My "Check engine" light came on...?

Question

I check for the code and it says that the catalytic converter is the problem. The light was reset. How important is it to change it, or can I wait until my emissions test? Does it have any other effects on performance of the car?

Answer 1

There is no such code that directly tells you that the converter is bad. You may get a cat efficiency code but that could be caused by many other things, vacuum leak, O2 sensors fuel problems etc, etc.etc. That's why when so many people get their vehicles scanned by a parts store they are miss diagnosed 99% of the time. Take your vehicle to a qualified technician and have it properly diagnosed. So many people think that a $6.00 an hour parts store employee with a $100.00 scanner can diagnose their vehicle. A real auto technician spends years in school and thousands on equipment.

Answer 2

The catalytic converter exists only to reduce pollution in a car. It is between the exhaust headers and the muffler. It will not affect performance, gas mileage or cause the car to stumble and stall.
The catalytic converter just has a honeycomb or beads coated with elements that react with gases in the exhaust to remove them before they leave the vehicle. Nothing in the cat will clog if it isn't working right - the air leaving will just be dirtier.
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/catalytic-converter.htm

Answer 3

I had that problem earlier this year. It was the O2 sensor and something else. It would not pass inspection. When I had it repaired, my gas mileage improved dramatically, like double. But since I had those things fixed, it is starting to run very badly. I don't know what's wrong now. But definitely get it fixed, like others said, it could cause more problems.

Answer 4

Replace oxygen sensor - usually about $100 depending on car.

Your car will stumble and stall. Gas mileage may go down. Change it before your emissions test.

Answer 5

It will affect your gas mileage and maybe the overall performance of the car, but usually if a cat goes bad it's because of something else, get it changed and get them to tell you why it went bad.

Answer 6

Cats can go bad for no reason whatsoever. It will eventually affect your car's performance, as the internals on the converter break up and clogg the system. It will reduce your mileage and power.

Answer 7

You will fail the emissions test.

Answer 8

first of all the cat can clog lepninja and it will cause poor performance and gas mileage. it can go till emisions test. its really nothing to worry about till then.

Answer 9

It is very important. Get it fixed right away. It could lead to other problems.

Answer 10

It's just a reminder, that's all.