Yes, Oxford Automotive advises that you will know if your catalytic converter has been stolen. We will talk about the signs of catalytic converter theft below. It may seem strange that people would steal catalytic converters from underneath automobiles but the converters contain platinum and other precious metals. As such, they are a popular item on the black market.
Roaring Engine
The reason why we say you will know that your catalytic converter has been stolen is that your engine is going to sound very different when you first start your automobile after the theft. You will be taken aback by how loud the engine is and the fact that it is roaring. If you press down on the accelerator, the engine will roar even louder. This is the sound of the exhaust leaving the exhaust manifold.
CEL Illumination
In addition to the loud engine, the engine control module is also going to turn on the check engine light because there is a serious problem with the exhaust system that it cannot fix. Naturally, repairing the problem requires replacing the catalytic converter, something the engine control module cannot do. As such, the check engine light will remain on until you bring your vehicle to our shop for a new converter.
Jerky Acceleration
You may not want to drive your automobile because the engine is so loud. In addition, it will be difficult to drive the vehicle because the acceleration is extremely jerky when there isn’t a catalytic converter underneath the automobile. The reason why is that the exhaust manifold has nothing to force the exhaust into. There is no catalytic converter to take in the exhaust and its pressure.
Slow-Speed Lagging
In addition to the jerky acceleration, your automobile is also going to have difficulties running at slower speeds because the engine will struggle to produce low-end torque. This is the power production required to keep the vehicle running smoothly while you are driving slowly. You will notice that the engine smooths out when you pick up speed. This high-end torque production is not affected.
Exhaust Smells
Let’s talk about not driving your automobile, however. We seriously recommend that you have your vehicle towed to our shop if the catalytic converter has been stolen. The converter is gone, and the exhaust manifold is releasing the exhaust into the open air. This means you will have untreated exhaust floating into your passenger cabin that can make you deathly ill.
Oxford Automotive in Oxford, PA, is here to help, so call us today if the catalytic converter was taken from underneath your automobile.