Assume for the moment that you finished your grocery shopping, loaded the bags into the trunk, hopped in the driver’s seat, and started the engine only to hear it roaring loudly. Crossroads Automotive advises that this is a sign that someone stole the catalytic converter while you were in the store. This happens more often than you might think because the converter’s metal is precious. The noise that your engine makes is just one sign that the converter is gone. Here are other signs.
Illuminated CEL
The other thing that is going to happen when you fire up your vehicle is the check engine light will turn on and refuse to turn off. This, too, is an indication that the catalytic converter was taken while your vehicle was parked in a public lot. The engine control module turns on the check engine light because it cannot repair the error codes that it is receiving from the exhaust system sensors.
Jerky Acceleration
You will see as you keep reading this blog post that is not a good idea to drive your automobile with a missing catalytic converter. One reason is that your acceleration will jerk and be unpredictable. This is because the exhaust manifold is pushing the exhaust out of it and into the open air rather than the catalytic converter. This creates a jerking motion as well as a roaring sound.
Slow-Speed Lagging
You are also going to have problems driving your vehicle slowly if the catalytic converter is gone. The engine has a difficult time producing the torque required for it to operate smoothly at slower speeds. Consequently, the engine will lag and sputter.
Exhaust Odors
The performance problems are not the primary reason why we recommend you don’t drive your automobile. Rather, as we have mentioned above, the exhaust manifold releases the exhaust into the open air because the converter is gone. Consequently, the exhaust can make its way into the interior of your vehicle where you will be able to smell it because you are inhaling it.
Feeling Sick
This can make you extremely ill. Basically, you are inhaling carbon monoxide, which can be fatal. It’s also important to understand that there are excess harmful emissions in the exhaust because the catalytic converter was not there to treat the exhaust and convert them. As such, avoid driving your vehicle and have it towed to our shop.
Crossroads Automotive in Topeka, KS, would be happy to help, so ring us up today to set up a service appointment if you need to have a new catalytic converter installed.