Jump to content

  • Welcome to Auto Parts Forum

    Whether you are a veteran automotive parts guru or just someone looking for some quick auto parts advice, register today and start a new topic in our forum. Registration is free and you can even sign up with social network platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Google, and LinkedIn. 

     

What Happens When The Catalytic Converter Goes Bad?


Recommended Posts

link hidden, please login to view
converts harmful substances in automobile exhaust into less harmful substances through chemical reaction. For example, it can convert carbon monoxide, nitrogen monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and hydrocarbons into carbon dioxide and water vapor, etc.

link hidden, please login to view

Why is catalytic converter matter?

The catalytic converter belongs to the exhaust system of the vehicle. During use, they may be contaminated, blocked, or physically damaged, which will lead to poor engine performance, and in severe cases, the engine will stop.

What can cause damage to the catalytic converter?

Some pollutants can damage the catalytic converter, such as lead-containing gas, engine coolant and engine oil, among which the engine coolant can leak into the combustion system due to the failure of the cylinder head gasket. These liquids can clog the catalytic converter, thereby restricting the passage of exhaust gas.

If the spark plug does not ignite or the exhaust valve is leaking, there is too much unburned gas, and the catalytic converter may overheat.

car_parts_480x480.jpg?v=1636629595

What happens when the catalytic converter goes bad?

  1. Engine performance is slow
  2. The exhausted gas is black smoke with the smell of sulfur or rotten eggs
  3. The underside of the car is overheated

best_car_parts_480x480.jpg?v=1636629716

How to mainitain catalytic converter?

  1. Maintain your vehicleregularly.
  2. Keep your exhaust, emission and combustion systems in good condition, which can effectively reduce the probability of catalytic converter damage
  3. Check the engine lights regularly.
  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 11 months later...

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Similar Content

  • Similar Topics

    • By Garage Gurus
      Garage Gurus | Chevy Traverse Catalytic Converter Problems
    • By Counterman
      Recently, I was reading about catalytic-converter theft when I came across an article that, if nothing else, put a light spin on the day. It informed me that a catalytic converter is a round canister that connects two pieces of piping in the exhaust. Hmmm. Sounds like a lot of mufflers and resonators I know. It also attempted to describe the symptoms of converter theft. I chuckled as I thought to myself, “You will know.”
      Exhaust systems have a unique place in the automotive aftermarket. They likely are the most common components of all to be removed and thrown away when they’re in perfect condition. It’s all in the name of performance – or at least perceived performance through sound. But this article isn’t about performance. It’s about all mufflers and converters, and the name of the game here is fit.
      Say “catalytic converter” years ago, and the comical description above was at least a little closer to accurate. However, converters today are almost synonymous with the term “direct fit.” Most converters are part of the downpipe that bolts directly to the exhaust manifold, or they’re part of the manifold themselves. In addition, most cars now have two converters to keep emissions in check, and what this comes down to – coupled with the fact that underhood real estate is no longer the vast open space it used to be – is that there’s no room for error with the alignment and fit
      of a converter.
      They either fit or they don’t. There’s no in-between or close enough. Most oxygen (O2) sensors are located in the converters as well, and usually two. The factory harnesses don’t give much wiggle room, so if O2-sensor bungs aren’t in the correct location, it poses another problem.
      Why Ask Why?
      Fit aside, the most important factor is why your customer needs a new catalytic converter, because they’ll look to you for advice. Unfortunately, it could be from theft, in which case they may need more than just a converter, since the exhaust system was also probably damaged in
      some manner.
      But from a regular repair standpoint, the most common reason for converter replacement is the “Check Engine” light. P0420 – catalyst efficiency below threshold – is one of the more common diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) we see as technicians.
      It’s one of the more self-explanatory code definitions there is, and the majority of the time, the catalytic converter is the cause of the problem. However, it’s also important to warn your customer that an exhaust leak, bad O2 sensor, misfire or rich or lean running could cause the problem, and unless they’ve had the problem professionally diagnosed, you simply can’t guarantee that it’s a converter.
      This opens the opportunity for upsells with spark plugs, coils, exhaust components or O2 sensors. Since DTC P0420 alone doesn’t indicate an immediate danger of breaking down, a DIYer may decide that it’s time for a tune-up and general maintenance, and they’ll start with that. If the code persists, then they can move on to the converter. Just make them aware of the possibilities so they know what they could be faced with going into it.
      Selling Opportunities
      Is there anything you can do to prevent catalytic-converter theft? Some people engrave or paint their converters to discourage it, but I personally can’t say whether it’s effective or not. Also available are different designs of converter “locks,” which often look like a network of cables or a cage, and sometimes a shield. Your company may carry some of these products, making another good suggestion for customers.
      Even if replacement is a result of regular maintenance, a converter “lock” is a nice upsell, especially on taller trucks and SUVs. They’re more common victims since you can generally slide underneath, offering easy access to the converter.
      Mufflers, at least from a standpoint of fit, can be a little easier to deal with, because there’s usually a little more room to work with. This fact alone is one reason there are so many custom exhaust options on the market. Older vehicles and trucks have the most room, opening up plenty of options for different mufflers with different sound levels and tones.
      Exhaust adapters and couplers make almost infinite possibilities for installation, but if you’re helping someone get the right parts, help them to find what they need while utilizing the fewest adapters possible. Even if they have to try a few different options and return what doesn’t work, it makes a cleaner installation and saves money on clamps.
      Many people prefer to go with factory-style exhaust, especially on sedans where space is limited. Performance exhaust systems on many new cars have similar space restrictions as converters, and performance or stock, selling specific make-and-model systems is often the easiest thing to do – as well as the best thing to do to save your customer some grief.
      Those looking for a universal replacement style of muffler or a custom system most likely are experienced with this type of installation, and they’ll know exactly what they’re looking for.
      When someone is installing an exhaust system, good recommendations are new hangers, exhaust sealing putty, mechanic or leather gloves and safety glasses. Exhaust putty isn’t a substitute for proper component fit, but it’s a nice touch that can prevent small leaks. The biggest thing about exhaust work is you’re underneath it and rust always likes to fall into your eyes, making safety glasses an important piece of personal protective equipment. The other exhaust caveat is that there’s always a sharp edge or two, especially when you cut a pipe. Durable gloves (not latex) are the best protection, and this is one job where I always recommend them.
      The post
      link hidden, please login to view appeared first on link hidden, please login to view.
      link hidden, please login to view
    • By Counterman
      KBS Coatings Rust Converter chemically converts rust into a permanent, hard and highly durable black surface, according to the company.
      KBS Rust Converter is directly sprayed onto any iron or steel object that has tightly bonded rust, or surface rust, to kill the existing rust and stop new rust from forming. The quick-drying rust killer forms an inert primer layer that can stand alone or be painted over.
      “KBS Rust Converter saves time by eliminating the needed for scraping and sanding metal surfaces before topcoat applications, which is especially advantageous when time to complete the project is limited or the object is large,” the company added in a news release.
      “One 12-ounce aerosol can covers approximately 20 square feet of surface.
      For more information, visit
      link hidden, please login to view or call 888-531-4527. The post
      link hidden, please login to view appeared first on link hidden, please login to view.
      link hidden, please login to view
    • By Counterman
      Eastern Catalytic recently announced nine new 46-state/federal EPA part numbers covering more than 2 million vehicles in operation (VIO).
      For more information on products, applications, catalogs and tech tips, visit
      link hidden, please login to view or contact the sales department at 800-277-2787. Part No. 30651
      link hidden, please login to view 2017-2020 Ford Fusion 1.5L – Rear 2017-2020 Ford Fusion 2.0L – Turbocharged – Rear 2017-2020 Ford Fusion 2.5L – Rear 2017-2020 Lincoln MKZ 2.0L – Turbocharged – Rear Gaskets: Inlet VIO: 786,315 Part No. 30661
      link hidden, please login to view 2017-2019 Ford Escape 2.0L Turbo – Front 2017-2019 Lincoln MKC 2.0L Turbo – Front VIO: 356,524 Gaskets: Inlet/Outlet Part No. 30817
      link hidden, please login to view 2011-2015 Ford F53 Commercial Chassis 6.8L – Rear – Cutaway/Stripped Chassis 2011-2015 Ford F59 Commercial Chassis 6.8L – Rear – Cutaway/Stripped Chassis VIO: 52,755 Gaskets: Inlet Part No. 41343
      link hidden, please login to view 2017-2019 Honda CR-V 2.4L – Rear VIO: 189,750 Gaskets: Inlet/outlet Part No. 41364
      link hidden, please login to view 2019-2021 Nissan Altima 2.5L – FWD – Rear VIO: 376,148 Gaskets: Inlet/outlet Part No. 50562
      link hidden, please login to view 2009-2010 Hummer H3 3.7L Front 2009-2010 Hummer H3T 3.7L Front VIO: 9,918 Gaskets: Inlet/outlet Part No. 50605
      link hidden, please login to view 2016-2017 Chevrolet Camaro 3.6L – Left 2016-2017 Cadillac ATS 3.6L – Left – RWD 2016-2017 Cadillac CTS 3.6L – Left – RWD VIO: 56,645 Gaskets: Inlet/Outlet Part No. 50606
      link hidden, please login to view 2016-2017 Chevrolet Camaro 3.6L – Right 2016-2017 Cadillac ATS 3.6L – Right – RWD 2016-2017 Cadillac CTS 3.6L – Right – RWD VIO: 56,645 Gaskets: Inlet Part No. 50609
      link hidden, please login to view 2016-2022 Chevrolet Spark 1.4L – Front VIO: 187,372 Gaskets: Outlet The post
      link hidden, please login to view appeared first on link hidden, please login to view.
      link hidden, please login to view
    • A-premium Auto Parts:5% OFF with Code GM5.
    • By NAPA
      Catalytic Converter Theft Statistics
      According to data compiled by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), reported catalytic converter thefts jumped from 1,298 in 2018 to 14,433 in 2020. And this trend is still gaining speed. In the first half of 2022, the automotive insurance provider State Farm received more than 23,000 catalytic converter theft claims.
      This national crime spree has drawn the attention of local law enforcement, as well as federal investigations. In November 2022,
      link hidden, please login to view on the bust of a multimillion-dollar catalytic converters theft network. Arrests, searches and seizures took place in California, Oklahoma, Wyoming, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Nevada, North Carolina and Virginia. California accounts for nearly 25% of insurance claims for theft of catalytic converters followed by Texas with nearly 14% of claims. Approximately 1,600 catalytic converters are reportedly stolen in California each month. However, vehicle owners across the country must prepare ahead of time to prevent catalytic converters from getting stolen.
      On December 9, 2022, the
      link hidden, please login to view in a suburb south of Chicago. They seized 128 stolen catalytic converters worth approximately $54,000. In the stash were several reciprocating saws, which are used by thieves to detach a catalytic converter in less than a minute. Preventing Catalytic Converter Theft
      To prevent catalytic converter theft, crime experts recommend parking your vehicle inside a secure garage or in a well-lit area. But that isn’t always possible, especially for work vehicles. Sure, an alarm system might help deter someone from quietly breaking into your vehicle for valuables, but a criminal ring willing to operate an electric reciprocating saw at night in a suburban neighborhood is most likely not scared away by an annoying alarm.
      Because fleet vehicles like cargo vans and heavy-duty pickup trucks sit higher, they are often the target of catalytic converter theft. However, reports show that standard commuter hybrids, such as the Toyota Prius, Lexus RX and Honda Jazz, have the highest number of cases of catalytic converters getting stolen. Fortunately, The NAPA Network is here to help with catalytic converter theft prevention.
      Best Catalytic Converter Anti-Theft Device link hidden, please login to view
      A
      link hidden, please login to view is a metal device designed to reduce harmful emissions and gases, such as hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and other air pollutants. On a standard combustion engine, this required part converts toxic fumes into safe gases through a chemical reaction. On the inside, catalytic converters are lined with tiny pores that are coated with platinum, rhodium or palladium. These precious metals are what makes a premium catalytic converter worth more than $1,000 on the black market at junk yards. For the best catalytic converter theft protection, the NAPA experts recommend installing the
      link hidden, please login to view. Built from heavy-duty metal wire, the cage of your CatClamp is unbreakable by design. Choose either the Standard Model with a 1-Year Warranty or the Stainless Steel MAXX Model with a Lifetime Warranty. Both versions are manufactured in the United States. This easy-to-install catalytic converter theft deterrent product fits almost any gas-powered vehicle, including RVs. The durable metal rope can loop around your converter in as many as eight different points. Keep in mind, your CatClamp cables must route through a permanent (non-moving) component of your vehicle. While this catalytic converter anti-theft device can cost a couple hundred dollars, installing a replacement catalytic converter can cost thousands of dollars between the purchase of the part and the professional labor required.
      Signs of a Stolen Catalytic Converter
      Signs that your catalytic converter was stolen include a loud noise coming from your open exhaust, sluggish acceleration, dark smoke expelling from your tailpipe or the smell of rotten eggs coming from underneath your vehicle. If you notice any of these signs, investigate further. Driving a vehicle without a catalytic converter is illegal, unless the age of your vehicle makes it exempt. Without a catalytic converter, your vehicle will not pass the required annual emission test. 
      Operating a vehicle with no catalytic converter also means hot, dangerous gas is released under your car, which heats up sensitive components and exposes passengers to carbon monoxide. That’s why many car owners place an anti-theft device for catalytic converters on each of their gas-powered vehicles.
      Keep in mind, all-electric vehicles, which consume no gasoline or diesel and plug into electric sockets to replenish their batteries, are the only vehicles on the road today that do not have and do not need a catalytic converter. But for all other vehicles, including standard hybrids and plug-in hybrids, NAPA is your one-stop-shop for all the
      link hidden, please login to view you need, as well as upgrades to your link hidden, please login to view. Photo courtesy of
      link hidden, please login to view. The post
      link hidden, please login to view appeared first on link hidden, please login to view.
      link hidden, please login to view

×
  • Create New...