The catalytic converter is a part of the exhaust system. Its function is to reduce toxic exhaust gases before they're emitted from your automobile's exhaust system. A bad catalytic converter can cause serious damage to the exhaust system, as well as the environment. If you suspect that your vehicle's catalytic converter is damaged, you need to have it checked immediately. Checking it yourself is a simple process and only requires a few basic tools.
Raise the back of your vehicle with a car jack. Position jack stands under the rear axles of your vehicle before lowering your car onto them with the jack.
Locate the catalytic converter. Follow the exhaust pipe until you reach a device that looks like a muffler. This is the catalytic converter.
Tap the side of the converter with a rubber mallet. Listen for a rattling sound. If the converter rattles when you strike it, it is definitely damaged and needs to be replaced.
Drill a small hole in the exhaust pipe at the rear of the converter. Insert the gauge hose of a back pressure gauge into the hole in the exhaust pipe. Start the ignition and throttle the gas to get the engine up to 2,000 RPM. Refer to the back pressure gauge to get a reading of the air flow. The pressure gauge should read less than 1.25 PSI. Turn off the engine.
Drill a small hole in the exhaust pipe on the opposite side of the converter. This hole should be in front of the catalytic converter. Put the gauge hose of the back pressure gauge into the hole in the exhaust pipe. Start the ignition and throttle the gas to get the engine up to 2,000 RPM. Refer to the back pressure gauge to get a reading of the air flow. Again, the pressure gauge should read less than 1.25 PSI. If the pressure gauge shows a reading over 2.75 PSI, there is a serious air restriction, and the converter needs to be replaced.
