You will realize right away that something is wrong if your catalytic converter has been stolen, but it’s still important to know that your automobile will not pass a smog check until the catalytic converter is replaced. Boulevard Auto Repair explains that the catalytic converter is the exhaust system part that treats the harmful emissions. A missing catalytic converter will cause excess hydrocarbons in your vehicle’s exhaust. This is just one sign that the catalytic converter has been stolen. Here are other signs.
Roaring Engine That Is Loud
When you first fire up your car, truck, or utility vehicle after the catalytic converter has been stolen, you will notice that the engine is roaring loudly. Aside from this overbearing sound, the check engine light is also going to turn on and stay on. This is because the engine, specifically the exhaust manifold, no longer has the catalytic converter in which to push the exhaust. Consequently, your engine will roar with each exhaust push because the converter is not there to absorb the force.
Acceleration That Is Jerky
This will also make your vehicle’s acceleration jerky and you will notice that the automobile lurches when you press down on the accelerator. Unfortunately, the acceleration will not smooth out because, again, you do not have a catalytic converter underneath your automobile to absorb the force and sound of the exhaust being pushed out of the engine.
Sputtering at Slow Speeds
Another thing that will happen if the catalytic converter is missing is your automobile will sputter when you are driving at slower speeds. The engine performance will smooth out as you pick up speed, but you will continue to have problems at slower speeds until you get the catalytic converter replaced. The missing converter reduces the engine’s low-end torque production.
Exhaust Inside the Vehicle
You will also be able to smell your vehicle’s exhaust inside the passenger cabin because it is simply being pushed into the outside air by the exhaust manifold. The place where the catalytic converter was located is now vacant. Consequently, the exhaust can waft into the cabin.
Feeling Sick While Driving
Unfortunately, this will make you feel sick while you are driving your automobile. If you are the victim of catalytic converter theft, we recommend you have your automobile towed to our shop rather than attempting to drive it to avoid inhaling vehicle exhaust.
Boulevard Auto Repair in Sherman Oaks, CA, is here to help, so call us today to schedule an appointment for a new catalytic converter.
