Because of the federally mandated warranty coverage until five-years/60000 miles on emission-related components including the catalytic converter, it prudent to seek advice from dealer's service department before changing the converter at one's own cost. The catalytic converter is an emission control device in the exhaust system that reduces pollutants from exhaust gases, with two types: The oxidation catalyst decreases the hydrocarbons and the carbon monoxide by increasing the oxygen content to form water vapor and the carbon dioxide while the reduction catalyst minimizes the oxides of nitrogen by decreasing the oxygen content to form nitrogen and oxygen. These reagents are mixed together to form a three-way catalyst the that simultaneously deals with all three pollutants. The working of this catalyst is based on the input and consumption of oxygen; in case the catalyst is denied adequate oxygen, it cannot transform injurious emissions. This catalyst works best with the stoichiometric air-fuel ratio of 14.7:1, the variations from this can cause depletion of the element or excess affecting the performance of the catalyst. The
Oxygen Sensor upstream and downstream report to the power train control module, in case the catalyst does not function properly it sets a diagnostic trouble code and turns on the CHECK ENGINE light. If a car owner believes that his/her vehicle's emission control system has malfunctioned, professional diagnosis and repair must be carried out by either a dealer or an authorized emissions inspection center. The extent of the damages, leaks and corrosion must be checked often especially if it is underbody parts that are being serviced. Despite being long lasting, catalytic converters can clog up and there is also what you can use to test for restricted vacuums within the exhaust system and this is the vacuum gauge. For replacement, the process changes from model to model; the aforesaid exhaust manifolds catalytic converters of 1999-2005 four-cylinder models are situated directly below the exhaust manifolds, the process includes; lifting the vehicle and ensuring it is steady, unbolting the exhaust pipe and disconnecting its rubber support, then, finally removing the converter. Other models, primary catalytic converters are integrated with the exhaust manifolds, the downstream is between the rear flange of the front exhaust pipe and the muffler which often time is replaced in muffler shops. In its stead, the vehicle needs to be lifted and supported as the converter needs to be quite literally pulled out through bolts and flanges.