How can you tell when the catalytic converter is bad?

Among the symptoms of a bad catalytic converter are:

• Sluggish engine performance.
• Reduced acceleration.
• Dark exhaust smoke.
• The smell of sulfur or rotten eggs from the exhaust.
• Excessive heat under the vehicle.

What does a catalytic converter sound like when it is bad?

Rattling Noises
Rattling Noises. Your catalytic converter consists of small, honeycomb-shaped components that can cause a rattling sound when broken. If your catalytic converter is broken, this rattling should be loudest when the car starts, and should get worse over time.

Can you still drive a car with a bad catalytic converter?

A bad catalytic converter will give off higher emissions than allowed by the state. So a car with a malfunctioning catalytic converter will not pass a vehicle inspection. And that means you won’t be able to drive your vehicle legally.

How often should I replace my catalytic converter?

The catalytic converter, which converts harmful emissions into harmless gas, often lasts 10 years or longer and should be replaced only when needed.

How much does it cost to replace a catalytic converter?

Replacing a catalytic converter in older vehicles can set you back $140 to $500 , whereas replacing it in newer vehicles will cost much more. How Much Does a Catalytic Converter Cost? Well, the parts alone usually cost from $300 to $1,650, whereas parts and labor are $650 to $2,400.

What is the bad catalytic converter symptoms?

Rattling noises from under the vehicle are another symptom of a bad or failing catalytic converter. If a catalytic converter becomes old or damaged internally from excessively rich fuel mixtures, the catalyst coated honeycomb meshes on the inside of the converter can collapse or break apart, causing a rattle.

What are symptoms of a clogged catalitic converter?

No Power. The catalytic converter is a component of the exhaust system and must be kept free-flowing to allow the easy passage of exhaust.

Bad Fuel Economy. Because a clogged catalytic converter makes the engine work much harder,gas mileage can decrease substantially.

Noises. Many times a “clogged” catalytic converter is actually a broken one.