Two words can explain why catalytic converters get stolen: precious metals. The catalytic converter that is part of your vehicle’s exhaust system contains rhodium, platinum, and palladium. These metals fetch quite a bit of money on the black market. Consequently, if your vehicle is parked in a public parking area for an extended time, your catalytic converter may get stolen.
Roaring/Rumbling Engine
Thankfully, you will know immediately that there is a problem. When you start your engine, it will roar and rumble loudly; much louder than it normally runs. If you press down on the accelerator, the noise will get worse. This is your first indication that there is something wrong. In this case, you no longer have a catalytic converter to muffle the engine exhaust noise.
Check Engine Warning
In addition to the excess noise, the check engine light is also going to turn on and remain on. Usually, this light turns off quickly after you start your car, truck, or utility vehicle. Because the catalytic converter is missing, the check engine light will remain on because the engine control module is receiving exhaust system error codes from the system sensors.
Jerking Acceleration
If you attempt to drive your vehicle, the first thing you are going to notice is that the acceleration jerks. Your vehicle will lurch forward roughly every time you press down on the accelerator. This can make driving the automobile difficult. There is no way to restore smooth acceleration except to replace the missing catalytic converter. The acceleration jerks because the converter is gone.
Slow-Speed Sputtering
In addition, the engine will struggle to produce power when you are driving slowly. This means the engine will sputter and lag until you pick up speed. If you are driving on city streets, you may feel as if your car is going to stall. These engine performance issues alone are enough to discourage you from driving your vehicle, but there is one more problem that makes operating the automobile dangerous.
Noticeable Exhaust Odors
This problem is exhaust in the passenger cabin. Normally, the exhaust is pushed into the catalytic converter by the exhaust manifold. It does not reach the open air until it is released out of the tailpipe. Unfortunately, the converter is gone and the manifold pushes the exhaust into the environment. It is quite easy for the exhaust to float up and into the passenger cabin.
Naturally, this can make you sick while you are driving your automobile. As such, we recommend that you have your vehicle towed to our shop if the catalytic converter has been stolen.
