Two catalytic converters. The Toyota FJ Cruiser commonly uses a dual-cat exhaust system—one close-coupled converter near the engine and a second downstream unit—bringing the total to two in most markets and model years.
In this article, we examine where those converters are located, how to verify the count on a given vehicle, and what variations might occur depending on market and emissions configuration.
Typical layout and locations
Most FJ Cruisers employ two catalytic converters as part of the OEM exhaust system. The first is mounted close to the exhaust manifold, while the second sits further back along the exhaust path, usually ahead of the resonator or muffler. This dual arrangement helps reduce hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide emissions across a broad range of engine speeds.
Before we detail the placements, here are the two converters you are most likely to encounter on a standard FJ Cruiser:
- Primary catalytic converter (close-coupled): located near the engine, immediately after the exhaust manifold or after a short downpipe.
- Secondary catalytic converter (downstream): mounted farther back along the exhaust path, typically before the resonator or the rear muffler.
Together, these two units constitute the typical OEM setup for the FJ Cruiser. Some markets or emissions packages may differ, so checking your vehicle’s documentation or VIN can confirm the exact configuration.
Model-year and market variations
In most worldwide markets, the FJ Cruiser’s exhaust is configured with two catalytic converters. Regulatory differences or year-to-year updates can influence placement or the specific catalyst type, but the dual-cat arrangement remains common. Always verify with the owner’s manual or a Toyota dealer for your specific vehicle.
How to verify on your vehicle
To confirm the number on your specific FJ Cruiser, inspect the undercarriage or consult the service documentation. The steps below outline practical ways to verify:
Visual inspection and measurements
Park safely and inspect the exhaust system running from the engine to the rear; look for two separate catalytic converters along the pipe.
- Count the catalytic converters from the engine toward the rear: you should see one near the manifold and a second farther back before the muffler or resonator.
- If you can access the underside, use a flashlight to identify the two ceramic honeycomb catalyst cores inside the metal canisters.
If you’re uncertain or the vehicle has undergone exhaust work, refer to the OEM service manual for your year and market, or ask a dealer to confirm the exact layout by VIN.
Summary
For the Toyota FJ Cruiser, two catalytic converters are typical, forming a close-coupled and a downstream converter in the exhaust system. Variations can occur by market or emission package, so checking the specific vehicle documentation or consulting a dealer is recommended for certainty.
How much does it cost to replace a catalytic converter on a Toyota FJ Cruiser?
The average cost for a Toyota FJ Cruiser Catalytic Converter Replacement is between $3,087 and $3,121.
How many catalytic converters are on a fj cruiser?
FOUR Catalytic Converters
Toyota FJ Cruiser 4.0L ALL FOUR Catalytic Converters 2010- 2012 OBDII.
Which Toyota catalytic converters are worth the most?
Corolla Converters Still Fetch Real Money
While the Toyota Prius became infamous for its high precious-metal content, Corolla catalytic converters still contain enough platinum, palladium, and rhodium to sell for hundreds of dollars on the black market.
What year fj cruiser to stay away from?
What are the worst Toyota FJ Cruiser years? Owners have reported way more problems with the very first 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser than any other year on CarComplaints.com, which isn't surprising—first-year vehicles often go through a bit of teething trouble as issues are worked out.