about any changes that might be needed.
To sum up, you can check a catalytic converter’s authenticity by looking at its part number, manufacturer’s markings, weld marks, size, and form, or by asking an expert.
Conclusion
The precious metals in catalytic converters make them expensive, and their scrap value can be found by looking at their serial number. If you know how much a catalytic converter is worth as scrap, you can make an informed choice about whether to sell it or recycle it. If you want to sell your catalytic converter, you should find a reliable scrap dealer who can give you a fair price based on how the market is doing at the time.