Cost of a catalytic converter replacement

In other cases, the Check Engine light will illuminate but the car will operate normally otherwise. Like any car repair, the cost of catalytic converter replacement varies from model to model. Some specialty cars could be higher yet. High catalytic converter prices are just the start though. Along with the repair itself, you must take into consideration diagnostic costs and potential issues that arise because of the failure. For example, you might need to change one or more oxygen sensors, the muffler, or the tailpipe at the same time.

To fix it might be worth more than the car itself. The converter system is exposed to the elements, and may have studs that are rusted, or bolts that hold it to the car engine. If the mechanic working on replacing your catalytic converter runs into any issues, they could take a while to work around them and finish the job. You might think about taking the catalytic converter out and installing a straight pipe instead as the cheapest way to fix a catalytic converter.

You car will be polluting more than you should. Sometimes, catalytic converter efficiency is compromised because of something in the fuel. You can try to salvage the catalytic converter by putting a cleaner in the fuel. Before you replace your bad catalytic converter, check out another option.

CarBrain has a free online evaluation for your car , offering to buy your car in as-is condition. Just fill out the online questionnaire with your vehicle details and condition. CarBrain will provide a fair, no-haggle cash offer for your car. If you like the quote, you accept it. We even provide free towing to pick it up from any location.

Most of the time, the catalytic converter is a bolt-on part and not too hard to access. Replacement can still be problematic due to the high temperatures it runs at. Exhaust-specific fasteners are usually used, which manage heat well but are more prone to rust. On a V-6 or V-8 engine, there is usually one catalytic converter for each bank of cylinders, and these are often not replaceable separately. A pre-formed Y-pipe with two catalytic converters is more common; though an expensive OE arrangement.

In any case, if one catalytic converter has failed due to age or operating conditions, the other is likely in the same shape. This means that they accomplish three different specific operations on the exhaust stream. The first is that they strip the oxygen molecule from nitrogen oxides. The byproducts of this are harmless nitrogen and a free oxygen molecule.

The second operation is to add an oxygen molecule to carbon monoxide which is another very harmful product of burning hydrocarbons. Carbon monoxide is a particularly deadly gas, but adding a molecule of oxygen to it creates carbon dioxide. This has problems in itself, of course being the infamous CO2 , but it is more inert and not immediately harmful in low concentrations.

The third operation also consumes free oxygen to convert unburned hydrocarbons into CO2 and H2O. The main way that the PCM determines the efficiency of a catalytic converter is by looking at data from the O2 sensors before and after the catalytic converter and using that data to infer the oxygen capacity of the converter.

This is more or less its capacity to perform the last two operations. The conversion of unburned hydrocarbons in the exhaust stream is an essential role of the catalytic converter.

However, it can also lead to problems if they are excessive as the process itself generates heat. Hydrocarbons in the exhaust stream can come normally from hard acceleration or less than perfect combustion. They can also form from various engine problems both mechanical and sensor-related leading to a too rich fuel mixture or poor combustion, or engine misfires.

In small amounts or for brief periods, usually, no harm is done. In the worst cases, the core can melt down and obstruct the exhaust flow. Oil burning can also cause issues. There are varying types of diagnostic methods that mechanics use for different levels of converter failure.

Should the check engine sign flash on to reveal catalytic converter failure, then you should follow the diagnostic procedures as set out by the manufacturer to determine the cause. Replacing a catalytic converter is a rather complex task that requires the use of specialized tools; hence it should be left to the professionals.

For example, the mechanic has to use a power saw just to cut the old catalytic converter out and remove it. This has to be done delicately and carefully because one wrong step and the procedure might cause damage to other parts surrounding the converter. Once the old converter is out, the mechanic will weld the new converter in its place. Sometimes, an obstruction in the fuel like dirt and debris can compromise the efficiency of the catalytic converter considerably. Cleaning the fuel with an appropriate cleaner is one of the most efficient ways that you can use to save the catalytic converter from total damage.

That said, you should keep in mind that this is only a temporary solution. That said, if you have changed a catalytic converter before and you have solid experience working with cars and car parts, then doing it yourself could save you money because you already have most of the tools required. Another way to save money would be to get quotes from different mechanics in your area so that you can compare prices and service value until you find one that offers the best value for money.

Here are some sample costs for catalytic converter replacement based on the most common and popular car models in the country.