Maybe you’ve observed that your car isn’t running smoothly anymore. Your fuel efficiency seems to be less than typical. Even a bad stench coming from the exhaust could be detected. It is obvious because the check engine light is also on. It’s time to start planning the replacement of your catalytic converter right now. Cost is important because, depending on the make, the part alone can cost anywhere from under $100 to $2,000 or more.
You stay near the lower end of the range if your vehicle is an older model or a diesel. The north end can be reached by a more recent vehicle, such as a Toyota SUV. Fortunately, because less time is required, the labor cost is lower.
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DIY or Get It Repaired?
The part itself accounts for the majority of the expense of replacing your catalytic converter. It is one of those things that could make the job unworkable. That may influence your decision to forego it and look at new car or used truck prices instead.
Usually, getting there doesn’t take much effort. The component is right there in plain view because it is situated between the exhaust manifold and the muffler. Usually, the repair takes less than an hour. Depending on how it’s attached to the vehicle, you can either do it or you can’t.
Many automakers will weld components into place. The catalytic converter replacement process will probably take longer if yours is OEM. To make the repair, the old one will need to be removed using a Sawzall. Where the rubber hits the road is there. If you have the necessary equipment and knowledge, you can complete the task and save yourself about $100 on labor.
A catalytic converter may be bolted into place on some cars. It now falls under the DIY category. The likelihood of the hardware being rusty increases the difficulty of the repair. Using penetrating oil, the job can be completed quickly. However, if a bolt breaks or you are unable to remove them, you are left at a loss and must return to the store.
The Repair Process
A catalytic converter is simple to replace. One piece of specialist equipment, which costs under $20, is necessary for the process. What you’ll need is as follows:
- Set of ratchets and sockets
- sensor socket for oxygen
- oil that penetrates
- substitute catalytic converter
- Jack postures
Purchase the proper component for your vehicle’s make, model, and year. Instead of buying rebuilt, buy new. Place all four wheels of your car on the jack stands to begin. Before you start working on it, let the air circulate to cool off the components.
Track down the catalytic converter. The oxygen sensor and its connections must then be removed using the unique socket. Then, working from the back and moving forward, remove the bolts at the flanges using a ratchet. Do not pressure them. Spray penetrating oil on them as an alternative, and then give it some time to work. Give it one more go.
Then, all that remains is to replace the worn-out component with the new one. The oxygen sensor and its fittings should be changed. You’re ready to go once the catalytic converter is firmly installed.
As you can see, the fix is simple. The only things that make it more difficult and lengthen the catalytic converter replacement process are rusty bolts or a welded component. The task is easily manageable by a do-it-yourself mechanic.
When you’re finished, turn on your car to make sure the check engine light is off. It may indicate a damaged catalytic converter, but it may also indicate an issue with the oxygen sensor. Use a diagnostic scan tool to see if further repair is necessary. You might find it useful.
The catalytic converter in your car is crucial for minimizing the poisonous emissions that contribute to air pollution and climate change. Fortunately, there is a quick repair that won’t take much time. To catch any issues early before they worsen, pay attention to any odd sounds or odors coming from your car.
How much does a Nissan Altima catalytic converter replacement cost?
Nissan Altima catalytic converter replacements typically cost between $1,739 and $1,786. Between $142 and $180 is the expected labor cost, and between $1,596 and $1,607 is the projected cost of the parts. Taxes and other fees are not included in this range, nor are your particular model year or geographic area taken into account.
How much does a Nissan catalytic converter replacement cost?
Depending on the type and model of your car, where you live, and other factors, catalytic converter repair might be very expensive. The following prices are typical for a catalytic converter replacement service:
- (Parts) Catalytic converter: $1000 to $2500
- Cost of labor: $100 to $200
Therefore, you should budget between $1100 and $2700 for the installation of a new catalytic converter (including labor charges). If your car requires more repairs, these prices can rise.
Reduced performance and/or starting problems
Your catalytic converter’s ceramic honeycomb structure is prone to deterioration, corrosion, and fragmentation. Age, external factors, or other factors may be the cause of this. As a result, the catalytic converter may clog and obstruct the usual passage of exhaust gases through it and the rest of the exhaust system. This will have a direct impact on the engine’s performance, possibly to the point where you can’t even start your automobile. You might observe:
- Hesitation
- No start for the engine
- the requirement to accelerate more quickly to achieve a sufficient level of power
- inadequate power
- sluggish acceleration
- Misfiring
- Stalling
- decreased fuel efficiency
A rattling sound from underneath your car
You might hear them rattling around inside your catalytic converter when the engine starts, runs, or when your automobile hits a bump or a pothole if the ceramic particles inside of it fragment into smaller pieces.
A sulfurous, rotten egg smell from your exhaust
After the fuel-air mixture is burned in the cylinders, the sulfur in your gasoline is converted into foul-smelling hydrogen sulfide gas inside your engine. The hydrogen sulfide is transformed into the odorless sulfur dioxide when your catalytic converter is operating normally. A defective catalytic converter won’t be able to process the hydrogen sulfide, therefore it will exit your exhaust unprocessed and smell strongly like rotten eggs.
Your Check Engine light comes on
All of the emissions-related equipment in your automobile is continually being monitored by the engine computer. The Check Engine light on your dashboard will come on if the computer determines that your catalytic converter is malfunctioning. A mechanic can retrieve a trouble code that will also be shown on the computer. This will assist the mechanic in identifying the precise source of the issue.
You fail an emissions test
If you live in a region where your automobile must undergo emissions testing, you can learn that your catalytic converter is defective when your car fails a required smog or vehicle emissions test. This could be as a result of the test finding a catalytic converter-related issue code in your engine computer, in which case your Check Engine light is likely lit, or as a result of the test finding an excessive amount of unburned fuel in your exhaust.
What are the top three reasons why a catalytic converter fails?
Three types of catalytic converter failures are the most common: overheated, melted, and broken converters.
What is the duration of a catalytic converter removal?
Unfortunately, it’s fairly simple to steal a catalytic converter. Typically, thieves use a reciprocating saw powered by a battery to slide underneath a car and cut the exhaust line directly. It takes around two to three minutes and generates the same amount of noise as any power tool.
A automobile without a catalytic converter is how loud?
Can I drive without a catalytic converter? is a common question that many customers ask when faced with the recovery costs of a stolen “cat?
Both yes and no are the responses. A automobile can theoretically run without a catalytic converter. This, however, is not a viable long-term solution. Here are several issues that arise when you drive without a catalytic converter.
Loud Vehicle Noises and Missing Catalytic Converter
Extremely loud engine noises are the first indication that a catalytic converter has been stolen. Driving without a catalytic converter may cause your car to sound like it is roaring, especially when you start it or give it gas.
Rough Driving and Acceleration
Your car will drive rougher as your exhaust isn’t controlled. Normally, your engine pushes exhaust through the catalytic converter. Without this part, the intense exhaust push will result in unpleasant acceleration that is uneven.
Annual Vehicle Inspection Failure
You will fail both the NC safety inspection and the NC emissions inspection if you don’t have a catalytic converter. You might be asking why a missing catalytic converter would result in you failing your safety inspection, even though the failure of the emissions check may seem evident.
An exhaust system check is part of your annual safety inspection, and it specifically looks for components that have been altered or removed. Among others, this pertains to your catalytic converter, muffler, exhaust pipe, PCP valve, and EGR valve.
As a result, without a catalytic converter, you will not be able to renew your vehicle’s registration. On our list of everything checked during your yearly safety inspection, you may find more details on exhaust system inspections.
Harmful Car Emissions
Because it transforms pollutants into less dangerous byproducts like water vapor and carbon dioxide, your catalytic converter is termed as such. Without this part, your automobile won’t be able to filter and reduce dangerous emissions including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons. This not only harms the environment, but it can also result in dangerously low air quality. For instance, these dangerous contaminants may enter your home when you park in your garage.
Avoiding a $250 Fine
Not every driver who does not have a catalytic converter experiences theft. To increase horsepower, some people decide to remove their catalytic converters. A $250 fine may be imposed by the police if they discover that you removed your catalytic converter on purpose.
Theft-related catalytic converters are not covered by this. The penalty is given “for ordering or permitting a person to tamper with a vehicle’s emission control device so as to render the device inoperative or malfunction.” However, if you use workarounds to avoid replacing your catalytic converter despite the fact that it was stolen, your actions may resemble those of a driver who is trying to tamper with their emissions system. This is another reason why it’s crucial to report a stolen catalytic converter as soon as possible.