If you believe someone has stolen your catalytic converter, the first thing you should do is call the local authorities. You will want to file a police report that you can then turn over to your auto insurance company. In many instances, the theft of the catalytic converter will be covered by your insurance policy, which means the insurance company will pay for a new catalytic converter installation minus your deductible. Here are signs that your catalytic converter has been stolen.
Loud/Roaring Engine
There will be an instant confirmation that something is wrong when you start your vehicle. When the catalytic converter is missing, the engine is much louder than it normally is. It will roar loudly and make even more noise when you press down on the accelerator. The noise that you hear is the noise of the exhaust being forced out of the exhaust manifold and into the area where the converter once was.
Illuminated CEL Warning
In addition to the loud engine, you will also see that the check engine light is on and will not turn off. This is because the exhaust system is malfunctioning due to the catalytic converter theft. Unfortunately, you will have an illuminated CEL warning until you replace the catalytic converter with a new one. This is the only way to restore the exhaust system’s proper functionality.
Performance Problems
We recommend that you avoid driving your automobile because the exhaust will make its way into the passenger cabin. We will talk more about that next. In the meantime, you may also find it difficult to drive your vehicle because it will have various performance problems associated with the missing catalytic converter.
For example, your automobile is going to jerk wildly when you try to accelerate. This is the force of the exhaust being pushed out of the exhaust manifold. You will also have problems driving at slow speeds because the engine’s performance will lag.
Strong Exhaust Odors
Driving the automobile is not worth the danger of inhaling untreated engine exhaust, which is exactly what can happen if your catalytic converter is missing. Unfortunately, the exhaust can float up into the passenger cabin and leave you feeling sick behind the wheel. To avoid getting ill, call for a tow truck to bring your car, truck, or SUV to our shop.
We would be happy to help, and we would be happy to work with your insurance company. Call us today if someone has stolen your catalytic converter.