Because of a federal regulation requiring an additional warranty on emissions control parts and peripherals such as the catalytic converter, it is wise to discuss with the dealer service department before fixing 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 that increases the oxygen content of hydrocarbon and hence reduce the amount of hydrocarbon and CO emission and the reduction catalyst lowers the emission of the NOx by reducing their oxygen content. These catalysts are frequently bundled into a single, or what is known as a three-way catalyst, that combats all the three pollutants. It is expensive to test a catalytic converter, thus where malfunction is suspected, it is advisable to take the car to the dealer or an authorised emissions inspection station. At the time of servicing underbody components, it is also advisable to check for any leakage or rusting, dent or damage of the converter, welds and the flange bolts. As with any device, failures are exceptional but a plugged converter is always possible-and to check for restrictions, you can hook up a vacuum gauge to an intake manifold vacuum source. Then start turning on the heater, set the parking brake, collect the idle vacuum figure, flick the throttle and record the readings of the new flow. Fourth reading-If this is any farther down than one in-Hg lower than the idle reading the exhaust system can be restricted. As for disposal: chase up the vehicle on jackstands, remove the upstream downstream
Oxygen Sensor, and apply penetrant to the exhaust flange nuts before removal. Disconnect the exhaust manifold from the converter by unscrewing the nuts behind the converter, you will then have to release the clamp that holds the converter behind it. When fitting the new converter as a replacement apply anti-seize compound to the threads of the exhaust manifold studs and clamp bolt and tighten the fasteners respectively to the identified torque requirement; and of course, removal and installation procedures are reversed.