Is changing catalytic converter important?
Catalytic converters change harmful emissions into harmless gas, and they need to be replaced only if they become clogged or otherwise damaged and can’t function properly. They’re expensive to replace, so they aren’t considered a regular maintenance item.
What happens if you replace the catalytic converter?
If you spend $900 or more to replace the catalytic converter, you may discover the check engine light coming on again later. Some mechanics will tell you to try replacing the oxygen sensors first, to see if that solves the problem. There are two of them, one before and one after the catalytic converter.
What kind of warning light does a catalytic converter need?
Vehicle warning lights. An illuminated check engine light or malfunction indicator lamp (CEL or MIL) with a catalytic converter diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is the most common catalytic converter problem indicator.
Where do I find the catalytic converter in my car?
Slide under the vehicle and locate the tubes of the exhaust system, which should run all the way to your vehicle’s rear exhaust. The converter should not be terribly difficult to find — it will usually take the form of a rectangular or rounded “box” in the middle of your exhaust system.
Why are catalytic converter laws important to the environment?
As your car burns fuel, it releases toxic fumes into the air. Before catalytic converter laws were around, these gases poisoned our environment and created smog. These gases are carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, and hydrocarbons. A catalyst is essentially a chemical accelerator.
What should I do before replacing the catalytic converter?
Some mechanics will tell you to try replacing the oxygen sensors first, to see if that solves the problem. There are two of them, one before and one after the catalytic converter.
Why are catalytic converters so expensive to buy?
The design of the catalytic converter is ingenious. The part isn’t huge. A honeycomb feature of the interior walls increases the surface area that comes in contact with the toxic emissions and, thus, improves its efficiency. The reason that they are so expensive is that they contain precious metals like platinum or special oxidation catalysts.
What are the signs of a clogged catalytic converter?
1 Engine accelerates poorly or is hard to start. These issues could indicate a clogged catalytic converter, restricting the flow of exhaust out of the engine. 2 A sulfur or “rotten egg” smell. 3 rattling noise when starting the engine 4 Failing the annual or semi-annual emissions test 5 Vehicle warning lights.
Can a lazy oxygen sensor cause a catalytic converter problem?
You may need to fix other engine problems in order to solve your catalytic converter problem. A lazy oxygen sensor might falsely indicate a catalytic converter problem, yet not set a DTC for itself. A technician can determine if the sensor is responding as it should.