There are numerous things that will go wrong with your automobile if someone steals the catalytic converter. The converter is located behind the exhaust manifold so it can take in the exhaust and treat it. This treatment makes the exhaust safe for the environment. Here is what happens when someone steals the converter from your vehicle’s exhaust system.
The Engine Gets Loud
You will not know that anything is wrong until you fire up the engine. Once you do, you will be surprised by how loud the engine is. Unfortunately, the engine will be loud and roar like a lion when you accelerate until you have the converter replaced. The void that is left by the missing converter cannot muffle the noise of the exhaust leaving the exhaust manifold.
The CEL Turns On
In addition to the loud engine, you will also notice that the check engine light has turned on and will not turn off. You are receiving this dashboard warning because the exhaust system sensors are reporting errors to the engine control unit. The engine control unit is your vehicle’s main computer chip. It will turn on the check engine light because the converter does not have a light.
The Acceleration Jerks
We want to discourage you from driving your automobile if the converter is missing. The reason why is that the exhaust can waft to the inside of your vehicle. We will talk more about this below. In addition, you will start to have problems with your automobile’s acceleration. Specifically, your vehicle will jerk and lurch forward when you press down on the accelerator.
The Car Underperforms
In addition, you will notice a lag in your engine’s performance when you are driving at slow speeds. Unfortunately, this is a sign that your engine is having problems producing low-end torque. This is the power production that is needed to drive slowly. This problem will not resolve itself. You need to replace the catalytic converter to restore slow-speed performance.
You Can Smell Exhaust
Finally, as we mentioned above, there is an open space behind the exhaust manifold that is caused by the missing catalytic converter. This means the manifold releases the exhaust into the air. The exhaust will float up and enter your passenger cabin. Unfortunately, this can be deadly. At a minimum, you will get sick if you are inhaling your vehicle’s exhaust.
Call us today if you need a new converter installed in your exhaust system. Check with your insurance company, as this theft may be covered by your auto insurance policy.