The precious metals that are found in catalytic converters are palladium, platinum, and rhodium. Getz Automotive advises that this is why people steal catalytic converters from underneath automobiles. If you become the victim of catalytic converter theft, the first thing you should do is turn off your automobile and call the police. You need to report the theft. After you have done so, call your auto insurance company to see if they will pay us to replace your catalytic converter.
Excessive Engine Noise
You may be startled when you first fire up your engine after the converter has been stolen because the engine will be extremely loud. The engine will also make roaring sounds that get louder when you accelerate. The converter acts as a buffer when the exhaust manifold forcefully pushes the exhaust into it. Now that the converter is gone, you can hear how loud this exhaust push is.
Check Engine Warning
You will also see right away that the engine control unit has turned on the check engine light and refuses to turn it off. The light will stay on until a new catalytic converter is installed in the exhaust system. The reason why is that the system cannot function normally without the catalytic converter. Consequently, the sensors in the exhaust system will report continual error codes to the unit.
Punchy Acceleration
The forceful push of the exhaust will also cause your automobile’s acceleration to be jerky. This will make it difficult to drive your vehicle. As we mentioned above, the converter absorbs the force and sound of this push. Consequently, your vehicle will lurch forward because there is nothing underneath it to take in the exhaust being pushed out of the exhaust manifold.
Slow-Speed Problems
In addition to punchy acceleration, the engine will also have a problem producing power when you are driving at slower speeds. The engine power will increase as you pick up speed. This being said, you should not drive your automobile if the catalytic converter has been stolen.
Noticeable Exhaust Odors
The reason why is that the converter is no longer there to take in the exhaust. It is also gone so the exhaust remains untreated. Consequently, the exhaust will be pushed into the air underneath your automobile. It will rise into the passenger cabin, especially if you have your windows open. This can make you seriously ill if you drive your automobile.
Getz Automotive in Fuquay-Varina, NC, would be happy to help, so give us a ring if you need to have a catalytic converter installed in the exhaust system.