A catalytic converter helps control the tailpipe emissions of your vehicle, but a car owner may find themselves in a tight spot when evaluating catalytic converter pricing for replacements.
If your catalytic converter has gone missing or simply stopped working, be prepared to face replacement costs ranging from $200 to $2,500, on top of additional labour charges.
Edmunds has some helpful pricing estimates that highlight the ever-changing market offered by scrap yards selling used catalytic converters, emphasizing the regional pricing disparity and the fluctuating precious metals market.
We also provide guidance on scrap catalytic converter pricing, but bear in mind that these suggestions are approximations based on limited data. To get the most accurate estimates, reach out directly to your local auto mechanic or scrap yard and ask about their catalytic converter pricing.
In the following sections, learn about the symptoms of a failing converter, the reasons behind it, and the price tag that comes with its replacement.
What is a Catalytic Converter?
A catalytic converter is a critical component of a vehicle’s exhaust system. As previously noted, it reduces the toxic pollutants released into the environment by changing hazardous burning gases into less dangerous exhausts, such as water vapor and carbon dioxide.
Conversion of the harmful exhaust gas is done by subjecting it to various chemicals and metals in the catalytic converter, which will activate certain reactions that reduce harmful emissions to safe materials that would otherwise be harmless. We will now delve further into the workings of a catalytic converter.
What Does the Catalytic Converter Do?
Catalytic converters are designed with a chamber (catalyst) that mitigates the harmful molecules emitted from an engine’s exhaust and converts them into harmless steam. It functions to break up the combination of dangerous molecules within the gases emitted by the vehicle before its discharge into the atmosphere.
Like other car parts, a catalytic converter is situated underneath the car. Its shape is that of a metal box. Two pipes are attached to it. The converter uses these two pipes and the catalyst during the process of making the gases safe for human use.
Gases enter from the “input” pipe, which is attached to the engine of the car. They are blasted over the catalyst, which burns through chemicals, breaking up the pollutants.
Now, less harmful gases pass through the second pipe called the “output,” which is connected to the tailpipe of the car.
Core purpose of catalytic converters
Catalytic converters are used in automotive systems with the main function to reduce the emission of harmful pollutants from an engine’s exhaust gases and make it more environmentally friendly.
Their dependability and effectiveness play an essential role not only in the performance of any vehicle, but also in the efforts to minimize pollution in the environment.
How Does a Catalytic Converter Work?
Two events of catalysis take place while the exhaust gases are flowing through a heated catalytic converter:
- The reduction catalyst occurs first of the two catalytic events. Using metal catalysts, it reduces harmful nitrogen oxides by breaking the molecules down into nitrogen and oxygen. Nitrogen is captured in the converter, while oxygen is free to pass through.
- The second event, oxidation catalyst, takes place next. Unburned hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide is oxidized by burning over a metal catalyst.
In essence, catalytic converters serve as filters that destroy toxic exhaust constituents like fumes. Aside from reducing emissions, catalytic converters impact vehicle performance, enhancing efficiency, for example.
A properly functioning vehicle helps prolong the life of a catalytic converter, which decreases the likelihood of expensive catalytic converter repair or replacement.
Bad Catalytic Converter Symptoms
Here are six prevalent indicators that your catalytic converter is clogged or damaged.
#1. Rotten Egg Smell From Exhaust.
A distinctive rotten egg smell is also an indicator that your catalytic converter has a problem. A gasoline-powered engine earns its place on the list since it comes with a tiny quantity of sulfur—when consumed it becomes hydrogen sulfide.
The catalytic converter’s role is to get rid of bad hydrogen sulfide and turn it into good odorless sulfur dioxide. If the converter is bad, some unprocessed gas forms, hydrogen sulfide, from vehicle exhaust.
#2. “Check Engine Light” is On.
If your vehicle’s catalytic converter is not functioning well or has gone bad, you will see the “Check Engine Light” come on. Oxygen sensors are a part of modern vehicles, and they can monitor the efficacy of the catalytic converter by measuring the exhaust gases.
If the exhaust gases are being emitted without proper catalysis being done, the “Check engine Light” will come on for those sensors, and this will inform the driver that something is wrong. However, since the issue can stem from a lot of things, he won’t be able to determine where the problem lies.
The issue can be resolved by checking the trouble codes of the vehicle from a diagnostic scan tool; P0420, P0421, and P0430 are among the most popular fault codes suggesting catalytic converter failure.
#3. Poor Acceleration.
Sluggish acceleration — one of the common signs of a clogged catalytic converter is impaired engine power, which is most noticeable when accelerating; for example, when attempting to overtake a vehicle in a high-speed environment.
The catalyst core in converters is made up of a matrix of fine cell walls that creates a honeycomb pattern. When there is too much carbon buildup the converter’s internals begin to melt, and fuel creates excess heat, creating a partial blockage.
Even a small restriction in exhaust flow will hamstring engine power. With a blocked converter, you will experience reduced power during acceleration, climbing a hill, or while towing a considerable weight.
In the case of clogging due to carbon deposits, it is possible to clean the catalytic converter and restore proper function.
#4. Failed Emissions Test.
Most parts of the United States require your vehicle to pass a smog test every few years to make sure your car is properly burning fuel and not expelling dangerous gases into the atmosphere. The contribution of a malfunctioning catalytic converter in these cases is quite relevant.
They can be checked through the OBD2 port in the case of cars manufactured after 1996 or through a hose connected to the tailpipe, measuring the concentration of poisonous gases for cars made before 1996.
#5. Rattling Noise.
If some portions of the honeycomb structure of the catalyst substrate are damaged or subjected to extreme heat, you are likely to hear a rattling sound while idling or cruising in your vehicle. This noise is often more pronounced at ignition.
A component of the exhaust system known as the catalytic converter should be replaced immediately, as loose bits of material can cascade down the exhaust pipe and become lodged in the muffler. This complication could result in the blockage of the exhaust rich, resulting in vehicle stalling and subsequently rendering the car non-operational.
#6. Reduced Fuel Economy.
Do you feel like you are visiting the gas station more frequently than before? Since a faulty catalytic converter tends to be correlated with diminished fuel economy, the answer is yes.
Your vehicle’s engine uses O2 sensors to manage the blending of fuel and oxygen in the engine’s combustion chamber.
If there is a blockage within the system, then the sensor gets the wrong information and presumes that the system has more air than it truly does. The result is the excess fuel being injected into the system, and the system cannot utilize the amount provided.
“Running rich” is how this is described, and it won’t help matters if the catalytic converter is already clogged.
Causes of Catalytic Converter Problems
Physical Damage
In modern vehicles, one to three catalytic converters are fixed beneath the vehicle in the space between the engine and the muffler (closer to the foot well or below the front seats). As a result, it is susceptible to being damaged by driving over curbs and road debris, which might also cause damage to the muffler or tailpipe.
Again, most of the issues are concealed and can only be diagnosed on a car lift, say, during an oil change. (To add, the sheet-metal heat shield around the converter can become loose and rattle, however, that is not an issue with the converter itself).
In principle, crushing the catalytic converter will damage the device. However, other forms of indirect damage can also harm the device. For example, damage to the tail pipe and muffler can increase exhaust backpressure, which in turn increases the temperature within the converter.
Overheating
In every vehicle, the catalytic converter serves the purpose of transforming dangerous pollutants like unburnt gasoline and nitrogen oxides to safe gases. If too much unburned gasoline is fed into the car, its converter will overheat. This temperature rise will burn the insides of the converter.
As an example, a blocked or broken muffler can create an exhaust restriction. In both cases, the catalytic converter may become too hot due to these problems, causing its external carpet, whether located above the converter or beneath on the grass, to ignite in a worst-case scenario.
Clog or Contamination
A bad sensor oxygen, a blocked air filter, engine oil that has seeped past piston rings or valve guides, and a burnt air-fuel mixture in the cylinder due to a leaking gasket located at the head may lead to contaminated coolant in the exhaust.
Engine misfires caused by fueling concerns or defective spark plugs will almost certainly illuminate the engine warning light, but the underlying issue can usually be resolved through system diagnostics.
A thorough mechanical assessment is not usually done when there are no signs that indicate a malfunctioning head gasket, an obsolete piston ring, or worn-out valve guides.
When coolant seeps into the exhaust system, it typically produces white exhaust smoke, while burning oil results in blue or gray exhaust smoke. (Black exhaust smoke is produced from a rich fuel mixture, which indicates too much gasoline in the system.)
Because exhaust smoke is more noticeable while driving than during idling, a driver may not notice the exhaust issue until it becomes severe or detrimental. Checking the exhaust output periodically after the engine warms up can be useful.
Bear in mind that during cold temperatures, the exhaust will generally be white temporarily as water, which has accumulated in the system, combusts.
Irrespective of the cause, the check-engine light is likely to activate for warning, and since the engine appears to function normally, people tend to disregard the warning.
That is not the most logical solution; while some issues that activate the light could be relatively minor, such as not replacing the fuel gas cap after a fill-up, others like malfunctioning spark plugs could be easily fixed now, but if left unaddressed could lead to dire ramifications later — including damage to the catalytic converter.
Age or Mileage
If nothing else damages them, catalytic converters should exceed a decade with no issues, but like all parts will eventually fail.
How Much Does a Catalytic Converter Replacement Cost?
A catalytic converter’s replacement cost is often accompanied with panic and irritation due to the price being highly inconsistent. The majority of the difference rests in whether it is a direct fit or a universal fit unit. With many models, a muffler shop will gladly install a universal replacement converter for $2-300.00.
This is achieved by taking out the old converter from the exhaust section and welding or clamping in a new one. On many new models, the converter is often integrated into either an elaborate downpipe section from the engine or integrated into the exhaust manifold itself, requiring more costly options – direct-fit converters only.
These types of converters are increasing in number as they are so-called add-on items, which are installed by unbolting the flanges that attach them and replacing it with a new unit. Because they are designed heavily, unique direct-fits tend to be more expensive than universal options.
For direct fit options, a replacement can set you back between $300 and $2500 for the part alone. Don’t forget to include labor, which ranges from $70 to $130 per hour for installing the converter. The exact time will depend on the vehicle being worked on.
Taking on the work yourself means you won’t have to pay for labor, however, the actual value of the catalytic converter is usually the most expensive part. While the task does require some time, it’s usually not too challenging, particularly if you purchase a direct replacement catalytic converter.
How to Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft
Converters often become the target of thieves as they contain precious metals. Catalytic converter theft tends to occur in vehicles that sit higher off the ground since the components are easier to access.
Protective measures to prevent theft, regardless of your vehicle make include:
- If a secure garage is unavailable, park in well-lit spaces near building entrances.
- Weld the catalytic converter to the vehicle frame, which will likely make it more challenging to remove.
- Look for an aftermarket accessory, such as a metal guard, that can be placed over the converter.
- Set up a car alarm that is equipped with a vibration motion sensor feature.
- Etch the vehicle identification number (VIN) on the converter, which can help deter sales of the part and assist in theft detection of the converter.