Can a faulty catalytic converter cause power loss in my 1995 Pontiac Grand Am and if so, can I bypass it?

Question

My car seems to choke out when under strain. The catalytic converter rattles if you shake it.

Answer 1

Yes, a faulty catalytic converter can cause power loss. However, it would be a violation of the law to bypass it so the answer to that one is NO. Actually, it would cost more to bypass it than to replace the catalytic converter. If you really want to know if that's the problem, disconnect the catalytic converter and drive it but, only go a short distance because of the exhaust leaking into the car.

Answer 2

Catalytic Converter Power Loss

Answer 3

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RE:
Can a faulty catalytic converter cause power loss in my 1995 Pontiac Grand Am and if so, can I bypass it?
My car seems to choke out when under strain. The catalytic converter rattles if you shake it.

Answer 4

catalytic converter will not cause your car to lose power because the catalytic converter is for exhaust. if its clogged up yes and you better take care of it soon as the back pressure will screw up the engine. the catalytic converter has to STAY on your car. if you live in CA, or any state that makes you smog your car then it HAS to be on your car to pass smog

Answer 5

If your converter is clogged solid you'll be lucky if the vehicle starts if its only partically plugged it may start but you won;t go very far and if you bypass it and you live in a state that has mantatory emissions inspections you will be a foul of the law you must have a good working converter on your vehicle. Good Luck Ron

Answer 6

well yes it can, it can make a car run very slow. what happens or what may have happened is the material in the catalytic convertor has broken up and plugged your exhaust further down. now you didnt mention what kind of strain but normally when the exhaust gets plugged it really kills performance, imagin your butt being plugged and you keep eating. have an exhaust pressure test done, anything over 1psi is bad

Answer 7

yes....you can bypass it but if you take your vehicle for an emissions test it will not pass and if the laws in your state require this you may not be able to register your vehicle....i have heard of people who remove their catalytic coverter and gut the insides this creates non blowback which is probably your problem,,i highly recommend just replacing your convertor...in the long run its cheaper

Answer 8

YES IT CAN CAUSE POWER LOSS THE BEST WAY TO TELL IF THIS IS YOUR PROBLEM IS TO START THE CAR LET IT RUN FOR A WHILE AND GET THE EXHAUST HOT SEE IF THE CONVERTER IS RED HOT IT WILL GLOW RED FROM BEING HOT AND DO YOU SMELL SOMETHING LIKE ROTTEN EGGS INSIDE YOUR CAR LISTEN TO YOUR EXHAUST PIPE WHILE YOU GIVE IT A LITTLE GAS DOES IT MAKE A HISSING SOUND IF YOU DO NOT FIND ANY OF THESE SIGNS THAT IS PROBABLY NOT YOUR PROBLEM

Answer 9

yes it can and you should never bypass it. there are other things of course that can cause your problem like restricted fuel filter, weak fuel pump, timing, etc. you need a good mechanic to diagnose your problem before you start just changing parts.

Answer 10

Yes that is most likely the cause have the converter gutted out or put a new one on it!