Top 10 Symptoms of Bad Catalytic Converter

#catalyticconverter
What is a Catalytic Converter?
A catalytic converter is an important part of the vehicle’s emissions system. A catalytic converter is a mechanical unit that converts toxic gases emitted from the IC engine into less-toxic pollutants by catalyzing a redox reaction. It is designed to extend the life of the vehicle but can fail if it becomes clogged.
Symptoms of Bad Catalytic Converter
1) Check engine light illumination
2) Poor Engine Performance
3) Black smoke from the exhaust pipe
4) Engine Misfires
5) Failed Emission Test
6) High or Low Fuel Consumption
7) Rattling Noise
8) Smell of Sulfur
9) Discolored Housing
10) Starting Issues
Disclaimer:
This video is just for educational purposes only. We are not in the auto repair business nor publish automotive service manuals. This video is not reviewed or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer. This video is intended only as general guidance. Every system is slightly different, so refer to the owner’s manual of your vehicle for any specific information about your model. Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure your car's safe and reliable operation.
Copyright Disclaimer:
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[@tylerr5357]

I have 6. It’s a loud rattling noise almost reminds me of metal pot lids rattling together.

[@MechanicalBoost]

Inspect your catalytic converter and change it

[@CT-5689]

If you don’t want to run off of a cat converter look into carbon air intakes, it completely removes the cat converter and makes pure exhaust from the engine to the pipe

[@Aj-hc9zf]

How does that work

[@Aj-hc9zf]

Do you have to take the cat off or air punt

[@CT-5689]

@@Aj-hc9zf I got my cat off but I have a modification that’s basically straight exhaust from front to back, improves airflow tenfold, it’s legal anywhere in the States, sounds badass, and doesn’t expose me to toxic exhaust, it’s a plus all around especially on a VTEC

[@CT-5689]

@@Aj-hc9zf so like I said it replaces the cat converter and makes straight pipe from front to back, it’s essentially is better airflow and less weight

[@toosaucy1753]

@@CT-5689so it’s a straight pipe my car is running a bit ruff took to mechanic they said need to replace it but if I could just straight pipe it’ll. Be cheaper

[@jeromemndzebele2614]

my car s catalytic converter we as stolen at a garage and soon as it was gone my car s performance decreased n indeed all what you just highlited is very true

[@tabyrearl7833]

I have only four out of the 10 symptoms, 2016 nissan frontier, it doesnt go fast like it did, sluggish exceleration, high fuel consumption, thats the main things . About two years ago i smelled sulfur for a while and i saw smoke come out tail a few times,. I may have smelled sulfer only a few times the past year. I took it in for a battery in 2023 when this started and they told me i need my fuel injection service and replaced spark plugs. I hope its not the CC thats a 2,000$ part. But im worried is the sulfur smell mean its only the CC. Thankyou.... I goggled what else can smell like sulfur, it said CC, Fuel filter, fuel pressure sensor. So I'm thinking it's the fuel injection, like the man said at viking automotive.

[@AMCMailMan]

Yeah cc can have a bad smell im getting mine fixed now. Hopefully that’s the issue im getting sparks coils done too

[@Metroooo_]

My mustang made rattling noises out of nowhere with me cruising like 45 and hasn’t stopped also check engine light came and the 02 sensor code came up and failed emissions is that catalyst failure ?

[@MechanicalBoost]

It's possible that the rattling noise and the check engine light indicating an O2 sensor code are related, but it doesn't necessarily mean it's a catalyst failure. Rattling noises could be caused by various issues such as loose parts, exhaust system problems, or engine issues. The O2 sensor code could indicate a problem with the oxygen sensor itself, or it could be a symptom of another issue affecting the air-fuel mixture or exhaust system. A failing catalyst can sometimes trigger O2 sensor codes, but it's not the only possibility.

[@guyelsenburg9196]

Would a broken catalytic converter cause a car to stop all acceleration responses and i am having tontake my foot off the pedal and downshift then the power kicks back in hard and then goos good again but randomly do it over again (think my catalytic is damaged because my exhaust is rattling at low rpms and at idle itbget a random exhaust rattle

[@MechanicalBoost]

A broken catalytic converter could potentially cause issues with acceleration, but it wouldn't necessarily stop all acceleration responses on its own.

[@wafflytundra]

Hello i have a 2004 nissan titan would a bad oil filter make the vehicle not start btw im gonna get a new oil filter soon and im gonna get a catalytic converter and try and get a manifold too

[@MechanicalBoost]

A bad oil filter itself typically wouldn't prevent a vehicle from starting. The primary function of an oil filter is to remove contaminants from the engine oil to keep it clean and protect the engine. While a severely clogged or damaged oil filter could potentially restrict oil flow and lead to engine damage over time, it wouldn't directly cause the vehicle not to start.

[@amrinderbhullar166]

Does bad cat make rattling sound(just like an engine without engine oil sound) cause i was in montreal and my car made very weird rattling noises just like i mentioned before whenever i go uphill or start moving after a stop the rattling sound was there and also sometimes my low engine fuel light comes on sometimes but next day when i went to my car mechanic he said oil level is normal and the car is not burning any engine oil.

[@MechanicalBoost]

Yes, a bad catalytic converter can sometimes make a rattling sound, similar to the sound of an engine lacking oil. This typically occurs when the internal components of the catalytic converter become damaged or loose. The rattling noise may be more pronounced during acceleration or when the vehicle is idling.

[@amrinderbhullar166]

@@MechanicalBoost hey i really appreciate the reply but i have another question adding to my first one that so whenever that sound comes sometimes the low engine oil symbol also lit up for 1 sec not ever-time but lets say 5 out of 2 times but my car’s engine oil level (was-is) normal and it is also not burning any oil

[@joeygitz5955]

Can a bad catalytic converter cause white smoke when I start the vehicle? Engine starts, a lot of white smoke and water from the exhaust which eventually goes away after a minute or two

[@YounisMengal-vlogs]

Also have same problem ..do you solve your problem??

[@MechanicalBoost]

A bad catalytic converter typically doesn't directly cause white smoke when you start a vehicle. White smoke upon startup is often a sign of coolant leaking into the combustion chamber or exhaust system. This could be due to a variety of issues such as a blown head gasket, cracked cylinder head, or a damaged intake manifold gasket. However, if the catalytic converter is severely clogged or malfunctioning, it can cause excessive heat buildup in the exhaust system, potentially leading to other problems such as overheating of the engine or damage to other components.

[@joeygitz5955]

@@YounisMengal-vlogs I opened my intake/exhaust manifold and found a lot of oil inside. It was horrible. The engine needs to be disassembled

[@bellosunny3805]

I use Benz e350 w211, could it be the reason ,it jerks on high speed and reduce speed until it stops responding to acceleration, but resume normally after cooling off, yes I just changed the 12plugs too

[@tommyverscetti2548]

I have a 2004 Honda Pilot, can a bad catalytic converter cause it it to start?

[@MechanicalBoost]

A bad catalytic converter typically wouldn't cause a car to fail to start on its own. However, a severely clogged catalytic converter could potentially contribute to engine performance issues that might indirectly affect starting.

[@MustangGuru]

I call Bs on the converters, cars can be tuned to have equal to or better output as a converter, However, the additives being mix in gas cause a concern, Gasoline of today is no where near as clean as it was 30yrs ago.

[@PeterHernandez-lg2eh]

Po302 ???

[@MechanicalBoost]

Explain your question

[@johnreno1733]

Stoooooid robot voice

[@buttstinkman5983]

I had a check engine light on my car, it was scanned for a bad catalytic converter. I don't have any of the severe symptoms other than the light, how bad is the risk to drive halfway across America?

[@MechanicalBoost]

If your car's diagnostic scan indicates a faulty catalytic converter but you aren't experiencing any severe symptoms such as significant loss of power, unusual noises, or excessive emissions, it's possible that the issue might not be immediately critical. However, driving long distances with a potentially malfunctioning catalytic converter can still pose some risks. Depending on local regulations, driving with a malfunctioning catalytic converter could result in fines or legal consequences, especially if your vehicle fails emissions tests.